5 Simple Ways To Balance Kapha Dosha - Ancient Wisdom For Balance & Stability
5 Simple Ways To Balance Kapha Dosha
According to Ayurveda, there are three doshas called vata, pitta, and kapha. We can think of these three doshas as the guiding principles that keep all our bodily functions balanced and healthy.
“Health results from the natural, balanced state of the doshas.
Therefore, the wise try to keep them in their balanced state.”
– Charak Samhita
What Is Kapha Dosha?
Kapha, made up of the properties of earth and water, embodies structure and stability. Earth and water … slow, stable, down to earth, slow to anger, and easygoing! The Kapha-dominant take their sweet time, too. If you’ve heard the expression, “Slow and steady wins the race,” that’s a good example of Kapha. Kaphas may be slow to get going, but they are dependable and dedicated. At their healthiest, Kaphas possess excellent immunity; a robust figure; the ability to sleep soundly; and oftentimes thick, voluptuous hair, large eyes and radiant skin, too! Those who are Kapha-predominant may have larger-frame bodies and heavier builds. When in balance, they are the teddy bears among us — sweet in nature and a pleasure to be around. What person wouldn't love to be around Kapha’s grounding energy? Kaphas are like the "slow down” pill for the other doshas. On the flip side, Kapha out of balance tends towards lethargy, feelings of sadness, occasional congestion, and “accumulation” of a variety of things: weight, water, possessions, etc. Kaphas often don’t want to throw anything away or let things go — be it an old sweater, or a relationship. They can become stuck in their ways and resistant to change. Remember, earth and water.
Sound familiar?
Feeling the need to get unstuck? Keep reading to learn a few tips for keeping Kapha well-balanced!!
1. Get Up, and Get Down!
Following a regular exercise routine is important for all doshas, but particularly for Kapha, since they naturally tend towards sedentariness and may gain weight more easily. Try out different kinds of exercise to see what suits your style and skills. Hopping on a treadmill is far from our only option! Consider swimming, cycling, rollerblading, dog-walking, dancing — anything that gets you breathing and your heart rate up.
Herbals for Those on the Move:
Joint Soothe II is a great herbal blend for soothing tired or achy joints.
Flexcel is fantastic for keeping yourself mobile and your body running smoothly during workouts.
Fatigue Free — boost energy, creativity and mental clarity with this go-to herbal!
2. Stay Warm and Dry
Those who are Kapha-dominant may be sensitive to cold and wet seasons (particularly wet). Kapha can become congested easily; if this is the case, dry heat may be beneficial — a heat lamp aimed at the chest or a heating pad under the back can help. Keep the nose, throat and lungs protected from harsh winter weather. Using a Neti pot is very helpful for nasal cleansing and reducing congestion.
Respiratory Health Products:
Clear Breathe, Organic Clear & Soothe and other Respiratory Health products are all excellent for maintaining Kapha respiratory balance.
3. Clean Up Your Act
Back to that tendency towards accumulation… this applies as much to physical possessions as anything else. Kaphas like to keep things around, and their spaces can become quickly cluttered. If you have this tendency, try spending a few days going through your possessions, decluttering and “tidying up” by organizing your belongings and sorting items to be donated — while items that are useful or bring you joy belong in your home and in your life.
Emotional Balance is Key
Kaphas, as mentioned above, are loyal, caring, compassionate and sentimental. Out of balance, they can become lethargic, apathetic, depressed and clingy. Keep Kapha-heavy emotions balanced with stimulating activities such as yoga or other aerobics; play upbeat, lively music and dance around the room like a carefree kid! Utilize self-massage (abhyanga) before showering or bathing — just the act of massaging and stimulating the skin can go a long way towards boosting circulation, energy and positive feelings, not to mention the benefits that come from taking care of oneself and prioritizing one’s own well-being. Garshana Gloves are great for a dry abhyanga. If emotional heaviness is weighing you down, Blissful Joy is formulated to help uplift the emotions and alleviate feelings of sadness. In addition, practicing Transcendental Meditation® twenty minutes twice a day offers a direct means to transcend and restore balance to both mind and body. If you have not learned Transcendental Meditation, then practice your technique of choice.
