Kapha Dosha

The bASICS

KAPHA, “that which binds”, is the combined energy of the earth and water elements. Kapha governs the building and binding of tissues, it lubricates joints and skin, governs immunity and all healing processes.

• Kapha qualities: heavy, slow, dense, cold, oily, sticky, cloudy, stable.

• Kapha time of day 6am-10am, 6pm-10pm

• Kapha season: late winter to spring.

• Kapha season of one’s life: birth to late teens.

• Seat of kapha in the body (and where imbalances are more likely to occur): lungs, stomach, respiratory tract, mucous membranes, sinus.

The kapha mind-body type

Kapha constitutions are generally sturdy, with great stamina. Their digestion is regular. Their metabolism is on the slower side, so they tend to put on weight. Kapha types have large, soft, loving eyes. Their skin is often thick, pale, oily, their hair thick and wavy.

Psychologically, the kapha person is emotionally stable, loyal, dependable. Their calm, compassionate nature makes them great listeners, who do well in the healing and counseling professions. While they learn rather slowly, they retain whatever they learn forever. They have an excellent memory.

Spiritually, kapha’s innate stability makes it easy for them to sit down for meditation. On the downside too much stability causes them to feel unmotivated, sluggish, dull. Bhakti yoga (the yoga of devotion) is a good fit for their sweet, giving nature. Walking and dancing meditation are great options for the kapha type who needs to circulate their energy to feel more upbeat and invigorated. Group meditation is another good option to motivate kapha to get out of their home.

What imbalances kapha

Too much routine, an overly predictable schedule, not enough physical movement and mental stimulation will cause kapha to accumulate in the body-mind. This energy also increases when too much time is spent in a cool, damp environment. Accumulating things (hoarding), indulging in sweet, dense and starchy foods, and not socializing enough will also cause an increase of the heavy, dense, stable kapha qualities.

When out of balance, the kapha energy will become so stable and solid that it feels sluggish. The kapha-aggravated person feels uninspired, dull, stuck, clingy and sometimes depressed.

Common kapha disorders are colds, asthma, sinus congestion, cysts, excess weight, water retention, diabetes, depression

BALANCED kapha

The kapha person needs stimulation and variety to feel lighter in their body, brighter in their mind. Like all types they benefit from regular self-care, yet of all types they are the only ones who benefit from switching their daily routines around.

Other things that balance the kapha energy and kapha-aggravated person:

• Waking up early, no matter what

• Vigorous exercise

• Sauna and dry-skin brushing

• Neti-pot and nasya

• Wearing or looking at bright colors such as yellow, orange, red.

• Favoring the bitter, astringent and spicy tastes

• An occasional fast, skipping dinner

• Novelty: learning a new skill, a new language, anything new and different

• Traveling

• Regularly throwing stuff out, clearing their personal space.

• Yoga in a warm environment

• Aromatherapy: basil, eucalyptus, rosemary.