Day 8 - Ayurvedic Journey

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KAPHA OVERVIEW

Kapha is the Water and Earth element responsible for our body’s physical structure, lubrication of joints and stability. The qualities most important for balancing kapha is dryness and heat. The classic Ayurvedic remedy for pacifying Kapha is honey. Sleeping increases and exercise balances kapha.

Kapha Summary

Body Frame Broad, strong, curvy
Weight Easy to gain, hard to lose
Skin cool, fair, oily, thick, soft, smooth
Hair Oily, wavy, thick
Eyes Big, round, thick eyelashes
Appetite Steady
Evacuation slow, regular, moderate quantity
Sweat Moderate
Temperament Calm, stable, grounded, stubborn, greedy, torporous
Memory Learns slowly, forgets slowly
Speech Slow, melodious, deep, low
Climate Dislikes damp/cool
Activity Calm; likes leisurely activity
Routines Enjoys routine

KAPHA CONSTITUTION

Kapha types are usually shorter, stocky, and with well-developed chests or a large frame. Their skin is thick, damp, and oily. Their eyes are large, white, and attractive; hair is abundant, oily, and thick; teeth are large, white, and attractive. Their appetite is low but constant and with a slow metabolism. They like sweets. They sleep easily. They possess strong endurance and can accomplish a lot. They win by consistency and perseverance (versus speed, skill, or cunning).

A classic Ayurvedic remedy for Kapha is a dry-powder massage: “Massage with herbal power removes kapha, melts fatty and lubricating tissues, gives stability to the body, and bestows excellent texture on the skin.” (Astanga Hrydam 2.16). This is called Udvartana. See The Ayurveda Experience, HERE, for “Everything you need to know.” Also, Triphala is good for all skin diseases and reducing excess kapha.

KAPHA PSYCHOLOGICAL

Kapha people have much love, devotion, and loyalty. They are romantic, sentimental, and cry easily. Mentally, they are slower in learning than the other types but retain what they learn. Much repetition is needed. They are better at finishing things than at starting. They like to create institutions and establishments. They are traditional or conventional in behavior and beliefs. They like to belong or be part of a group. They are good followers and prefer to work in association. They are content and accept things as they are. They are friendly and hold closely to their families. They are good parents and providers. They make good parents, chefs, singers, bankers, and working with real estate.

KAPHA’s Subtle, Vital & Master Form: OJAS

The counterpart of kapha is is ojas, primal vigor. Ojas gives us calm, stability, and supports and nourishes all higher states of consciousness. When ojas is out of balance, we experience anxiety and mental fatigue.

KAPHA SEASONS: WINTER & SPRING

Kapha is pronounced during the winter months, with wet and cold weather. This is a good time of the year for gentle body cleansing programs and foods that increase pitta, and a more active exercise program. Stay warm and dry. Cultivate warm emotional states.

Late Winter and Spring Seasonal Adjustments: The ground becomes heavy with rain and the Earth is abundant with new growth. This is Kapha season, slow, heavy, wet and cold. We want to reduce foods that are watery (sweet, sour, and salty) and increase our intake of lighter, drier foods that increase energy and motivation. Kapha reducing foods are more pungent, bitter, and astringent.

Foods: Eat brown rice, vegetable stews, and roasted foods. Get leafy greens, broccoli, celery, cauliflower, cabbage, dandeliion, ginger, mushrooms, onions, potatoes, watercress, apples, berries, and dried fruits. Try teas like hibiscus, clove, and cardamom.

The Kapha stage of life is childhood, our first 16 years. Therefore, children are most likely to experience kapha strengths and imbalances. This time of life is defined by structure, growth, and nourishment. Children are building new tissue. They crave sweet and grounding foods like milk, whole grains, and root vegetables — but because of modern society, children often crave things like bread, mac and cheese, french fries, and empty (and toxic) sugars.

KAPHA TIMES OF DAY

Kapha is influential from 6am/sunrise to 10am. This time is for exercise because strength and stamina are at their peak. It’s also a good time to focus on work or inner strength. Then, from 6pm to 10pm and retire for sleep before 10pm.

KAPHA IMBALANCE AND HOW TO BALANCE

Kaphas tend towards obesity or holding excess weight and work hard to prevent it or loose it. They may develop diabetes. The out of balance kapha has slow metabolism. They may sleep excessively and be sedentary. Kapha suffers mainly from inaction and lack of discipline. Emotionally, they may have much desire, attachment, and be possessive or greedy. They may be depressed and stuck and in the past. They may have a hard time relating to strangers or foreigners. They may be insensitive to the needs of those outside their sphere. They may through their weight around and suppress others.

How to Balance Kapha

• Favor foods that are light, warm, and cooked.

• Favor pungent, bitter, and astringent tastes.

• Incorporate exercise into your daily routine.

• Vary your routine from time to time.

• Wake up at or before sunrise.

• Avoid napping during the day.

• Eat more lightly in the morning and the evening, with your biggest meal at lunchtime.

KAPHA DIET FOODS & HERBS

Kaphas are balanced with foods that are light, warm, heating, fibrous, and fresh. Fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains are ideal.

It’s ideal to cook with lots of warming spices like garlic, ginger, cinnamon, turmeric, and pepper to kindle the digestive fire/agni.

A traditional Ayurvedic formula is Chyavanprash (a nutrient-rich jam). This is great for rejuvenation, which supports the physiology of childhood and people with kapha-dosha constitution, while boosting the immune system.

KAPHA MEDITATION

A Dharana Meditation for Kapha’s water element is, ideally, in a place with a view of water, like the ocean or a lake or river. Let your mind be clear and merge into the water. Let the mind’s movements be like the movement of the waves or the flower of the river. Do this for at least 20 minutes. Feel your mind as cool and refreshed. Feel your heart open and vibrant.

Since Kapha tends towards stillness, walking or moving yoga meditation is very beneficial. Or, for japa-mantra, use mala beads. For Kapha, this helps prevent falling asleep! And instead of a (kapha) meditation focused on family or community, do a meditation to balance kapha would focus on the sky or the infinite described in the Upanishads.

Pranayama breathwork is one of the easiest ways to clarify and clear Kapha. Start with Kapalabhati, then Nadi Shodhana. During asana, Ujjayi is warming and adds to the clarifying effect.

3-PART BREATH

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