Kapha's Vices

Here we go! Kapha's vices!

If you haven't read about vata's vices or pitta's vices, I recommend doing so.

Unless of course, you are a kapha. Then you can skip those and read on because the spotlight is on you, baby. By vices, I mean stuff that you reach for that is opposite of what you need for optimal health.

You see, when a dosha is increased (imbalanced), the person will crave the foods and habits that keep increasing that dosha! Meaning, they will crave the completely wrong things.

When we analyze our sweet kapha friends they are happy-go-lucky, inviting, generous, the best listeners (and huggers!), able to handle a lot of work with grace, peaceful minded, and rock a curvy goddess-like physique. Kaphas can also be stubborn and impossible to move, can gain weight easily, have depression (though you probably wouldn't be able to tell), tend toward emotional eating, and if pushed too far they will hold a grudge.

When I see a kapha person who's skin looks dull/gray, their normally graceful gait has turned into a slow saunter, and their large sparkling eyes have lost their luster, perhaps hiding behind some extra weight, it tells me a lot. In that case, our gracious beauties, our treasured precious kaphas, have an imbalance.

Kaphas are very private and don't often let their vices or weaknesses show, so observing their habits is not as easy as with a vata or pitta. However, when a kapha looks lifeless, we know there's a problem.

Please note! Just because someone is overweight does not mean they are a kapha! They might have a kapha imbalance, but are not necessarily kapha by nature.

In my observation, an imbalanced kapha craves: Heavy "comfort" foods, fried foods, very sugary sweet foods, high salt and high fat foods.

They will also watch a lot of TV (or play online games) and spend lots of time alone. They also...collect things.

The kapha vice-rites (vice favorites) all increase heaviness, wetness, and slow them down. Notice the foods have no spices? Imbalanced kaphas will crave rich meals like mac n' cheese, pasta with cream sauces, cheesecake, which all increase the damp and heavy qualities. Kaphas are also  self-proclaimed couch potatoes and are known to watch tv for hours and hours.

Because kaphas are so giving, they tend to put themselves dead last which leaves them feeling emotionally depleted. To make up it, they might fill up on the wrong things which includes wrong foods and wrong entertainment. Kaphas love to watch others and live vicariously a little bit, so television and online games allows them a peek inside other fascinating worlds from the comfort of their own couch (they don't like to move or take risks!).

If kaphas spend too much time alone, they will get depressed. They thrive off the energy of others and need buddies to keep them uplifted! If you have a kapha friend (or if it's you) who's a bit blue, take them for a walk in nature and they gain back the happy spring in their step.

Now, another thing, the kaphas...they also...collect things. They will buy stuff in multiples even if they don't need it. They can be hoardy! They like to shop and they like to have things, but it's way better for them to live light. Physical heaviness creates mental, emotional, and spiritual heaviness as well.

Okay! Now that we understand what kapha's vices are, let's love up some of their virtues!

In my observation, a balanced kapha craves: Spicy foods, fresh home-cooked meals, an evening or morning walk, the company of others.

When kaphas eat the right foods and are in total balance, they are the hostess with the mostess. They cater and cook for others but it doesn't drag them down because they also know to take time for themselves. A balanced kapha will crave spices because fire heats the up and gives them gusto! They love it! Their thick hair shines, their skin radiates in perfect dewy fashion, they smile all the time (aaall the time), and move like a graceful swan. By listening, they inspire others to follow their craziest dreams while kaphas watch with admiration and anticipation.

They enjoy a simple diet full of fresh foods and despite popular belief, they don't eat a lot. Balanced kapha realizes they feel lighter with less food, they might even skip dinner or breakfast sometimes, which allows their sluggish digestion to catch up from the last meal. If I saw a curvy gal with apple cheeks, thick wavy hair, big sparkley teeth, eyelashes that go for days, and dressed to perfection, I would know she's a balanced kapha.

What do you think, kaphas? Does this sound like you? I know you're shy, but we would love to hear from you :) xoxo!