All
About Kapha
Kapha-type
people tend to have sturdy, heavy frames, providing a good reserve of
physical strength and stamina. This strength gives Kaphas a natural
resistance to disease and a generally positive outlook about life. The
Kapha dosha is slow, and Kapha types tend to be slow eaters with slow
digestion. They also speak slowly. They are calm and affectionate but,
when out of balance, can become stubborn and lazy. They learn slowly,
with a methodical approach, but also retain information well with a
good understanding of it.
Kapha
dosha controls the moist tissues of the body, so a Kapha imbalance may
show up as a cold, allergies, or asthma. This is worse in Kapha season,
March through June. Cold and wet weather aggravates Kapha. They should
not dwell in the past or resist change. They need lots of exercise and
need to be careful not to overeat. Kaphas need stimulation to bring
out their vitality. Kapha dosha teaches us steadiness and a sense of
well-being.
Print
the Kapha Diet Info Sheet
Kapha
& Stress
Ojas
is an Ayurvedic word that refers to our life energy. Translated, it
means "vigor." Stress greatly reduces ojas, which then weakens
the immune system. When ojas is low, disease can follow.
To
replenish ojas, follow the routine for your mind/body type. Some foods,
such as milk and ghee, are especially good for increasing ojas. Meditation
is the best thing you can to alleviate stress and thereby increase ojas.
Kapha
Tea is a stimulating blend of spices that perk up body and mind,
Kapha Tea is guaranteed to wake you up.
Kapha
& Sleep
Kaphas need deep sleep, or they'll be groggy and ineffective, but they
don't necessarily need a lot of sleep. Kaphas love to sleep, and often
have a hard time waking up in the morning!
Ayurveda
recommends that everyone keep a regular bedtime and morning routine.
Bedtime should be at the same time each night, preferably at 10:00 P.M.
The hours before bed should be spent with quiet activity, Yoga, and
meditation. You should awaken at dawn, between 6:00 and 8:00 A.M., and
proceed with your daily rituals.
Drink
Kapha
Tea
any time of the day for its stimulating effect or especially when feeling
lethargic, overweight, digestion is slow, or when the weather is cold
and wet.
Stimulating
Massage Oil for Kapha
Kapha
& Digestion
Ayurveda
teaches that good digestion leads to good health and poor digestion
can bring disease. Each mind/body type digests differently. It is important
to understand your mind/body type and how it digests food when planning
your meals.
Kapha
digestion is slower and heavier. Kaphas should favor warm, light food.
Food should be as dry as possible, cooked without much water. Tastes
should be pungent, bitter, and astringent. Kaphas prefer spicy food,
which promotes better digestion for them.
Kapha
& Colds
The
cold winter months, November through February are the Vata season in
Ayurveda. This is the time when Vata is more likely to become out of
balance and result in a cold or flu. Ayurveda traditionally recommends
a routine for each season to maintain balance during that season. Of
course, you should follow your own daily Ayurvedic plan, but make adjustments
to fit with the season. To balance Vata, it is important to keep warm.
Eat warm foods, especially foods that are sweet, sour, or salty. Drink
Vata
Tea.
Kapha
colds and flus are those with a lot of mucus, runny nose, congestion,
headache, and mild fever. Follow the Kapha routine and drink warm Kapha
tea to help bring the body back into balance.