About Kapha dosha

♦ Kapha's characteristics ♦ Kapha symptoms ♦ How to balance Kapha

Characteristics
Physical Kaphas are stout, stocky, solid, often short, big (in relation to their height) with a well-developed physique. They have good physical strength and endurance. The face is large, round, white or pale, soft contours, a ‘moon face’. The eyes are big, round, prominent. Kaphas gain weight easily and find it hard to lose. The hands are square or round.
Appetite Constant but low. Attached to food. Can often skip breakfast with no problem.
Stools Moderate amount, solid, sometimes pale, mucus in the stool. When the digestion is imbalanced, tends to constipation as the metabolism is slow, but the stools won’t be hard or uncomfortable when they do come.
Menstruation A regular cycle, can be up to 29-30 days, with a light flow lasting 3-7 days. When imbalanced, the cycle is still regular but there are swollen breasts, water retention, feelings of guilt, unworthiness, failure, unloved.
Mental traits Likes stability and security.
Negative tendencies Complacent, greedy, sentimental, lethargic, lazy, heavy heart, attached (to things, relationships), possessive, can be slow to grasp information. Gets anxious or angry if stability or family are threatened. Puts things off and never moves or acts quickly.
Positive tendencies Calm, relaxed, content, grounded, steady, loyal, tolerant, patient, affectionate, compassionate, nurturing, loving. Desire to help others be comfortable and cared for.

Symptoms
If you're a Kapha type, you have more of the earth and water elements in you. You'll tend to have Kapha ailments such as congestion, mucus, slow digestion, phlegm, colds, asthma, swollen joints, excess water and swelling, white pus, lung conditions. The main symptom of Kapha is congestion.
IMPORTANT: Kapha dosha can also get aggravated in a Vata or Pitta person, giving Kapha symptoms. Then the guidance of a practitioner is needed. Contact us to make an appointment. 

How to balance Kapha
Kapha dosha is heavy, oily, cold, slow, static, stable and soft. So, as Ayurveda works on the principle that like increases like, Kaphas should avoid cold, oily and heavy foods and activities. Eat heating, spicy, light foods, mainly vegetables, beans and wholegrains, and have spices with every meal. Avoid or reduce dairy, nuts and sugar.

Kapha people need activity and stimlation, otherwise they tend to get congestion, lethargy and complacncy or dullness in mind and body. Lead an active lifestyle. Pursue activities that challenge the mind. Do some stimulating exercise every day that makes you sweat, like brisk walks, cycling, swimming, dynamic yoga or running. (Consult your GP first if you haven't exercised for some time or are overweight.) Don't be a couch potato.