What is Kapha, anyway?

ayurveda kapha spring Apr 14, 2024

You may have heard me mention Kapha, as a season, as a dosha. What is Kapha, anyway? To understand, we first have to look at Ayurveda’s grounding philosophy which states that all things in existence are made up of the five elements of ether or space, air, fire, water and earth. These elements are the building blocks for all that is contained within matter, including nature herself as well as our physical bodies. They are the reason for our form, how the mind works, the energy we have, and how we move, think, and feel.

All things in life are influenced by the five elements and the qualities associated with them. All living beings are made up of these 5 elements in slightly different proportions. This makes each of us unique with individual needs regarding diet and lifestyle. The elements have qualities associated with them such as heavy, light, cold, hot, oily, dry, smooth, and rough that Ayurveda looks very closely at when examining imbalances in the body.

The elements with their qualities make up the Doshas -Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. The Doshas are the three metabolic types which govern the unique psychophysiology of the individual. All functions of our minds and bodies are dependent upon the balanced or unbalanced state of the doshas.

Kapha is associated with Spring and is a combination of water and earth and means “that which holds things together”.

Kapha type people tend to have a heavy, sturdy frame with large bones. They have sweet, gentle natures, are calm and stable and have good stamina. Out of balance Kapha can become stubborn and lethargic and are prone to depression, congestion and respiratory problems.
Kaphas need stimulation, lots of exercise and to be careful not to overeat.
Keyword: relaxed
Main site in the body: stomach
Season: late Winter/ Spring
Examples: elephant, moon, oak, avalanche, Winnie-the-Pooh, Charlie Brown
Tastes associated with earth and water – sweet, salty and sour – may cause imbalances:
Tastes needed to be emphasized to balance: bitter, astringent, pungent

Kapha is responsible for the structure of the body and controls the moist tissues. It’s main functions are support, nourishment, lubrication, strength, stamina and physical growth.

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Blessings,
Deb}