HealthCare >> Alternative Medicine >> Ayurveda >> Kapha Dosh

Kapha is responsible of the structural integrity and stability of the mind-body. It provides the reserves of physical strength and stamina. Ayurveda considers kapha people to be most fortunate as they generally enjoy the best health.
Symbol: Water
Constitution: elements of water(apa) and earth(prithvi)
Principle: Integration, lubrication, potential energy and stability in the mind-body.
Qualities: slow, cool, oily, liquid, dense and static.

Body characteristics: kapha people have heavy bones, muscles and fat. Tendency to put on weight; slow metabolism and digestion; cool and clammy skin; big, liquid eyes; thick wavy hair.

Mental constitution: slow to pickup new things but excellent long tem memory; inertia to start new things; forgiving, loving and compassionate.

Kapha in balance: strong and calm.
Kapha out of balance: dull and lethargic.

Diet for Kapha:

Prefer Barley, corn, millet Asparagus, cabbage, eggplant Leafy green vegetables, potatoes Apples, pears, pomegranates Skim milk Chicken, turkey

Avoid Rice, wheat Sweet potato, tomatoes Coconut, dates, grapes, pineapple Avoid other dairy products like butter,cheese, etc. Red meat.

Likely diseases in kapha people
Since kapha is considered the equivalent of phlegm, kapha people have a tendency to get diseases like, respiratory problems, asthma, allergy, sinusitis etc.

General methods of keeping kapha in balance
The key to balancing kapha is stimulation. They need physical activity, new challenges, hot and spicy food.
Since kapha is sweet, try to avoid sweet and heavy food. Try not to overeat.
Stay warm, avoid dampness.
Head congestion is a common kapha problem which can be handled by steam inhalation.

Ayurveda Intro | Panchkarma | Tridosha | Vata Dosh | Pitta Dosh | Dinacharya
Tips on Diet | Tips on Sleep
Common Problems: Obesity | Common Cold | Arthritis | Constipation
Your mind/body constitution- the ayurvedic view