Stimulating Kapha

I remember a teacher of mine used to say that we all wish to be Kapha.  The main reason why he suggested that was because Kapha people have a huge heart, ample patience, endurance, and groundedness.

So, how does a person with a balanced Kapha Energy look like or feel like? Particularly those with a stronger presence of Kapha in them.First, they have excellent stamina and good, a strong, robust physique. Very strong immunity to diseases and a stable emotional state, very grounded.Balanced Kapha has good levels of patience, loyalty, and affection.

 Balanced Kapha individuals are fairly methodical, have good memory levels, probably the best of all, and work as deep thinkers, they are not into talking too much. Kapha Dosha’s essential characteristics are binding and building.

This can often translate into slower metabolism and a weight-gaining tendency. they experience a Regular one-time bowel movement with soft and heavy stool formation. Pitta people go several times, and Vata people have a tendency to constipation.

Regular menstruation with 3 – 5 days of menstrual cycle and normal bleeding. High stamina and endurance.

Ability to undergo extreme physical activity and mental challenges without much health impact. Supple skin, strong bones, and dark and lustrous hair.  In general, they have a larger frame.  I remember when I learned about the different types of bodies that could manifest in a person and the differences such as a Vata and a Kapha frame.  It made so much sense to me.

This is the beauty of Ayurveda, that being a Sacred Ancestral Science it shows us that we are different manifestations of the Same, Life Force.

Kapha Imbalances trigger inertia, blockage, and sluggishness in the body and mind. Usually, Kapha Dosha increases in damp and cold weather and by taking in heavy meals. Kapha is the energy of growth and structure. That’s why when one experiences a Kapha imbalance, then often there is a struggle with symptoms related to excess in the body.  There is congestion.  Some of the health symptoms of Kapha imbalance are lethargy, depression, water retention, sinus congestion, metabolic disorders, and fungal infections.

Some of the signs of Kapha’s Imbalance in the Mind are Lethargy, Excessive sleep, and lack of energy despite enough resting hours.  Also depression, withdrawal, lack of interest in life and activities, and absence of motivation.  Drowsiness, brain fog, indecisiveness, and lack of clarity. Greed, possessiveness, ignorance, and excessive attachment.

  Physically the imbalances could show for men as Enlarged prostate and for women as Fungal and vaginal yeast infections, Ovarian cysts, fibrocystic lumps, and fatty cysts on the skin or breasts. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (although all doshas are affected in some of these imbalances), also Hypothyroidism, and also for women  Excessive vaginal discharge that is mucoid, white, milky, and but without a foul smell, pitta people have more of that.  And also Prolonged and slow menstrual cycles.

For both men and women, it could show as Low libido.  Kapha’s Imbalance leads to Diabetes, Obesity and High Cholesterol Early signs of Kapha increase include a sense of heaviness, nausea, excessive salivation, sweet taste in the mouth, indigestion, and sluggish metabolism, and low or no appetite.  Kapha imbalance causes the stools to be heavy, oily, pale, sticky, and mucoid. You can also check it out there if there are a lot of toxins within.

IN fact as part of the morning rituals we need to check ourselves, the tongue, the stool, the urine, the quality of the eye buggers, how much mucous we are producing, etc.

Usually, a feeling of incomplete bowel movement is present.  Kapha types have a tendency to sleep deeply and for long hours, but indulging in sleep too much can result in lethargy and fatigue.  Kapha types are naturally stable, patient, and nurturing. While these are wonderful qualities, these earth-water types need to watch out for becoming complacent, overly attached, and self-satisfied.

A routine can be helpful if it supports peace of mind and the health of the body. However, clinging too tightly to routine and creature comforts,   Chronic Kapha imbalance triggers high blood sugar levels, Diabetes, eating disorders, and pus in the stools.

 Excessive Kapha is also indicated by high triglyceride levels, high cholesterol levels, artery stiffening, and symptoms of atherosclerosis.

 Kapha imbalance leads to fatty liver, enlarged liver, and enlarged spleen.  Excessive urination, excess ear wax, dental plaque, and excessive hair growth.

Excessive desire for pleasure in the form of sweet foods, treats, indulgence, and sex could also show a tendency to Kapha imbalance.  Kapha imbalance can lead to whiteness in the urine, eyes, or feces.

