Kapha Dosha

Kapha is the conceptual equilibrium of water and earth. Kapha is structure and lubrication.

One can visualize the Kapha force as the stirring force to keep the water and earth from separating. For example, if we take a pot, fill it to the half with water and then add sand to it, the sand will gradually sink to the bottom of the pot. (It separates from the water). The only way to keep the sand in equilibrium with the water is by stirring the mixture continuously.

Kapha is present in the chest, throat, head, sinuses, nose, mouth, stomach, joints, cytoplasm, plasma, and in the liquid secretions of the body such as mucus.

The Kapha force can be visualized as this stirring force in our body. Kapha cements the elements in the body, providing the material for physical structure.

This dosha maintains body resistance. Water is the main constituent of kapha, and this bodily water is responsible physiologically for biological strength and natural tissue resistance in the body.

Kapha lubricates the joints; provides moisture to the skin; helps to heal wounds; fills the spaces in the body; gives biological strength, vigor and stability; supports memory retention; gives energy to the heart and lungs, and maintains immunity.

Psychologically, kapha is responsible for the emotions of attachment, greed, and long-standing envy.

It is also expressed in tendencies toward calmness, forgiveness, and love. The chest is the seat of kapha.

Heavy, slow, cool, oily, liquid, dense, thick, static and cloudy - These are the important qualities of kapha, and kapha is sweet and salty.

Kapha Personality-

• Kapha people have heavy bones, muscles and fat.
• They have a tendency to put on weight.
• A kapha person may even do a water fast and will put on weight.
• Kapha is slow, therefore a kapha person has slow metabolism and digestion.
• The kapha person can work without food, while it is very difficult for a pitta person to concentrate without food.
• Kapha is cool hence kapha people have cool, clammy skin.
• Within the G.I. tract the digestive fire is high therefore they have a strong appetite.
• Kapha people have other qualities, thick wavy hair, and big, attractive eyes.
• They have slow but prolonged, steady memory.
• Kapha people are forgiving, loving and compassionate.
• Because of the slow quality, kapha people walk slowly and talk slowly.
• They don't like jogging and jumping. They love eating, sitting and doing nothing.

Tips to Balance Kapha

• Vigorous regular exercise, a little each day
• Warm temperatures ,Stay warm in cold, damp weather
• Fresh fruits, vegetables and legumes
• Favor pungent, bitter, astringent, light, dry and warm foods
• Reduce heavy, oily, cold, sweet, sour and salty foods
• Early to bed, early to rise