Kapha

KAPHA DOSHA CHARACTERISTICS, DIET, BALANCING, AND RECIPES

Are you feeling sluggish and unmotivated lately? Do you crave sweets, gain weight just by looking at food, and have a hard time shedding pounds? If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, you might have a Kapha dosha imbalance—or, you might be a Kapha dosha mind-body type.

WHAT IS KAPHA DOSHA?

Kapha dosha is the Ayurvedic mind-body element associated with earth and water. It’s slow, moist, cool, oily, heavy, smooth, and steady in nature and embodies structure, lubrication, and stability in the mind and body.

KAPHA DOSHA CHARACTERISTICS / MIND-BODY CONSTITUTION

If you have a predominantly Kapha constitution, the qualities of Kapha (slow, steady, moist, smooth, oily, cool, heavy) will be expressed in your mind and body. Your frame and build will tend toward robust and strong, and you will likely have a radiant complexion, large eyes, and thick, lustrous hair. You’re probably pretty warm, friendly, compassionate, and easygoing, too. If you know someone with a Kapha personality, they’re probably a true blue friend. When in balance, Kapha types are the teddy bears among us—sweet in nature and a pleasure to be around.

The heavy qualities of Kapha dosha can sometimes leave Kapha types feeling a little sluggish and lethargic (they’re the soundest sleepers of all dosha types). When it comes to getting things done, Kapha-dominant types generally take their sweet time! They may be slow to get going, but they are dependable and dedicated. Kaphas often have a sweet tooth and may struggle to shed pounds, but with a Kapha-balancing diet they generally feel more balanced.

HOW TO BALANCE KAPHA DOSHA—EASY LIFESTYLE TIPS

One of the foundational principles of Ayurveda is that “like increases like,” and opposites balance. Therefore, because Kapha dosha is slow, heavy, moist, cool, and oily, it benefits from things that add a little fire and spice! One of the best things you can do to counter Kapha’s slow, heavy nature is to add some spice to your life—quite literally. Kapha types benefit from adding a bit of ginger, pepper, and other heating spices to their meals.

Changing things up is good for Kapha, too, as Kapha personality types can sometimes get stuck in a rut or be prone to inertia, lethargy, oversleeping, and melancholic moods. Fresh air and regular exercise are some of the best ways to fire up Kapha, as are: learning new hobbies, taking new classes, taking a different route to work each day, listening to upbeat music, and making sure to socialize with uplifting friends and family members.

Here are some other easy things you can do to remedy a Kapha imbalance:

  • Follow a Kapha dosha-balancing diet, favoring lighter fare and tastes that are bitter, pungent, and astringent, while avoiding heavy, oily foods and those that are sweet, sour, and salty.

  • Enjoy a little bit of vigorous regular exercise every day.

  • Favor warm temperatures.

  • Eat plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, and legumes.

  • Seek out variety and new experiences.

  • Stay warm in cold, damp weather.

  • Follow the adage: early to bed, early to rise.

  • Give yourself a daily oil massage with stimulating essential oils like eucalyptus and rosemary.