Ayurveda: The Doshas Part 3 – Kapha Dosha

This is the third part of the Ayurvedic Dosha Series. In Part 1 we discussed Vata Dosha and, in Part 2, Pitta Dosha.

While most people are predominant in one constitution, there are a number of people who represent a combination of two Doshas – I myself am Pitta-Kapha dosha –  and even a very small number of people who identify as being Tridoshic (people who represent an equal proportion of the three constitutions).  Each constitution has its own strengths and weaknesses.  In balancing a person’s Doshas, the goal is to reduce any aggravations and tendencies towards imbalance so that we can experience the strengths that are present in our individual personalities.

Kapha, the third and final dosha, is made up of earth and water element.  Kapha is wet, grounded, slow and substantial.  People who are predominant in Kapha dosha embody the following characteristics:

– Larger body size and tendency to gain weight easily

– Moist, oily skin and thick hair

– Rounded facial features: large, calm eyes, full lips and large, bright teeth

– Slow metabolism: little hunger, cold temperature, slow digestion and elimination

– Relaxed, calm and humorous demeanor

– Tendency towards laziness and lethargy

– Sentimental and loyal with a tendency towards attachement

– Slow and constant with excellent endurance

Kapha dosha tends to be slow, steady and constant.  People of this dosha are relaxed and easy-going but have a tendency to be overly lazy.  Kapha types do well working with people and are often loyal and nurturing friends and family members.  People of this constitution have the tendency towards disorders of congestion: edema, weight gain and depression.

Kaphas can achieve balance by engaging in vigorous physical activity such as brisk walking, running or weight-lifting.  When doing yoga, Kaphas benefit from the more sweat-inducing Ashtanga or Bikram yoga types.  People of Kapha constitution should avoid sleeping in late and eating greasy, heavy foods.  They should instead focus on eating pungent and astringent foods (think spicy rice crackers and salads).  A good restorative yoga pose for relieving Kapha-like congestion in the lower body is to lie on the ground, with a pillow under the sacrum and the legs straight, at 90 degrees above the hips (or against a wall).

Balanced Kapha has a strong sense of well-being, steadiness and affection.  Kapha types learn slowly but have a great ability to retain information and have a great memory.

For more information on Ayurveda and the 3 Doshas (and other Ayurvedic theories and lifestyle tips) click on the following resource:

http://www.ayurveda.com/

You can also check out the Continuing Education Ayurveda educator, Matthew Remski’s beautifully written blog at:

http://matthewremski.com/