KAPHA DOSHA

Kapha Dosha is made up of earth and water. It is the energy of lubrication and structure. It governs the bodily water system, lubrication, and growth and development of the body. Kapha times are 6-10 am and pm, late winter and early spring. Childhood is the Kapha stage of life.

In general, Kapha dominant people have strong, large body frames, big eyes, thick wavy hair, slow but steady appetite, slow digestion,  tend to easily gain weight and are deep sleepers.

 When in balance, Kapha people are blessed with stability, patience, and compassion. They are tolerant, forgiving, loving, strong, calm, grounded and have stamina. When out of balance, Kapha may produce sluggishness – physically and mentally, including sluggish digestion, heaviness, water retention, excess weight, excessive sleep, attachment, possessiveness, greed, and envy.

Kapha attributes are: heavy, slow, cold, oily, liquid, dense, soft, static, viscous, cloudy, and slimy. In excess, these attributes can cause imbalances. In Ayurveda, we usually use opposite qualities to restore balance (ex., drink hot liquids in cold weather).

Here are some general recommendations to balance/maintain Kapha: 1. Stay active and get plenty of exercise. 2. Avoid excess sleep and daytime naps. 3. Favor bitter, pungent, and astringent foods. 4. Eat foods that are light. 5. Avoid oily, fatty, and hydrophilic foods. 6. Avoid heavy and building foods, like beef and dairy (goat dairy is ok in moderation).