The 3 Doshas are forces of energy that shape our mind and body in Ayurveda. In right proportion the dosha can show our best self, out of balance they lead to disruption and disease. Put the guideposts in place to bring out the best in Kapha dosha as we move from vata to kapha season. Keep Kapha dosha in balance all year long.
Lotta Kapha in my nature. We are in spring season now and I strive to actively balance the effects of Kapha season adding to the Kapha in my nature. In order to bring out the best in my Kapha, sometimes I have to remember this is a really strong dosha and needs consistent structure.
Do you feel the effects of spring transition strongly? Kapha peeps often do. Kapha support is especially important during the spring season. Kapha binds the energy of earth and water into our physical being. We all have some kapha and need it to be in this physical world. Do the work to keep things in balance.
Do You See Kapha Qualities When You Look In The Mirror?
Kapha features show a lot of balance. The Gunas are qualities of the Dosha the force that acts in the body. The many gunas of Kapha flow out of the earth and water elements. Kaphic gunas include: Wet, Heavy, Dull Cold smooth, Dense Gross, and Soft.
That is quite a list. Kapha can get a bad wrap, a lot of people focus on the out of balance downsides. Many of these gunas have a negative emphasis in western culture. I remember reading about Kapha dosha in a number of Ayurveda textbooks and feeling completely defeated. Like I had been doomed due to my primary dosha.
I don’t feel that way anymore. There is no blame or shame in having a kapha dominant prakruti. The gunas of kapha can create many happy and positive effects. There are times when the default of being soft over hard is just the right texture and response.
Don’t get me wrong I know doshas go out of balance easily and create problems. Kapha is gross, not subtle and strongly effects the quality of life. All the more reason to respect Kapha as a force that shapes my life and capitalize on the inherent benefits of strong balanced kapha in my prakruti.
Kapha Dosha out of balance
Kapha dosha often goes out of balance when the cold gets too cold and wet too wet. Ice cream or even ice water on a cold spring day can push kapha out of balance. Mucous production goes into overdrive stopping the flow. Stagnant, dull, stuck, couch potato, are terms discussed when Kapha gets too high. I look at food and I gain weight. Do you see unbalanced Kapha qualities In you?
Physical Issues
Physically Out of balance or pushed by another dosha out of balance Kapha builds mass easily, and carries more weight than the other dosha. When Kaphas do not move enough, the weight is not muscle. Circulation is impeded and blood sugar levels are less tightly controlled when weight is high and movement is low.
Breathing gets shallow and your heart has to work harder. Digestion gets weak and constipation can occur and as a result the body continues to add an excess of poor quality tissues (fat & muscle).
Emotional Issues
Tamas is a common default mental and emotional state for Kapha in excess. Tamas means darkness, under motivated with a tendency towards depression and defeatism. No drive or fight leads to decisions that bring us out of alignment with our truth and proliferates a downward spiral. Not the place you want to go.
Action To Balance Kapha Dosha
Give Kapha the structure to shine. Kapha craves warm light foods, movement, and motivation to shine bright. The structure to balance kapha is simple.
- Drink Warm water, skip the ice.
- 2 warm light meals each day.
- Focus on pungent bitter and astringent flavors. Limit sweet salty and sour.
- Minimal snacking,
- Move every day, if possible multiple times each day.
- Spend movement time in nature when possible.
- 6 – 8 hours’ sleep a night, no napping necessary.
- Set Goals and make plans .
- Set up triggers, reminders, and motivators in your life to keep you on track with your goals.
- Hang with people who help you get up and go. Pitta peeps are a good bet.
- Be as loving and compassionate with yourself as you are with others.
Kapha In Balance
Physical
Big beautiful eyes, large white teeth and strong frame. Kaphas have sturdy strength with lots of resilience for life. Regular movement builds good muscle tone and well lubricated healthy joints. In balance Kaphas have great endurance. They will out walk and out work other dosha at a steady pace.
Emotional
Emotionally Kapha in balance is stable resilient, compassionate and loving. Naturally happy, Kapha’s make other people want to be around them. They are chill, ooze ease, and create a feel-good kind of energy field that is super attractive. In balance kaphas make great group leaders and people managers.
We all are given a prakruti, a unique combination of physical and energetic tendencies to play in and learn from. When we understand and accept our nature, it empowers us to grow thrive and enjoy life.
Ayurselfcare’s purpose is to educate on the benefits of Ayurveda. This blog is not a substitute for professional medical care, treatment or advice. All the material here is for learning purposes only. Always share strategy and work with your health care team.