This is another way in which you can check in the mornings.  It can lead to the growth of tumors, goiter, glaucoma, protruded eyes, and gallstones.  Fungal and yeast infections across various body parts such as skin, scalp, nails, and private parts.

A Kapha Imbalance causes Swelling and Water Retention also, High fluid retention is localized to the mouth, tongue, nose, respiratory system, stomach, spleen, and around the heart. Lymphatic congestion, swollen lymph glands, varicose veins. Profuse edema, solid edema, and formation of fatty tumors of any nature.  High blood pressure due to fluid retention, and or weight gain. Swelling and stiffness in the joints and a sense of heaviness in the body.

Kapha Imbalance leads to Asthma, Sinus blockage, and Excessive Mucus.

Kapha increase affects the respiratory system through excessive production and accumulation of mucus. Colds, productive cough with phlegm, a runny nose, excess nasal crust, chronic or short sinus infections, and phlegm adhered to the throat. Hay fever, flu, wheezing, congestion in the sinuses, throat, and chest. Problems in the lungs, Asthma, and Bronchitis.

Remember Kapha Imbalance leads to Slow Digestion.

An individual with Kapha Dosha Imbalance suffers from the poor digestive fire a person with a Vata imbalance suffers from irregular digestion and a person with a Pitta Imbalance suffers from strong hunger and food that does not get digested properly.

In the case of Kapha, slow digestion results in sluggish movement of food through the digestive tract, low levels of hunger, and insufficient digestion.  In Ayurveda, the Kapha type of digestion is called Manda Agni A sluggish digestion leads to a build-up of wastes and toxins in the body. This triggers multiple health problems related to inflammation and congestion.

  The beauty of Ayurveda is that it helps us learn how to prevent Kapha Imbalances, first we know that a Kapha imbalance is more common in individuals with Kapha body type. However, in today’s fast-paced life, even Pitta and Vata people are not spared from Kapha aggravation.  So let’s remember, Same Increases Same and opposites balance.

This means that there are high chances for Kapha’s energy increases when one is exposed to Kapha’s aggravating factors through diet and lifestyle. For example, Kapha Dosha is aggravated in the later winter and spring seasons. During this time a person with stronger Kapha nature or imbalance could get prone to health disorders related to sinus congestion, Asthma, excessive mucus, and poor digestion.

Kapha Dosha is active during the cold months of winter season also.

This is the time when it gets easily imbalanced. This is why one needs to control the consumption of cold, heavy, and damp foods particularly when the weather is similar outside.  Remember diet is there to balance the environment.

Childhood is related to the physical aspects of Kapha. that’s why children are more inclined to have to mucus-related problems and chest congestions.

  During the day, Kapha Dosha is active from 6 AM to 10 AM and from 6 PM to 10 PM. This is the time when Kapha imbalance symptoms become prominent. For example, one would find early morning and early evening times when joints swell, depression, lethargy, and heaviness build up.  But on the other hand, these are great times for planning the day in the morning, having a good breakfast but not too excessive, or fasting if the energy is very heavy to the point that it is making you drag yourself.

At night, it is the time to slow down, to have an early dinner, not too heavy that could impair your good deep sleep, but good enough that when you go to sleep you are a bit hungry, it is ok to be slightly hungry when you go to sleep.  then your body will decongest and sleep deeper.

Regular consumption of cold, frozen, stale, fried, and heavy foods increase Kapha, in fact, fried food could also increase pitta.  Excessive consumption of sugary, starchy, and salty foods. Also, increase Kapha.  Excessive consumption of water or fruits with heavy watery nature, like watermelons, can increase Kapha in a person with a Kapha imbalance. Although Pittas and Vatas would do good with watermelons.

Big portioned meals and excessive processed food consumption.   Overeating and eating without hunger. This applies to every person. But for someone that is gaining weight and it noticing that digestion is getting slower or not as efficient, this is something to keep an eye on.

Drinking too much water before, with, or after the meals.  Check the water video.  Sudden, excessive, or prolonged exposure to cold and damp conditions can affect a person with Kapha nature quickly.

 Sedentary lifestyle, lack of stimulation, and absence of movement. Low or no physical activity. Even breathing through the mouth on a regular basis.

