KAPHA DOSHA

Like a Rock

KAPHA - made up of the elements earth and water

The Ayurvedic mindset sees the world as a combination of qualities. There are 20 qualities and they are organized as 10 pairs of opposites. When we understand what qualities are inherent within what dosha, we can better recognize our doshic imbalances and how to remedy them.

Let’s focus on the qualities of the kapha dosha. Imagine the look and feel of earth and water. Then ponder what qualities make up the elements of earth and water. Kapha is moist, heavy, cold, dense, soft, and cloudy. It is the force in the body that is responsible for the structure, stability, and lubrication of the body. The tastes associated with kapha are sweet, sour, and salty.  The nature of the kapha individual reflects these qualities. In Ayurveda, like attracts like. Therefore, choosing the qualities or characteristics in food and lifestyle choices which have the opposite effect, help to maintain balance or bring excess kapha back into equilibrium.

Qualities and tastes that are helpful for kapha folks:

• bitter

• hot

• light

• astringent

• pungent

• dry

Physically, kapha type folks have an endomorphic body and tend to be heavy, though not necessarily fat. This reflects that heavy, dense qualities of earth. They normally have a round face, large eyes and nose, and wide lips. Kapha types tend to have a pale complexion with moist, thick skin and their hair is usually full and oily. They are deep sleepers who love to sleep in. 

Slow and steady wins the race with kapha folks, as they tend to be calm, move and think with ease, and have a steady disposition. People of kapha nature are sweet, loving, compassionate, and nurturing. They fit well with the linear world and tend to have long relationships, as devotion is one of their strengths. Kapha folks do so well in carrying out their dreams and aspirations to the very end.

When OUT OF BALANCE, kapha individuals may experience:

• swelling

• weight gain

• excess of mucus production

• nausea

• lethargy

• heaviness of body and mind

• chills

• congestion

• excessive sleeping

They can be stubborn and rigid, attached and controlling. As they are sometimes very slow, patience is a virtue when communicating with a person of kapha nature.