BALANCING KAPHA Working with the elements of Earth and Water
Kapha energy is cold, smooth, dull, oily, dense, soft, liquid, cloudy and hard. Kapha governs stability and structure.
Kapha
Kapha meaning ‘to embrace’ in Sanskrit is binding energy.
Earth and Water qualities make Kapha individuals calm, contained and grounded. They are resilient and strong, very easy going and loyal, affectionate and kind. They generally have a heavy frame and can like to relax a little too much leading to lazy habits and procrastination. The toughest thing to do would be to move them from their comfort zone and make changes. When out of balance, Kaphas can get extremely possessive, painfully lethargic and may even become depressed.
Signs and Symptoms of Kapha Imbalance include:
• Excess mucous and a thick, white tongue coating
• Slow, sticky, sluggish bowel movements
• Can carry extra body weight
• Feeling slow, foggy, dull, lethargic and difficulty waking in the morning
• Easily attached or possessive
• Overly sentimental
• Complacent or stubborn
• Tendency for “emotional overeating”
To pacify Kapha, Ayurveda recommends strategies for self care through:
Stimulation- keeping the mind alive and interested is always a great way to wake up Kapha
Exercise- regular vigorous exercise
Lightening- lighter meals that are easy to digest, you can even bring more light into your home by clearing away clutter
Warming- Eating three warm meals a day, utilising warming herbs and spices and massage using warmed oils are all beneficial to Kapha
Drying- Kaphas are particularly sensitive to cold, damp conditions and benefit from heat. Use dry heat if you are congested—a common Kapha complaint.
Your results might show a balance between Kapha and Vata or Kapha and Pitta. This means that your energy type is dual dosha and will show a blend of these two constitutions. Here we can take a seasonal approach to creating balance.
Kapha-Vata
Kapha meaning ‘to embrace’ in Sanskrit is binding energy.
Vata meaning ‘what moves’ in Sanskrit is the energy of movement.
Kapha-Vata people are inclined to have predominately Kapha physical properties with Vata psychological attributes. This gives high levels of eagerness, originality and compassion. They are generally understanding, sympathetic, quiet and calm and as well as creative. These types can find it difficult to easily go out of their comfort zone and expand understanding and experience.
They can also have a tendency to be stubborn, much to the frustration of their loved ones. However, as people tend to rely upon them to make a decision, their stubbornness is often considered a good trait. They have a deep and unconditional love for their friends and family – who often turn to them for help.
Signs and Symptoms of Kapha-Vata Imbalance include:
• Excess mucus/phlegm
• Oily skin and hair
• Nausea or discomfort upon missing meals
• Prone to respiratory infections and skin infections
• High body weight
• Impatience, criticism, intolerance
• Loose stools or sluggish digestion
It is usually best to manage a dual dosha according to the season. In general, as a Vata-Kapha, follow a Vata pacifying routine during the and summer and autumn. Follow a Kapha pacifying routine during the cooler times of year like winter and early spring and especially when the weather is cool and damp.
To pacify Kapha, Ayurveda recommends strategies for self care through:
Stimulation- keeping the mind alive and interested is always a great way to wake up Kapha
Exercise- regular vigorous exercise
Lightening- lighter meals that are easy to digest, you can even bring more light into your home by clearing way clutter
Warming- Eating three warm meals a day, utilising warming herbs and spices and massage using warmed oils are all beneficial to Kapha
Drying- Kaphas are particularly sensitive to cold, damp conditions and benefit from heat. Use dry heat if you are congested—a common Kapha complaint.
To pacify Vata Ayurveda recommends strategies for self care through:
Routine – Having a daily routine with common times for eating and sleeping
Warmth – Including warming herbs and spices in our diet and massage and trying to stay physically warm, whatever the weather!
Serenity – Starting or maintaining a peaceful relaxation routine such as gentle yoga or meditation
Nourishment – Spending time to nurture yourself with warming foods at regular meal times
Kapha-Pitta
Kapha meaning ‘to embrace’ in Sanskrit is binding energy.
Pitta meaning ‘what cooks’ in Sanskrit is transformational energy.
When balanced Kapha-Pitta individuals have a powerful intellect, are calm with steady disposition and bucket loads of stamina and endurance. They are resourceful in a crisis, mentally well-balanced, robust and have a healthy appetite for food, exercise and sex!
When out of balance they can be over confident, a bit on the smug side and angry when stressed out.
Signs and Symptoms of Kapha-Pitta Imbalance include:
• Excess mucus/phlegm
• Oily skin and hair
• Nausea or discomfort upon missing meals
• Prone to respiratory infections and skin infections
• Can carry extra body weight
• Impatience, criticism, intolerance
• Loose stools or sluggish digestion
It is usually best to manage a dual dosha according to the season. In general, as a Pitta-Kapha, follow a Pitta balancing routine during the late spring and summer seasons especially when the weather is hot. Follow a Kapha balancing routine during the cooler times of year like autumn, winter and early spring and especially when the weather is cool and damp.
To pacify Kapha, Ayurveda recommends strategies for self care through:
Stimulation- keeping the mind alive and interested is always a great way to wake up Kapha
Exercise- regular vigorous exercise
Lightening- lighter meals that are easy to digest, you can even bring more light into your home by clearing way clutter
Warming- Eating three warm meals a day, utilising warming herbs and spices and massage using warmed oils are all beneficial to Kapha
Drying- Kaphas are particularly sensitive to cold, damp conditions and benefit from heat. Use dry heat if you are congested—a common Kapha complaint.
To pacify Pitta, Ayurveda recommends strategies for self care through:
Cooling – including cool foods into the diet and taking time out to relax, not just work
Surrendering – Often easier said than done but much can be gained by learning to let go and to give yourself permission to relax
Moderation – in all areas of life, try to step back from perfectionism and instead take the moderate path
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