kapha dosha explained
Kapha consists of the elements of water and earth. The common translation of kapha is “that which binds things” or “that which holds things together.”
According to ayurveda, this is the dosha responsible for the stability, lubrication, substance, and support of our physical body. It can be described as steady, stable, heavy, slow, cold, and soft.
Kapha is our emotional calm, stability our mental and physical endurance and people with this dosha are described as strong, thick-boned, and caring.
They’re known for keeping things together and being a support system for others. Kapha-dominant people rarely get upset, think before acting, and go through life in a slow, deliberate manner. This dosha allows us to feel deeply, to empathize, and to be patient compassionate & loyal.
Kapha types tend to have strong frames and are naturally athletic but need to exercise regularly to avoid a tendency of easily gaining weight. In the body, Kapha is responsible for solidity and all structures as well as for the right amount of body fluids.
They appreciate doing things in a methodical, step-by-step manner, and prefer a regular routine in their personal and professional lives. When imbalanced they can become unmotivated, stubborn, and complacent or slow to act even when change is necessary.
Their metabolism tends to be slow and their appetite for both food and stimulation is less intense than vata or pitta types.
strengths include
- empathetic
- caring
- trusting
- patient
- calm
- wise
- happy
- romantic
- strong bones and joints
- healthy immune system
things to look out for
- prone to weight gain
- slow metabolism
- sluggishness
- over-sleeping
- breathing issues (i.e., asthma, allergies),
- susceptible to depression
- needs regular motivation and encouragement
actions of kapha in the body
- contentment
- forgiveness
- compassion
- sleep
- growth
- strength and stamina
- lubrication
- repair and regeneration
- memory
signs of imbalanced kapha
- slow digestion
- clammy skin
- water retention
- hyper mobility
- difficulty waking
- excessive napping
- foggy mind
- depression
- lack of appetite
- feeling heavy or sleepy after eating
Foods that could help keep pitta balanced are generally sweet, bitter & astringent in taste. Ayurveda says that these tasted are cooling, calming and drying qualities for pitta.
They are said to suit a predominantly vegetarian diet (you can let me know about whether that’s true for you or not?!) and the food should not be too spicy, salty, or sour and the occasional use of stimulants like coffee and tea are recommended.
A list of some food ideas that fit this; apples, avocados, coconuts, figs, melons, oranges, pears, plums, pomegranates, and mangos, asparagus, cabbage, broccoli, cucumber, kale, cauliflower, celery, green beans, lettuce, peas, parsley, potatoes, zucchini, sprouts, cress, chicory, lentils, chickpeas, honey, mushroom, barley, oats (cooked), basmati or white rice, wheat, no spices (sorry!) except for cilantro, cinnamon, turmeric, cardamom, fennel, and some black pepper.
