Kapha is composed of the elements of water (ap) and earth (Prithvi). Kapha people tend to be calm, grounded and solid as an expression of these elements.
A Kapha person tends to have the following characteristics:
Strong build
Pale, cool skin that tends to be soft and oily
Thick hair and nails
Large eyes and teeth, pleasant face
Lower appetite, slower metabolism
Easy to put on weight, hard to lose
High stamina, does not tire easily
Deep sleep, tends to oversleep
Calm, steady, grounded
Loyal,
The Kapha Gunas are unctuous, cold, heavy, stable, smooth, dull, slow, greasy and soft. Experiencing an uncomfortable level of these qualities indicates a Kapha imbalance.
Kapha provides lubrication, stability to the body. It supports the body in building tissue.
A Kapha imbalance can show up with the following signs:
Cough, congestion, postnasal drip, anything you would experience during a cold
Seasonal allergies
Feeling heavy (in particular in the stomach)
Slow and sluggish digestion
Sticky, slimy stools
Lack of appetite
Weight gain
Water retention, swelling and puffiness
Lethargy, depression, lack of motivation, sadness
Attachment, greed, hoarding, stubbornness
How to balance Kapha
Diet
Consume hot and dry foods
Kapha balancing tastes are pungent, bitter and astringent. Avoid sweet, salty and sour.
Kapha balancing foods are leafy greens, Brussel sprouts, cauliflower, pumpkin seeds, amaranth, buckwheat.
Honey, while sweet, is a potent ally in reducing Kapha as it has warming, penetrating and scraping actions.
Reduce or avoid pasta, wheat, meat, sweet foods, dairy
Use our Kapha Spice Blend in smoothies, over food or salads.
Other Kapha balancing spices are black or cayenne pepper, ginger, cinnamon, cumin, turmeric, garlic, chilli, cloves, cardamom, peppermint, tulsi, liquorice, and fenugreek.
Triphala can help get sluggish bowels moving.
Lifestyle
Exercise is extremely important for balancing Kapha. Kapha does well with more vigorous sports that require great stamina.
Stimulating breathing exercises in the morning help to kickstart your day.
Wake up early, before 6 am is best.
Try to have a regular schedule. Planning suits your personality and can give you a sense of satisfaction. Regular meals help to keep your mood stable.
Oil massage is only recommended in moderation. If you like using oil on your body, get heating or stimulating oils like our Kapha Massage Oil. Instead of oiling your body, Ayurveda suggests a massage technique using stimulating powders called Urdvatana. It is ideal for a sluggish Kapha body.
Try something new regularly, and make sure you are not understimulated.
Kapha’s can be prone to depression. This tendency is another reason why the endorphins released during exercise and activities in the fresh air are paramount for your health.