Ayurveda, the world’s oldest forms of holistic medicine with historical roots in India. As per Ayurveda, the world is made up of five elements and three Doshas— Vata (wind), Pitta (fire) and Kapha (earth).
Every individual is said to have a unique ratio of each Dosha. We enjoy good health, physical and mental traits when these Doshas are in balance. At times, there is an imbalance in these Doshas. It can be due to improper diet, life styles or some other reasons.
This article talks about balancing Kapha Doshas, characteristics, diet and more.
Kapha Type In Ayurveda
Kapha is the combination of earth and water components. It governs the structure of the body. The Kapha body usually have a solid built, strong stamina and are blessed with good digestion. Kapha types ordinarily have large, appealing eyes. Their skin is fair and always glowing.
Kapha Dosha Characteristics
- Good Stamina
- Large, broad body frame
- Sound sleep
- Moderate appetite
- Pleasant & deep voice
- Polite Nature
- Moderate sweating
- Low Thirst
- Glossy & smooth skin
- Tendency to gain weight
Even though individuals governed by Kapha Dosha, they are said to be active. People with Kapha imbalance can face health problems such as weight gain, allergies, fluid retention, fatigue etc.
Signs Of Kapha Imbalance
- Cold with excessive mucus & Sinus
- Indigestion
- Sudden weight gain
- Excessive sleep
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Excess salivation
- Feeling slow, dull, foggy, lethargic, or heavy
- Diarrhea
If you are facing these, then you may have imbalance in Kapha Dosha. What you need are Kapha balancing food, recipes and exercise.
How To Balance Kapha Dosha
To reduce or balance Kapha, Ayurveda has given us dietary, herbal treatment strategies and lifestyle. Include the following things in your everyday regime to get rid of toxins and stress.
- Seek Newness/Stimulation – Introducing new things on a constant basis or change in everyday routine can provide you with the required stimulation and excitement
- Exercise – Indulging in yoga, swimming, walking etc. or any kind of physical activity is good for the body.
- Detoxification – Try the detoxification diet to balance Kapha Dosha. Do it once in a week. It helps to remove free radicals and remove any kind of congestion from the digestive system.
- Stay Warm – People governed by Kapha Dosha are sensitive to cold and damp places. So it is advised to stay warm using heating pads or wearing thick clothes.
- Include Warm foods – Including warm foods in your daily diet can balance Kapha Dosha. Warm beverages like soups and herbal teas and spices like cloves, ginger, cinnamon, etc. keeps the Kapha stimulated.
- Nasal rinsing or Ayurvedic Neti Pot – Nasal rinsing is the process of cleansing congestion of any kind from the lungs and the respiratory tract. Performing nasal rinse every morning can balance Kapha Dosha.
How To Remove Kapha Dosha From Body
In Ayurveda, it is important to eat a wholesome diet to remove excess of Kapha from the body as well as balance it. Kapha can be aggravated by pungent, heavy, and oily substances. Light, dry and warm foods are highly recommended. It might help to pacify an aggravated Kapha Dosha.
Here is a general guide for a diet that can help to remove excess Kapha in the system. Since every person has different needs, there are no absolutes, so take it as per the guidelines and see what they work for you. Experiment, observe your reactions and adjust it accordingly.
General Kapha Dosha-Pacifying Diet
Enjoy:
- Consume foods that are bitter, pungent or astringent in taste.
- Dry, light warm foods, both energetically and in temperature.
- Infuse hot spices in your food like chili, ginger, cinnamon, black or cayenne pepper, and cumin.
- Whole, freshly cooked foods.
- Honey.
- Only room temperature or warm drinks.
- Include lots of veggies.
- A minimal and high-quality corn, sesame, canola, sunflower oil, or ghee in your daily diet.
- Routine times for your meals in a peaceful environment.
- Beans except tofu can be taken
- After taking your last bite, take a deep breath and sit for a while before heading off to your next activity.
Avoid:
- Foods that are sour, sweet, and salty
- Cooling foods, both energetically and in temperature.
- Oily and heavy foods (cheese, cake, pudding, nuts).
- Highly processed foods (frozen or canned foods).
- Carbonated or cold drinks.
- Overeating meals.
- Red meat.
- Deep fried foods.
- Drinking fruit juice or eating fresh fruit or within 1/2 hour of any other food.
- Foods or drinks that contain refined sugar or corn syrup.
- Alcohol, except for an occasional consumption of white or dry red wine.
Our lives, health, and environments change regularly. An ideal Kapha diet is one that boosts your energy. Eating healthy at specified times in moderate amounts is key to balance Kapha Dosha. The ideal diet regimen consists of three meals a day. The heaviest should be the breakfast, followed by a hearty lunch and a mild dinner. Allow a minimum rest of three hours between the meals to avoid indigestion problems. Moreover physical activities in everyday routine helps an individual to maintain a balanced and healthy life.