4. Follow Your Nose
Aromas can be a powerful tool for balancing Kapha. Try Stimulating Kapha Aroma Oil, Sniffle Free Aroma Oil, or Blissful Heart Aroma Oil in a diffuser, or burn Suraj Sandalwood Incense for an instant environment change.
5. Eat For Your Type
Kapha diets in general should be “lively” and full of energy. This can help boost Kapha’s otherwise sluggish digestion.
- Almost all vegetables are excellent for Kapha, but reduce consumption of sweeter or juicier vegetables such as tomatoes, sweet potatoes and zucchini.
- Kapha predominant individuals can enjoy spicy or pungent foods to help stimulate their digestion.
- All spices help pacify Kapha. Organic Kapha Churna is an excellent addition to meals. Try to reduce salt, though, as an excess of salt can cause fluid retention.
- Reduce the intake of nuts and seeds, though pumpkin and sunflower seeds are very good for Kapha.
- Lighter fruits like apples, cranberries and apricots are also good.
- Organic Stimulating Kapha Tea is a great beverage to help balance Kapha. Otherwise, a lively ginger tea is an excellent choice.
- Use only small amounts of oils and fats for cooking. Ghee, extra virgin olive oil, and almond oil are among oils that are beneficial for Kapha.
- Reduce consumption of grains such as oats, rice and wheat, and favor barley, millet, corn, buckwheat and rye.
It’s also important to make dinner the lightest meal of the day, and to eat at least 3 hours before going to bed; eating a meal right before bed can slow digestion and make it difficult to get a good night’s sleep.
Herbals for Digestion:
Organic Digest Tone, Triphala Plus is a great addition to a Kapha diet. Triphala helps stimulate digestion and elimination and acts as a detox for the gut. This is very important for slower-moving Kapha-dominant physiologies. Keeping Kapha in balance and happy is relatively easy to do. Turn practices and habits into a routine; make that routine simple, fun and stimulating — both intellectually and physically. Doing so allows us to reap the many benefits of vibrant good health and boundless vitality, and to enjoy the best qualities that Kapha dosha has to offer.
Disclaimer
The sole purpose of these articles is to provide information about the tradition of ayurveda. This information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure or prevention of any disease. If you have any serious acute or chronic health concern, please consult a trained health professional who can fully assess your needs and address them effectively. If you are seeking the medical advice of a trained ayurvedic expert, call or e-mail us for the number of a physician in your area. Check with your doctor before taking herbs or using essential oils when pregnant or nursing.
Hey Kapha - Get Up.
More than a mere system of treating illness, Ayurveda is a science of life. Ayurveda offers a body of wisdom designed to help people stay balanced and healthy. Ayurveda reminds us that health is the dynamic integration between our environment, body, mind, and spirit.
Hey Kapha - "Get Up.”
Kapha individuals are often the most compassionate people with much love, devotion, and loyalty. Kapha types seldom rebel and more often reflect the conservative, traditional, or conventional attitude in their behavior and beliefs. However, when kapha becomes imbalanced this can lead to attachment, laziness, and even depression.
The Kapha Body
Kapha individuals are usually shorter and more heavy or stocky in build. Kaphas have abundant thick hair with large white attractive teeth and of course large beautiful eyes with gorgeous eye lashes. Due to the water and earth elements of kapha - kapha types are vulnerable at gaining weight. However, if kapha types control their weight they are often the longest living and healthiest of all body types. Since kapha types are predominantly water and earth they can easily accumulate phlegm manifesting as bronchial or sinus congestion.
The Kapha Mind
As mentioned above, kaphas are loving and loyal. Kapha types are friendly and create long lasting relationships. For the most part these individuals are largely content and most willing to accept things as they are. Balanced kapha types tend to be romantic and sentimental. Imbalanced kaphas tend to become more attached with an inclination of dependency.
