Kapha Body Type

The Kapha Body Type

According to Ayurveda, Kapha body types have a primary influence of the element of earth. The attributes of earth are: cold, heavy, slow, oily and soft. These attributes play a big part in Kapha type characteristics.

Kapha's Physical Characterstics

Hair thick, wavy

Skin tans evenly

Lips large & full

Teeth large & gleaming

Frame well-developed

Appetite strong

Endurance strong

Kapha Personality Traits - devoted, loyal, strong and grounded

Kaphas must Guard Against - tendency towards weight gain, attachment, respiratory disorders, congestion and sensitivity to dampness

What aggravates Kapha? - The influence of the earth element gives Kapha types the need to stimulate and refresh their bodies. Oversleeping, over-eating, insufficient exercise and mundane activities aggravate this body type. Kaphas must guard against imbalance by avoiding or reducing such practices.

How do I know if I have a Kapha imbalance? - A Kapha imbalance is characterized by excess mucous in the body, congestion in the lungs or nasal cavity and conestion upon waking in the morning. Feeling slow, sluggish or lethargic with difficulty waking are signs of excess Kapha. Being overweight with a tendency towards emotional and over eating are symptoms of a Kapha imbalance. Feelings of depression, indecision and resistance to change are related to excess Kapha as well.

Kapha imbalance in our Society - You don't have to be a Kapha body type to have a Kapha imbalance. The nation's food supply creates the perfect environment for Kapha imbalance in our society. All you can eat buffets, ice cold drinks high in sugars and fast food are very common and very Kapha increasing. It's also common in our society to have our largest meal of the day at night when our metabolisms are slowing down and preparing for sleep. If that's not enough, it's a known fact that the United States has the largest percentage of overweight people than any other country. That's a lot of Kapha.

Thankfully, Ayurveda offers it's own remedies to balance out the excess Kapha in our internal and external world.

What balances Kapha? - Kaphas are relaxed, easy-going people. They require more stimulation than other body types to keep them from becoming lazy or complacent. A social life is important for Kaphas. Kaphas should seek relationships that motivate and inspire them. Physical and mental exercise is key to a balanced Kapha. Kaphas do well with regular hot baths or steams to promote sweating and circulation. Kapha body types prefer warm, dry climates like Arizona.

Living the Balanced Kapha Life - a quick guide to balanced living as a Kapha

Kapha's Healing Home - Spacious homes with plenty of storage space to display collections are good for Kaphas. A house full of color and various patterns to stimulate the eye are also appropriate for this body type.

Morning Activities - Stimulating activities are best. Exercise including: cardio, yoga or a brisk walk in the fresh morning air to awaken slow moving Kapha.

Meals - Best to begin the day with a cleansing hot herbal tea. Lunch should be the biggest meal of the day and dinner should be light. Occasional fasting is OK for Kapha bodies.

Personal Style - Kaphas do best with warmer colors like red, yellow, brown and patterned fabrics. They resonate with gemstones like diamonds, rubies, coral, garnet and yellow topaz. Gold and copper are Kaphas preferred metals.

Occupation - Kaphas thrive in work environments that require physical activity and detail work. Kaphas make excellent nurses, receptionists, massage therapists, construction workers and aerobics instructors.

Bedtime - Hot baths and warming teas do a Kapha body good before bed. Kaphas require minimal sleep and can stay up late. Six to seven hours of sleep is OK for the Kapha body type.

Eating the Right Foods - Proper diet is essential of all body types. Kaphas require foods that are pungent, bitter and astringent. Warming foods and spices keep a Kapha body balanced. Hearty grains, lights fruits and green, leafy vegetables are best. Avoid sweet and salty foods as well as dairy products that increase Kapha.

Ayurvedic Therapies to Lower Kapha

Massage - Manual therapy to soften muscle tissue and improve well-being. Massage stimulates circulation of fluids for a happy Kapha body.

Herbal Body Wrap - Warm bandages soaked in herbs and wrapped around the body to tighten tissues and promote lymphatic drainage.

Yoga - A mind-body fitness regimen that integrates breath with stretching and posturs to align the spine, focus the mind and improve visceral function.

Svedhana - Aromatic steam to relieve the body of excess toxins through sweating. Essential oils assist the detoxification and brings nourishment to the body through the pores.

Pancha Karma - Holistic detoxification and rejuvenation program for deep transformation of body, mind and spirit.