Kapha, composed of elements Earth and Water is a life force responsible for stability, lubrication, support & substance of our physical body. It is mainly present in the chest area of the body. Kapha allows us to feel deeply and compassionately while providing the stability we need emotionally and mentally!
Functions that Kapha control in our body
- Lubrication of joints & lungs
- Formation of tissues
- Maintaining body weight
- Growth
- Repair & regeneration
- Anabolism
Characteristics of people who are Kapha dosha dominant
You are known for your calm and stable nature. You work methodically and efficiently. Sometimes you seem slow and ponderous to others, but you have great stamina and strength. Whenever you wish to advance in a brand-new direction, you supply yourself with patience and persistence until you see success in that particular direction.When Kapha dosha is in balance
Physically
- Have a wide set of shoulders
- Large nose
- Thick hair
- Soft & smooth skin
- Excellent Stamina
Behavioral characteristics
- Devoted
- Kind
- Patient
- Steady
- Forgiving nature
When Kapha dosha is imbalanced
Physical Signs
- White coating on the tongue
- Slow bowel movements
- Lack of appetite
- Weight gain
- Excessive sweating
Mental & emotional signs
- Feeling lethargic
- Resistance to change
- Stubbornness
- Emotional overeating
- Ignorance & Delusion
Diseases caused due to imbalanced Kapha
- Constipation
- Diabetes
- Depression
- Obesity
- Thyroid
- Cataract
Now let’s look at how to balance Kapha dosha
Wake up early morning
Waking up early in the morning around 3-5 am will greatly help to balance your Kapha dosha. We understand that it can be difficult for you as people with aggravated Kapha have a tendency to oversleep but you can go to bed as early as possible. It is not a good idea to wake up between 6-10 am as these are Kapha times which means in these hours Kapha dosha will increase in your body leading to more heaviness. Between these times, exercising will do wonders to balance Kapha which brings us to our next point.Exercise
Exercising and spending time outdoors can help to balance an imbalanced Kapha. Exercise helps to increase circulation and improve lymphatic drainage, which can help to reduce congestion and heaviness. Spending time outdoors helps you to increase energy levels and reduce lethargy. Also, the fresh air and sunlight will improve your mood.Daily Routine
Ayurveda emphasizes the impact of daily routines on well-being. When imbalances are present, a routine is vital to improving overall health.Avoid heavy foods
Some general food guidelines for Kapha imbalance:- Try not to eat fried foods, or foods with a lot of oil as these will increase your Kapha dosha.
- Avoid eating too many nuts and seeds as they are hard to digest instead eat light meals.
- Drink plenty of water and fluids to keep your Kapha dosha in balance.
Yoga
The goal of Yoga is to bring the body and mind into a state of harmony and balance. Yoga is especially helpful for those who tend to be Kapha dominant. If you are a Kapha type you are prone to lethargy, obesity, and depression. Yoga helps you to quiet the mind and ease anxiety. The benefits of yoga for Kapha balancing include -- improved circulation
- increased energy levels
- better digestion
- weight loss
Here are some herbs & spices that can help you to balance your Kapha
Tulsi
Medicinal properties of Tulsi:- Antibacterial
- Antiseptic
- Antifungal
- Antipyretic
- Anticancer
- Antioxidant
- Tulsi tea is a great way to enjoy the benefits of this herb. Simply add 1-2 teaspoons of dried Tulsi leaves to a cup of boiling water and let steep for 5 minutes. Drink 1-2 cups per day, preferably on an empty stomach.
- You can also take Tulsi in capsule form. Look for capsules that contain 500mg of dried Tulsi leaf powder and take 2-3 capsules per day with meals.
Turmeric
Medicinal properties of Turmeric:
- Anti-aging
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antioxidant
- Aids in digestion
- Add turmeric to cooked meals. It goes well with savory dishes like stews, curries, and roasted vegetables.
- Drink turmeric tea or coffee. This is a great way to get your daily dose of turmeric if you don’t like the taste of the spice itself.
- Take a turmeric supplement. If you want to make sure you’re getting enough turmeric, taking a supplement is a good option.
Punarnava
Medicinal properties of Punarnava:
- Aids weight loss
- Anti-bacterial
- Used for kidney disorders
- Manages blood sugar levels
- Punarnava tea: To make Punarnava tea, simply boil 1 teaspoon of dried Punarnava root in 1 cup of water for 10 minutes. Strain and drink as needed.
- Punarnava tincture(plant extract dissolved in ethanol) : You can also take Punarnava in liquid form by using a tincture. Simply add 1-2 drops of Punarnava tincture to a glass of water and drink as needed.
- Punarnava capsules: Another easy way to take Punarnava is in capsule form. Simply take 1-2 capsules with water 2-3 times daily as needed.