Dr. Sheila Patel from The Chopra Center describes which foods help balance anyone whose main dosha is Kapha. Light and astringent foods along with pungent herbs and spices are recommended options for Kaphas.
Energy Levels
Kaphas have stability and able to preserve energy. They may be slow to start but once they get going kaphas have consistent levels of energy to endure throughout the day. Some may argue that kapha types have consistent levels of energy because they are reluctant to release and expend energy. That said, let’s just say that kapha types would rather drive to the corner than to walk.
Sex Drive
Since kaphas are predominately made of the steady [firm & fixed] earthy elements they also have a steady sexual appetite. Kapha types are by far the most loving and passionate of people. However, their passionate drive is slow to burn but once kindled it will burn bright for a long-lasting time.
Sleep Patterns
Plain and simple, kaphas love sleeping. Kaphas are very sound sleepers and routinely experience deep sleep. They do not have any difficulty falling asleep [as do vata type] however, kapha type do have difficulty waking up and getting the day started. They are more likely to have calm dreams while at the same time most likely to have romantically vivid dreams.
Management Of Kapha
Therefore, management for kapha types is centered around:
- Warming
- Drying
- Lightening
Tastes To Pacify Kapha
Ayurveda describes an interesting relationship of taste and its influence upon the body. According to this philosophy, kapha types are most balanced by pungent, bitter, and astringent tastes as these tastes are drying and lightening in nature with catabolic actions.
Simple Considerations
Simple considerations for helping to balance kapha:
- wake up early, be active and consider exercise daily
- avoid sedentary lifestyle and daytime sleeping
- avoid cold drinks and instead consider warm and spicy food and hot drinks
- eat fresh raw vegetables to help balance the oily nature of kapha
- consider drinking hot water mixed with small amounts of honey
Improve Digestion For Kapha
Kapha types generally have a slower metabolism. The cold and heavy qualities [of kapha] can oppose the hot and light qualities of the digestive fire and therefore can weaken digestion. Generally, kaphas may want to consider spices to help promote digestion and increase metabolism. For kapha types, spices are thought to be beneficial; so spice it up! Without doubt - kaphas are loving and compassionate. However, if their need for love goes unnoticed, kaphas will become more prone towards “comfort-eating” more so than others.
Great Veggies For Kapha
- asparagus
- beets, broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- cabbage
- carrots
- cauliflower
- celery
- garlic
- leafy green vegetables
- onions
- radishes
- spinach
- sprouts
Awesome Fruits For Kapha
- apples
- apricots
- berries
- cherries
- cranberries
- papaya
- pears
- prunes
- pomegranates
- grapefruit
Terrific Grains For Kapha
- barley
- buckwheat
- corn
- millet
- oats
- rye
- basmati rice
Kapha - 5 Sub-Doshas
Kapha = Water+Earth
1. Bodhaka Kapha:
The form of water that gives perception. It is located in the mouth and tongue as saliva and allows for the taste of food. Like Kledaka, it is also a part of the first stage of digestion and even helps to lubricate the other sensory openings within the head.
2. Kledaka Kapha:
The form of water that moistens. It is located in the stomach and is involved with gastric mucosal secretions as well as being involved with Rasa Dhatu. It is responsible for the liquefaction of food and for the first stage of digestion, absorption and assimilation of foodstuff. Taste is related to Rasa Dhatu and Bhodaka Kapha is directly connected to Rasa.
3. Avalambaka Kapha:
The form of water that gives support. It is located in the heart and lungs. It is the storehouse of Kapha (phlegm) and upon it depends the actions of the other Kaphas in the body. It is not only just the phlegm produced by the lungs, as that is an excess of Kapha generally but it also corresponds to the basic plasma of the body. Avalambaka kapha is primarily watery in constituent and is distributed by both the lung and heart actions. Another location of Avalambaka Kapha is the lower back.
