Your Body Type

"Prakriti is Kapha"

The ancient medical science “Ayurveda”, focuses on three major energies, known as the tri-energies. One component of them is Kapha. Kapha’s main function is to decide the body structure of individuals. It gathers all the cells together into one mass and aids in the formation of the spines, bones, muscles, and lipids. The major function of this element is to protect the body. It looks for the physical and psychological lubrication of the human structure. It also helps in the formation of the 7 major tissues of the human body, namely, blood, nutritive fluids, fat, bones, marrow, reproductive tissues and muscles. It controls the growth, lubrication and weight of the lungs and joints.

Characteristics of Kapha

  • Slow
  • Heavy
  • Steady
  • Cold
  • Solid
  • Oily
  • Soft

Physical Characteristics of Kapha

The physical signs of people with Kapha characteristics are the following:
  • Wonderful physical stamina and endurance
  • Strong built
  • Thick hair
  • Soft and large eyes
  • Radiant and smooth skin
  • Sound sleep
  • Proper digestion

Emotional Characteristics of Kapha

People who exhibit characteristics of the Kapha do tend to have a high spirit and are full of energy for life. They enjoy a comfortable, ordinary life.
  • Loving
  • Calm
  • Thoughtful
  • Loyal
  • Steady
  • Strong
  • Supportive

Characteristics of People with Kapha Traits When the Trait Is Out of Balance

An individual with out-of-balance kapha traits exhibits the following characteristics:

  • Excessive sleeping
  • Overweight
  • Tend to hold on to things or relationships even after they are not necessary
  • Stubbornness
  • Resist changes
  • Diabetes, asthma, and depression are the chronic disorders which they suffer from.

Dietary Recommendation for Individuals with Kapha Characteristics

Ayurveda states that to balance the impact of doshas or pacifying it from becoming aggravated, every individual must concentrate on the diet and food items to be consumed. Kapha generally is cold, heavy and oily. Therefore, dry, warm, and light food products are typically preferred. Also, foods which are bitter, pungent and astringent in taste are most effective. Avoid foods which are sour, salty and sweet.

  • Consumption of dairy products is minimized, which enhances the aggravating properties of Kapha. A very less quantity of low-fat yoghurt, milk and ghee is recommended.
  • Have a liquid diet once a week. Drink pureed soup, fresh fruit and vegetable juices, and other beverages.
  • Consume honey because it soothes Kapha so well. Avoid additional sweeteners because they amplify the Kapha doshas. This further leads to problems like allergies, colds, lethargy and sinus.
  • In general, apples, cranberries, pomegranates, apricots, and other lighter fruits are advised. While, pineapples, avocadoes, peaches, oranges, coconuts, dates, melons, figs and other heavier fruits must be avoided.
  • For those with Kapha features, foods like chicken, eggs, turkey, and seafood are recommended in order to maintain equilibrium. To keep the balance, red meat must be totally avoided.
  • Spices with a strong flavour, such as cayenne, pepper, and ginger, can be consumed. Salt must be avoided completely.
  • Individuals can have or apply a very little amount of extra virgin almond oil, ghee, olive oil, sunflower oil, safflower oil and mustard oil.
  • People with Kapha characteristics should consume less wheat, oats and rice and prefer corn, barley, rye, buckwheat and millet.
  • All vegetables except juicy and sweet like zucchini, tomatoes, and sweet potatoes must be consumed.
  • Reduce the intake of all nuts.
  • Consumption of ginger tea helps to stimulate the process of digestion and the whole metabolic process of the body.

Tips to Balance Kapha

  1. Keep yourselves safe from dampness and keep yourself warm as Individuals are highly sensitive to cold and get benefits from heat.
  2. Follow a routine. Avoid napping in the morning.
  3. Do dry massage daily to maintain a balanced process of circulation in the body.
  4. Cleanliness is another important suggestion for individuals with Kapha characteristics. Keep your home, car and office clean and dispose of all those things, which are not required at all.
  5. Do exercises regularly to prevent the accumulation of harmful toxins from the body. Practice swimming, running, aerobics and bicycling. Follow the music’s beat as you dance.
  6. Consuming aromatic spices like cinnamon, cloves, juniper, and camphor is advised since they have energising scents.

The use of bright and warm colours like red, yellow and orange is recommended.

Dr. Vivek Joshi