About Ayurveda

Vata: air & ether

Pitta: fire & water

Kapha: earth & water

Kapha - Earth and Water

The Kapha dosha is represented by water and earth. As the heavy earth absorbs water and nutrients and creates a fertile ground for life to thrive, so to does Kapha govern growth, mass or structure, and lubrication in the body.

Kapha possesses the immense power, strength and nurturing essence of the fertile earth, and if this power is harnessed it can move mountains. However, slow and heavy Kapha can also stagnate and lead to lethargy and complacency if not kept in balance. Kapha dominated individuals often understand concepts more slowly than others, but will retain these in their memory for much longer.

The times of day when Kapha is at its peak are from 6:00 to 10:00 AM, when energy stores used up during the night are replenished with a nourishing first meal, and 6:00 to 10:00 PM, when the day’s activities slow down and make way for restful sleep.

The seasons when Kapha is strongest are winter and early spring, when the cold, damp weather can weigh down and create congestion in the mind and body. Recall during this time that the earth is storing a hidden powerhouse of reserves, protecting its precious energy so as to better nurture the reemergence of life when optimum conditions arise. Likewise, Kapha nurtures our bodies, minds and spirits, and replenishes us so that our energy and creativity can blossom from this grounded place when the conditions are right.

Kapha tends to slow down movement and accumulate, and is thus associated with congestion of any bodily fluids or functions, phlegm and excess weight gain.

Kapha is cold, heavy and fluid, and is associated with sweet, sour and salty tastes. To pacify Kapha, favor dry, warming, light foods with pungent, bitter and astringent tastes. Daily moderate to vigorous exercise and avoidance of over-sleeping are vital to maintaining a healthy balance in Kapha individuals.

Regular detoxifying cleanses and massages are very important for maintaining health in Kapha individuals, who will otherwise tend towards accumulation of ama  (toxins). Kapha individuals tend to have weak digestion, and the use of all spices is highly recommended for this reason. Spices improve digestion and thus reduce the amount of ama (toxins) formed by undigested foods, which will otherwise accumulate in the body and lead to a multitude of health problems.

Warming spices such as ginger, pepper, and chili will all help to pacify Kapha. Green and black tea are both well tolerated by Kapha individuals, and these will also help to pacify Kapha with their bitter, astringent and stimulant properties. Chai tea is perfect for Kapha individuals, and will generally decrease the Kapha-forming properties of milk if prepared as a chai latte.