 Sleeping during the daytime and sleeping beyond 6-6:30 AM in the morning. Boring routine and surroundings that do not involve any change from the status quo. Lack of sunshine or being all the time indoors.  At the Mental level, Kapha could be Imbalanced when there is  a loss of a loved one, sadness, and loss of financial or social freedom.  This is when Faith really comes into play and also allowing things to flow and to just be as they are.  Absence of mental stimulation. Following a repetitive schedule and activities that do not require any learning.

Learning and improving oneself is a part of a good living. This could be also lived through experiences such as travel, music, and art, I like what the Dalia Lama advised, visit a new place every year.   Now Some Ayurvedic Tips to keep Kapha Dosha under Balance First, one should take measures that enhance the stimulation of both mental and physical body systems. Since Kapha is cold and thick in nature, it highly benefits from heat treatment and drying foods.

Consider food drying when it can absorb moisture, for example, dry oats, when you soak them they absorb large amounts of liquid.    Kapha balance can be done by various Ayurvedic treatment options involving: Changes in diet and food, Kapha Imbalance struggles with poor digestive fire. Often, Kapha dosha gets imbalanced by heavy, cold, unwholesome, and oily foods.

Therefore, one should prefer light to digest, warm, and drying foods for Kapha Diet. Your meals should be warm or hot in temperature and potency, this means spices. Also, Kapha dosha often gets stagnant or bored by repetition. so it is good to focus on taste and stimulation with the proper use of spices and herbs. Spices also help to ignite the digestive fire and promote metabolism in humans.  You can avoid Breakfast if you are not particularly hungry.

Alternatively, prefer a light breakfast with either fruits or a wholesome vegetable. Prefer heating Ayurvedic Herbs and spices such as Cardamom, Cloves, Paprika, and Ginger (I prefer ginger fresh, not dried, and grated a little bit only in order to prevent overheating). They will help to liquefy, dry up, and eliminate excess Kapha. Avoid heavy nighttime meals. Practice early dinner, which is latest by 7 PM. This will help to provide ample time for proper digestion of the food.

 Do not overeat! Do not take food when you are not hungry.  Include a variety of fresh vegetables and make them the major portion of the meal.

  Eliminate foods with a cold potency and cold temperature. Limit and avoid foods such as cold, frozen foods or drinks, and carbonated drinks.

Remove extremely salty, stale, and heavily processed foods. Avoid, leftovers from the refrigerator or freezer.

Eat warm, light, dry, and energizing dishes such as this Sweet Pepper and Baby Kale Quinoa meal. Add warming and invigorating spices to your food, such as ginger, black pepper, fenugreek, and cayenne.  Diet and digestive wellness are foundational in Ayurveda.

Ayurveda goes beyond considering macronutrients and micronutrients and takes into account the qualities of the food. What is the energetic profile? Foods that are cool, heavy, and moist will generally increase Kapha dosha, and if taken frequently by someone with a Kapha constitution, will likely cause an imbalance. Examples of cool, heavy, moist foods are ice cream, buttered wheat bread, oatmeal, root veggies, milk, and sweets.

The sweet, sour, and salty tastes increase Kapha, so watch out for a predominance of those foods if you need to keep Kapha in check. Sour, heavy foods such as cheese increase Kapha as well. Also, adding excessive amounts of salt or sweeteners to foods may aggravate Kapha dosha.  Lifestyle Practices to Balance Kapha Dosha.

 Practice self-massage “abhyanga” with light and warm oils. Some examples are Mustard Oil, and Sesame Oil. Kapha usually does not need so much massage as Vata and Pitta do. Dry powder massage can be conducted to stimulate circulation. or just dry brushing is great enough.

 Go early to bed and rise early too (before 6 AM) to avoid Kapha increase. In fact, I would recommend waking up the earliest possible, before sunrise around 5 a.m. or so.

 Do not sleep during day time. if tired practice Yoga Nidra.

Learn new skills and add more experiences for regular mental stimulation.  Go for an energetic and lively routine to promote stimulation. Prefer invigorating music, smells, and new experiences such as trying new habits, or sports, or traveling to a new place.  Kapha benefits the most through regular, rigorous, and strenuous physical activity. Exercise at least 5 days a week through dynamic workout routines and High-Intensity Exercises.