Conclusion
If you have Kapha dosha, it is important to balance your life with light meals, exercise, and yoga. Also including Ayurvedic herbs such as tulsi, turmeric & Punarnava in your diet will greatly benefit you. Check Smartveda to know more!Kapha, composed of elements Earth and Water is a life force responsible for stability, lubrication, support & substance of our physical body. It is mainly present in the chest area of the body. Kapha allows us to feel deeply and compassionately while providing the stability we need emotionally and mentally!
Functions that Kapha control in our body
- Lubrication of joints & lungs
- Formation of tissues
- Maintaining body weight
- Growth
- Repair & regeneration
- Anabolism
Characteristics of people who are Kapha dosha dominant
You are known for your calm and stable nature. You work methodically and efficiently. Sometimes you seem slow and ponderous to others, but you have great stamina and strength. Whenever you wish to advance in a brand-new direction, you supply yourself with patience and persistence until you see success in that particular direction.When Kapha dosha is in balance
Physically
- Have a wide set of shoulders
- Large nose
- Thick hair
- Soft & smooth skin
- Excellent Stamina
Behavioral characteristics
- Devoted
- Kind
- Patient
- Steady
- Forgiving nature
When Kapha dosha is imbalanced
Physical Signs
- White coating on the tongue
- Slow bowel movements
- Lack of appetite
- Weight gain
- Excessive sweating
Mental & emotional signs
- Feeling lethargic
- Resistance to change
- Stubbornness
- Emotional overeating
- Ignorance & Delusion
Diseases caused due to imbalanced Kapha
- Constipation
- Diabetes
- Depression
- Obesity
- Thyroid
- Cataract
Now let’s look at how to balance Kapha dosha
Wake up early morning
Waking up early in the morning around 3-5 am will greatly help to balance your Kapha dosha. We understand that it can be difficult for you as people with aggravated Kapha have a tendency to oversleep but you can go to bed as early as possible. It is not a good idea to wake up between 6-10 am as these are Kapha times which means in these hours Kapha dosha will increase in your body leading to more heaviness. Between these times, exercising will do wonders to balance Kapha which brings us to our next point.Exercise
Exercising and spending time outdoors can help to balance an imbalanced Kapha. Exercise helps to increase circulation and improve lymphatic drainage, which can help to reduce congestion and heaviness. Spending time outdoors helps you to increase energy levels and reduce lethargy. Also, the fresh air and sunlight will improve your mood.Daily Routine
Ayurveda emphasizes the impact of daily routines on well-being. When imbalances are present, a routine is vital to improving overall health.Avoid heavy foods
Some general food guidelines for Kapha imbalance:- Try not to eat fried foods, or foods with a lot of oil as these will increase your Kapha dosha.
- Avoid eating too many nuts and seeds as they are hard to digest instead eat light meals.
- Drink plenty of water and fluids to keep your Kapha dosha in balance.
Yoga
The goal of Yoga is to bring the body and mind into a state of harmony and balance. Yoga is especially helpful for those who tend to be Kapha dominant. If you are a Kapha type you are prone to lethargy, obesity, and depression. Yoga helps you to quiet the mind and ease anxiety. The benefits of yoga for Kapha balancing include -- improved circulation
- increased energy levels
- better digestion
- weight loss
Here are some herbs & spices that can help you to balance your Kapha
Tulsi
Medicinal properties of Tulsi:- Antibacterial
- Antiseptic
- Antifungal
- Antipyretic
- Anticancer
- Antioxidant
- Tulsi tea is a great way to enjoy the benefits of this herb. Simply add 1-2 teaspoons of dried Tulsi leaves to a cup of boiling water and let steep for 5 minutes. Drink 1-2 cups per day, preferably on an empty stomach.
- You can also take Tulsi in capsule form. Look for capsules that contain 500mg of dried Tulsi leaf powder and take 2-3 capsules per day with meals.
Turmeric
Medicinal properties of Turmeric:
- Anti-aging
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antioxidant
- Aids in digestion
- Add turmeric to cooked meals. It goes well with savory dishes like stews, curries, and roasted vegetables.
- Drink turmeric tea or coffee. This is a great way to get your daily dose of turmeric if you don’t like the taste of the spice itself.
- Take a turmeric supplement. If you want to make sure you’re getting enough turmeric, taking a supplement is a good option.
Punarnava
Medicinal properties of Punarnava:
- Aids weight loss
- Anti-bacterial
- Used for kidney disorders
- Manages blood sugar levels
- Punarnava tea: To make Punarnava tea, simply boil 1 teaspoon of dried Punarnava root in 1 cup of water for 10 minutes. Strain and drink as needed.
- Punarnava tincture(plant extract dissolved in ethanol) : You can also take Punarnava in liquid form by using a tincture. Simply add 1-2 drops of Punarnava tincture to a glass of water and drink as needed.
- Punarnava capsules: Another easy way to take Punarnava is in capsule form. Simply take 1-2 capsules with water 2-3 times daily as needed.