We speak of a Kapha Ayurveda type when Kapha is the predominant Dosha in a human being. Such a person’s constant stoic calm is convincing, and with a few stimulus tips, he or she will stay healthy in the long term.

The three Doshas (life forces) – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha – determine the individual constitution of every human being. All Ayurvedic medicine recommendations are based on this so-called Ayurveda type.

In Ayurveda, the most basic building blocks of the material world are the five elements: ether (space), air, fire, water, and earth.

  • Vata is characterized by the mobile nature of Wind (Air) energy.
  • Pitta embodies the transformative nature of Fire energy.
  • And Kapha reflects the binding nature of Water energy.

Each dosha has a unique personality determined by its particular combination of elements and qualities.

Each dosha naturally governs specific physiological functions:

  • Kapha Primary Functions is Cohesiveness, Structure, and Lubrication.

With the Kapha type, the earth and water elements meet. Therefore, Kapha unites properties such as heavy, slow, and steady, but also soft, dense, tough, and cold. In the body, Kapha is responsible for solidity and all structures as well as for the right amount of body fluids.

The Kapha Type in Ayurveda

We all enjoy the lovable nature of Kapha people, and having them close to us can be a real pleasure. Nothing seems to get them out of balance, and they always seem patient and understanding. They are ideal managers, who calmly handle several issues simultaneously and can also answer other urgent questions while doing so. They retain what they have learned and can remember the minor details.

Kapha types have declared regularity and routine as their life principle, which they do not have to work on. This all sounds very positive, but they also have a tendency toward overeating, insufficient exercise, and excessive sleep.

Their ability to hold onto things, money, and people, coupled with water retention, makes life difficult for them in many respects, but financially, this leads them to wealth and possessions.

Within the Kapha dosha there is a predominance of water and earth elements. Like these elements, Kapha tends to be cool, moist, stable, and heavy. In the body, these qualities manifest as dense, heavy bones; lustrous, supple skin; low metabolism; and large stocky frames. In addition, those with a Kapha nature tend to feel cool. When out of balance, Kapha individuals are prone to gaining weight and tend to have weaknesses in their lungs and sinuses, where there is an accumulation of mucous.

The elements of water and earth are also manifest in personality. The heavy, stable nature of Kapha is reflected in a steady personality that is not prone to quick fluctuations. Those with a Kapha nature handle stress very well, often not even noticing that it exists. They don’t like change, are generally conservative, and would prefer to keep things just the way they are. Those with a Kapha nature are also comfort seekers. This relates to the watery, soft nature of Kapha. Too much comfort, however, can lead to a lack of motivation and a feeling of becoming stuck. When Kapha is out of balance, the heavy emotions of depression and lethargy result.

In order to bring balance to a Kapha nature, the opposing qualities of lightness, dryness, and warmth are recommended.

Grains such as quinoa and amaranth are recommended, as well as hot spices like cayenne pepper. Lots of vegetables and very little nuts or dairy are prescribed. Cleansing herbs like guggul, and pungents like clove bring balance to Kapha. Lavender, Juniper, Clove, Marjoram and Eucalyptus are recommended essential oils for helping to Kapha balancing.

Physical Characteristics of the Kapha Type
The Kapha appearance is characterized by an impressive figure, big beautiful eyes, well-shaped mouth, smooth porcelain skin, snow-white teeth, thick hair, and inner peace.

Typical Kapha Disorders
If the Kapha type acts on the tendencies toward overeating, avoiding exercise, and excessive sleep for a long time, the Kapha Dosha is derailed and depressions, obesity, litholysis, and Diabetes mellitus may occur.

Health Tips for Kapha Types
If a Kapha-dominated person is able to exercise regularly, to change profession or place of residence from time to time, and to eat less than is offered, his or her strength and perseverance will be impressive for a lifetime. It is good to avoid the “digestive nap” during the day and to look for exciting situations instead.

Running and Osho mediations as well as a workplace without (too much) sitting will keep the Kapha type fit. Deep massages with warm herbal oils are very useful stimulants, and an Ayurvedic detoxification (Panchakarma health retreat) is his/her fountain of youth. With these means, the Kapha person will not experience any stress, rather exhilaration.

The Best Diet for Kapha Types
The golden rule of eating for Kapha types is: “Eat less than you feel hungry for or are craving. Good foods are spicy or well-seasoned, dry, and antiedemic.”

The Qualitative Nature of the Kapha Dosha

The dosha is characterized by a collection of qualities that support its particular energetic:

Kapha – Heavy, Slow, Cool, Oily, Smooth, Dense, Soft, Stable, Gross and Cloudy (Sticky).

Kapha Food Supplements

Avoid:
Minerals:
potassium

Vitamins: A, B1, B2, B12, D and E

Favour:
Aloe vera juice
Amino acids
Barley green
Bee pollen
Brewer’s yeast

Minerals: copper, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc

Royal jelly
Spirolina
Blue-green algae

Vitamins: B6, C, P (bioflavonoids) and Folic Acid

Click here to see the Food Guidelines…

Disclaimer

The sole purpose of these articles is to provide information about the tradition of ayurveda. This information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure or prevention of any disease. If you have any serious acute or chronic health concern, please consult a trained health professional who can fully assess your needs and address them effectively. If you are seeking the medical advice of a trained ayurvedic expert, call or e-mail us for the number of a physician in your area. Check with your doctor before taking herbs or using essential oils when pregnant or nursing.