4. Tarpaka Kapha:
The form of water that gives contentment. It is located in the brain, as cerebro-spinal fluid, the white matter, and in the heart. It governs emotional calmness, stability and happiness, as well as memory. Tarpanam means nourishing, including the senses. All sensory perception – auditory, tactile, optical, gustatory, and olfactory – are carried to Tarpaka Kapha by Prana Vayu. Functionally, Tarpaka is connected to the astral body, all past life memories, experiences and knowledge are stored within the matrix of Tarpaka Kapha. The practice of Yoga also increases the mental form of Kapha as contentment and bliss (Ananda).
5. Shleshaka Kapha:
The form of water that gives lubrication. It is located in the joints as synovial fluid and is responsible for holding them together.
References:
• Ayurvedic Healing, A Comprehensive Guide, David Frawley
• Secrets of the pulse, Dr. Vasant Lad
Kapha ~ Basic Management
THE BASICS FOR MANAGING KAPHA TYPES:
When we think of kapha types we often think of loyal and compassionate individuals with a stable quality about them. This unique stability of kapha arises from the predominant elements of both water and earth which can also make kapha types vulnerable to cold, moist, slow and heavy characteristics. Therefore, management for kapha types is centered around:
- Warming
- Drying
- Lightening
TASTES TO PACIFY KAPHA:
Ayurveda describes an interesting relationship of taste and its influence upon the body. According to this philosophy, kapha types often are most balanced by pungent, bitter, and astringent tastes as these tastes are considered to be drying and lightening in nature with catabolic actions.
KAPHA IN A NUTSHELL:
slow digestion, weight gain, congestion, edema, and poor circulation
SIMPLE CONSIDERATIONS:
Simple considerations for helping to balance kapha types:
- Wake up early, be active and consider exercise daily
- Avoid sedentary lifestyle and daytime sleeping
- Avoid cold drinks and instead consider warm and spicy food and hot drinks
- Eat fresh raw vegetables to help balance the oily nature of kapha
- Consider drinking hot water mixed with small amounts of honey
KAPHA QUALITIES AND THIER MANIFESTATIONS:
- heavy
- dull
- cool
- oily
HEAVY:
Ayurveda helps to manage certain qualities simply by introducing the opposing quality in order to promote a state of balance. For example, the "heavy" quality of kapha can be balanced by the opposing "light" quality. Therefore, kapha types will naturally find benefit by eating smaller “lighter” meals and should even consider fasting at times. Interestingly, kapha types will also benefit from honey and hot water as this helps to oppose the heavy quality of kapha and can even help to loose excess “heaviness” or weight from the body.
DULL:
I think we all have, at some time, experienced the dull and slow nature of the body. This dull quality can make one’s thinking sluggish and can even make the body feel like a ton of bricks. This dull nature of kapha combined with the heavy quality [described above] can makes one’s metabolism slow and dull often making kapha types vulnerable to weight gain. This “dull’ quality of kapha is often best managed with the opposing “sharp” quality. An easy example would include stimulants such as caffeine, however, more preferable considerations would include herbs such as kutki, chitrak, brahmī, and even guggulu.
COOL:
The cool quality of kapha comes from the predominating element of water. This can cause excess congestion, cough and colds for kapha types. Therefore, kapha types would benefit by introducing heating elements such as cumin, black pepper and ginger into their diet. Likewise, kapha types will do best by having more hot and spicy foods while avoiding food and drinks which are cold.
OILY:
Kapha, inherently, is considered oily and because of this oily quality it can lead to oily skin, high triglycerides, increased cholesterol, increased adipose tissue, and even fatty changes within the liver. It is best to balance this excessive oily quality with the opposing dry quality, for example, by eating raw vegetables. In the same manner, kapha types should naturally avoid fatty and fried foods. Lastly, kapha types benefit greatly by having warm water mixed with small amounts of honey.
Not Medical Advice. Strictly For Educational Purposes Only.