STEADY & NURTURING
Elements water (aap) + earth (prithvi)
Qualities wet, cold, heavy, oily, static
Season spring
Nature moon
Main Location stomach + chest
Kapha is the dosha responsible for lubrication and structure of the body. Because of their sturdiness, Kapha people tend to be the healthiest of the three doshas, including mental health. Kapha is our lubrication in the brain, around the joints, reproductive fluids, and is responsible for building most of our tissues. Kapha keeps our bodies from turning into raisins.
Since Kapha people are made of water and earth they are very sturdy, grounding and they are difficult to move. They are comfortable and happy in one place and don’t like change. Kaphas are prone to “static & heavy” diseases like obesity, lethargy, dullness of mind, and diabetes.
Kapha personality. Everybody loves a Kapha! They are the peacemakers, the joyous hosts, the listeners, and the nurturers. They are almost always happy. They are extremely tolerant, patient and they are the first one to offer a helping hand. They won’t ever lead, but are very happy to follow. It is not easy to exhaust or upset a kapha, but once you’ve upset a them, they will hold a grudge. Their mind is steady, their attitude is positive and their bodies are very strong. Kaphas need encouragement to get them moving-because they don’t like to. Kaphas also have a tendency to attach to things because remember, they don’t like change. They like to grab a hold of something and stick there forever. Attachment could be anything, like emotions (those grudges I mentioned), the past, people, relationships, and collections of “stuff.” Kaphas looove stuff. Balanced kaphas are gentle, nurturing, and are genuinely happy about everything.
Kapha body. Kaphas have big and strong structure. They have strong joints, thick skin and strong bones. Their skin is usually pale and oily (clammy). Their hair is thick and oily. Kaphas have big beautiful eyes and teeth! Their eyelashes are long, full and curly. Kapha hands are meaty with thick knuckles, thick palms and strong nails. They tend to gain weight easily due to the earth element that is prominent.
Kaphas need to keep dry & light. Kaphas are cold, heavy and static so the best thing they can do is to get moving. Moving will make them feel so much lighter as well as bring up the heat inside the body. If you can get a Kapha to perspire (it takes a while cause they don’t sweat much), they will feel wonderful. Remember, Kapha is water and earth, so they need to soak up the excess water with airy and dry foods (veggies, fruits, salads, legumes). A light diet is best and Kaphas can (should) fast. Fasting doesn’t bother kapha because they hold food for a while. Kaphas would love a daily walk in the morning just before sunrise. And they would be extra happy in a sauna.
Kapha digestion. Kapha appetite and metabolism is slow. Due to their earthy and watery structure, they can easily skip meals (and should) and remain content and happy. Fasting is necessary for Kapha because it will lighten their load and it also increases their agni. Kaphas need to keep dry, warm and spicy! These qualities will help kapha feel lighter and they also strenghten their agni, which is what Kaphas need the most.
10 responses so far ↓
1 Johnny Heid // Jul 14, 2010 at 6:11 pm
Hey – just perusing your website and re-reading some things. one thing. you’re incredible. Don’t ever get tired of people telling you that. I think that makes sense. Lovely publication and very pretty website monica. I think I’m a kapha but may stray a bit. take care lovey!
2 Monica // Jul 19, 2010 at 7:20 pm
Oh Heid, I am humbled. Thank you so much. Many hugs and namaste to you, sweet one. xo
3 Lora Loring // Nov 30, 2010 at 11:11 am
I know I’m kapha, and a bit on the heavy side at that! I noticed on your latest “Seasonal Bloom”, you show best times for eating and sleeping for Vata. What is the best schedule for kapha? Also, can you suggest recipes for a good kapha breakfast? I’m getting a handle on the other meals and drinking warm water rather than cold, but breakfast seems to be the hardest for me to grasp – especially since I am usually eating either on the go or in the office.
You have a great site! I have recommended it to others who are interested or doing ayurvedic practice as resource. Keep up the wonderful work!
Namaste!
4 Monica // Nov 30, 2010 at 9:22 pm
Namaste Lora :) The rules on eating and sleeping are for all doshas not just vata. It’s nature’s way, so we aaaaalll fall under the daily clock. Best schedule for kapha is the same, but please note the different times of day and how the energies may help or hinder you as a person. Here is a good article on the daily routine for everyone: http://heymonicab.com/2008/08/daily-routine/
Kaphas usually grab something that is too sweet or heavy for breakfast. Sound familiar? I recommend using the recipe for baked apples or pears (use just a tiny bit of ghee or omit) in Seasonal Bloom Vata. Make a big batch and then divy up into dishes and take with you to work. You can even crumble a little bit of cinnamon granola for a crunch. Or, you can keep english muffins in your desk at work and toast one there. Use a tiny touch of butter or ghee and sprinkle lemon pepper or cinnamon (savory or sweet). mm! Anything that is light and warm is good. Anything too sweet will start your day off on the wrong foot. Kaphas need pungent (spicy), light, dry, warm foods.
Thank you for your questions, compliments, for reading and for sharing this!! Warms my heart. <3
MonicaB
5 Katie // Mar 13, 2011 at 11:02 pm
Yes! Kaphas need to keep dry, warm and spicy! This is me! At the local Indian store today I bought barley, cardomom seeds & sandalwood incense. Very happy & content now. Off to bake apples now. Thanks Monica, your blog feels sublime. Katie x
6 Sandrila // May 20, 2011 at 1:14 am
I really Loved your articles. they are full of information about Ayurveda.
7 Monica // May 20, 2011 at 3:21 pm
Thanks Sandrila! I’m glad you like the articles – if you have specific questions about Ayurveda, let me know!
8 Cool down with Cucumber | pulse naturopathy // Jun 13, 2011 at 7:52 pm
[...] deranged. I decided to make some cucumber water to cool me down. Although I often tend towards Kapha – and fully embrace my Kapha nature … today is an exception. (Find your ayurvedic [...]
9 Ram // Oct 2, 2011 at 10:32 pm
Hello Monica.
I am a kapha too! Can you tell me more about the fasting thing? It sounds so beneficial.. but at times I get this hunger pang that sort of makes me loose my patience. Before I know it, I am patiently [and gleefully] chomping down a meal [heavier than normal too!].
Another thing I wanted to know that, you mentioned about AMA and the weight issues that kaphas have.. Can you elucidate on how one goes around these [its going to be a long walk to go around me for instance!]
luv
Ram
10 Amber // Jan 24, 2012 at 2:28 am
Hi Monica, i am new on this site and i must say its amzing.
I am kapa and want to lose weight but unfortunately i am unable to , can you please guide me how and what i should do.
Regards
Amber
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