Āyurveda For You – The Kapha Concept

Ayurveda addresses all aspects of life — the body, mind and spirit. It recognizes that each of us is unique, each responds differently to the many aspects of life, each possesses different strengths and weaknesses. Through insight, understanding and experience -Ayurveda presents a vast wealth of information on the relationships between causes and their effects, both immediate and subtle, for each unique individual.

We briefly discussed vāta and Pitta doshas in previous articles. Let’s take a look at Kapha dosha.

|| स्निग्ध​: शीतो गुरुर्मन्द:श्लक्ष्णो मृत्स्न:स्थिर​:कफ​: || – अष्टान्ग ह्रदय​

|| snigdha​: śīto gururmanda:ślakṣṇo mṛtsna:sthira​:kapha​: || – aṣṭānga hradaya​

Kapha is the energy that forms the body’s structure — bones, muscles, tendons — and provides the “glue” that holds the cells together, formed from Earth and Water. Kapha supplies the water for all bodily parts and systems. It lubricates joints, moisturizes the skin, and maintains immunity. Stability is because of kapha. In balance, kapha is expressed as love, calmness and forgiveness. Out of balance, it leads to attachment, greed and envy

Kapha constitution (Kapha Prakṛti)

Kapha types are blessed with strength, endurance and stamina. Physically, kapha people may gain weight easily and have a slow metabolism. They have thick skin and their bodies and muscles are well developed. Their eyes are large and attractive with thick, long lashes and brows. Their long term memory is excellent.

Ayurveda addresses all aspects of life — the body, mind and spiritPsychologically, kapha people tend to be calm, tolerant and forgiving. However, they may become lethargic.

Kapha constitution can have low digestion and low appetite. They are generally not hungry. Kapha types are attracted to sweet, salty and oily foods, but their constitutions are most balanced by bitter, astringent and pungent tastes.

Kapha dosha mainly resides in the head, chest, stomach and all joints.They are more likely to have diseases connected to the water principle such as flu, sinus congestion, and other diseases involving mucus. Sluggishness, excess weight, diabetes, water retention, and headaches are also common. In general, kapha dosha tends to increase in young age (children), and also increases in winter time.

Balancing of Kapha dosha

Being active is most important for kapha dosha. It is balanced by bitter, astringent and pungent tastes. Limiting their overall consumption of food. They should avoid dairy products and fats of any kind, especially fried or greasy foods.

Diet

One should emphasize leafy greens and vegetables grown above ground more than root vegetables while avoiding very sweet, sour or juicy vegetables. Generally kapha people can eat raw vegetables although steamed or stir-fried are easier to digest. The heavy qualities of nuts and seeds aggravate kapha. Some consumption of goat’s milk is good for kapha but avoids the rest of the dairy products.

Here are a few examples of fruits and veggies to balance Kapha.

Fruits : dried fruits as they are less sweet, apples, cherries, cranberries, grapefruit, pomegranate, prunes, raisins

Vegetables: Vegetables are best eaten raw during the summer and cooked during the rest of the year as well as during times of digestive difficulty.

sprouts, artichoke, asparagus, green beans, bell peppers, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, carrots, celery, chilies, cilantro, corn, kale, lettuce, and other leafy greens, mustard greens, onions, parsley, peas, hot peppers, potatoes, radish, seaweed, spinach, rutabagas/turnips

Spices are very helpful for balancing kapha.

.General guidelines for balancing Kapha

• Get plenty of exercise
• Avoid heavy foods
• Keep active
• Avoid dairy
• Avoid iced food or drinks
• Vary your routine
• Avoid fatty, oily foods
• Eat light, dry food
• No daytime naps

Compiler: Riya Sarolkar Boston, MA