Kapha Dosha is often misunderstood and unfairly associated solely with being overweight. However, it is fundamental to our bodies and overall health! In this article, I will explain why.
What defines Kapha?
Kapha is composed of the elements Earth and Water. In Sanskrit, the word means “mucus,” symbolizing structure and stability, holding the body together, and lubricating the joints. This Dosha is responsible for good immunity, strength, and resilience. Kapha governs the formation of cells and tissues, produces fat, and represents potency. It is characterized by the following qualities:
heavy, cold, sluggish, slow, oily, stable, solid, smooth
As you can see, without Kapha, we would lack stability, get ill more often, and feel weak. Especially in our Vata-dominated world, Kapha’s qualities are incredibly important.
The importance for body and mind
Kapha types are usually strong and sturdily built. Their skin is soft, thick, and well-hydrated. Hair is often thick, strong, and shiny, though it may also tend to be oily. Kaphas usually gain weight easier and struggle losing some extra kilos. They are prone to mucus buildup and water retention. Their appetite is moderate, and many Kapha individuals do well with just two meals a day.
The Kapha type is a true lover of comfort, a savorer and a family person. They cherish peace and coziness, love to care for their loved ones, and ensure everyone’s well-being. Kaphas are generally slow-moving but possess great strength and endurance. This Dosha is not easily disturbed!
When Kapha gets out of balance
Kapha types aren’t typically known for their love of movement. They also have a sweet tooth! Unfortunately, this is not the best combination, and with their tendency to accumulate tissue, such a lifestyle quickly leads to weight gain, which can trigger other related health issues. A lack of physical activity can also manifest mentally as a lack of motivation and lethargy. Excessive stress often causes Kaphas to withdraw.
When Kapha is out of balance, it often presents with the following symptoms:
weight gain, infections with mucus production, diabetes, lack of motivation, a feeling of heaviness, water retention, elevated blood lipids, itching, loss of appetite, increased need for sleep...
Of course, this list is not exhaustive and is meant to give you an idea. It’s also common for an aggravated Vata to accompany an increase in Kapha, especially if stress or frustration is being compensated for by increased consumption of sugary and fatty foods.
Get active!
If you notice that heaviness and sluggishness are taking over your body, it’s time to put on your workout clothes and get moving. Warmth and activity help to set the cold and heavy Kapha in motion. This means you should be working up a sweat! Warm, light, and stimulating meals are particularly suited for reducing Kapha. Your food can be spiced up and should ideally include bitter vegetables.
Do you recognize Kapha traits in yourself? Do the mentioned symptoms sound familiar, and are you looking for more tips on how to feel lighter? Feel free to contact me, and we can work together to bring more lightness into your daily life. Let’s connect on Instagram where you’ll find more information and tips on Ayurveda and nutrition.