Look for physical activity such as Zumba, Pilates, Jogging, Running, Martial Arts, and Cycling. You may exercise in warm temperatures. It will help to melt down stubborn Kapha. Once you reach a comfort point, challenge yourself to either the next level of your current activity or pick up a new activity.  Pranayama | Breathing Exercises for Kapha Imbalance Pranayama practices involve breathing exercises, which develop the life force in the body.   It promotes the flow of energy, awakens the mind, and cleanses the body. Regular Pranayama increases Agni, promotes heat, and increases the flow of vital force of Prana through the body.  Following

Pranayama techniques are recommended for Kapha Dosha balance:

•  Kapalbhati Pranayama

• Bhastrika Pranayama

• Right Nostril Breathing

Meditation, even though it seems that it could not balance Kapha, meditation balances all doshas.

Heat treatment or spending time under the sun or sweating. Also, putting yourself at the mercy of the wind, for a little while could increase the movement energy within you and make you get activated.

Try something new. This doesn’t mean tossing all routines out the door, but engaging in practices that wake up the mind and stimulate the senses is important for Kapha types.

  Practice dry brushing (garshana) several times a week, especially during Kapha season (winter and spring). Dry brushing is a great daily practice that stimulates circulation and lymphatic flow. Since Kapha types have naturally moist skin, they don’t require heavy oil massage like Vata types. Instead, dry brushing before bathing is a great choice.

Do  Neti Pot cleansing several times a week, especially during Kapha season Since Kapha dosha rules the respiratory tract and Kapha types are prone to excess mucus, nasal rinsing can be especially helpful for Kapha dosha.  Stay physically active.

Vata and Pitta types tend to be drawn to movement and sports, but Kapha types need it the most. Physical activity that induces perspiration is important for counteracting the damp, heavy qualities of Kapha dosha. Vigorous physical activity will do wonders towards keeping both body and mind feeling light and invigorated. If you are a Kapha type, consider dancing, cycling, running, hiking, warming yoga practices, and swimming. Arise early.

Of the three doshas, Kapha types need the least amount of sleep. They also especially benefit from waking up early—just before sunrise is a good aim. The early morning hours provide the perfect opportunity for meditation and yoga practices, as well as daily self-care and physical movement. Keep it light. Kapha types should be careful not to overload the Agni with a heavy breakfast.  Aromatherapy, particularly with citruses, is for activating, notice please that citruses can imbalance Vata energy.

Later on, when I talk about the self-massage I offer in the book a combination of oils that is good for everybody a recipe for your own massage oil  As mentioned earlier, self-understanding is key. If you suspect that you have a Kapha imbalance, here are some signs to look for. So once again these are possible Kapha imbalances to look for.

Remember that Vata pushes Pitta and Pitta pushes Kapha, what that means is that if your mind is overactive, then that will create heat inside of you that will require the protection of Kapha from irritating your body.    Kapha imbalances account for only 10% of all imbalances, still, the most important thing to do is to keep an eye mainly on our Vata imbalances of overactivity and stress, particularly at the level of excessive thinking.

These are some of the symptoms for Kapha imbalances:

Physical Symptoms

•  Colds and flu.

•  Weight gain

• Water retention

• High blood pressure (pitta imbalance also)

• High cholesterol (pitta imbalance also)

• Low appetite

•  Sluggish digestion

• Congestion and excess mucus

• Respiratory disorders (coughs and asthma)

• Pale complexion

•  Sleeping excessively

•  Feeling heaviness .

Mental & Emotional Symptoms

• Lethargy

•  Trouble getting motivated

• Brain fog

• Complacency

•  Greed

• Clinging to routines, relationships, or material objects

•  Feeling overly sentimental or attached

• Emotional overeating

• Stubbornness

• Depression and melancholy

•  Hoarding

  If knowing is half the battle, the other half is what to do about it. If you suspect that you have a Kapha constitution or Kapha imbalance, the main thing to do is to move, to get going, avoid staying stuck in a thought, an idea, or a situation, and allow life to flow.

Remember, it’s always easier to deal with health issues early on. If you can address the small issues, then you may be able to avert the big issues. Yet, if you are experiencing a lack of harmony in your constitutional balance—be it great or small—study yourself with all these recommendations.

You will get better with time and remember one last thing. Everything is always changing.

To recap, Kapha dosha is heavy, cool, and moist.

So, if you need to reduce or balance out Kapha, keep it light, warm, moving, and dry. You can apply this principle to foods, herbs, and daily practices. Think light, eat light, and be light to keep Kapha in check!

Many blessings in everything,

Leo Cordero