 |
 |
 |
|
People who have a dominant Kapha constitution are most often healthy, content, calm and soft-spoken. They tend to have a large frame and well-developed body and, of the three types, have the most trouble maintaining a desirable weight. They have a tendency to become possessive, greedy and envious when under stress. They are believed to be more prone to colds, flu and seasonal allergies.
Kapha is made up of the two elements water and earth. The most revered ayurvedic text, the Charaka Samhita, defines the characteristics of Kapha dosha: heavy -- both water and earth are heavy elements (guru); cold (sheetoha); soft (mridu); oily, offering lubrication (snigdha); sweet (madhura); stability, offering immunity (sthira); and slippery (tikshila).
People with more Kapha in their constitutions tend to be of larger proportions, with a robust frame and padded joints, thick smooth skin that may tend towards oiliness, and rich, wavy hair. They are stable and calm in thought, speech and action, and are easy-going and supportive in relationships. There is an element of steadiness to their step, a quality of serenity in their smile. Loyalty is usually their second name. They are long, heavy sleepers and uncomfortable in damp, clammy environments. Calm and sweetness of disposition are hallmarks of balanced Kapha.
Causes & Development
Kapha is stimulated by sweet, sour and salty foods and is weakened by pungent, bitter and acid tasting foods. A Kapha type should be physically and mentally active, in order to help balance a Kapha dominance.
Treatment & Prevention
General dietary recommendations:
1. Favor foods that are light, dry, and warm. Minimize foods that are heavy, oily, or cold.
2. Favor foods that are spicy, bitter, and astringent. Minimize foods that are sweet, salty, or sour.
Dairy In general, avoid dairy products, except low-fat milk.
Fruit Lighter fruits, such as apples and pears, are best. Reduce heavy or sour fruits, such as oranges, bananas, pineapples, figs, dates, avocados, coconuts, and melons since these fruits increase Kapha.
Sweeteners Honey is excellent for reducing Kapha. Reduce sugar products, as these increase Kapha.
Beans All beans and bean products are fine except for tofu, which increases Kapha.
Nuts Reduce all nuts.
Grains Most grains are fine, especially barley and millet. Avoid wheat and rice, as they increase Kapha.
Vegetables All are fine, except tomatoes, cucumbers, sweet potatoes, and zucchini, as they increase Kapha.
Spices All spices are good except salt, which should be avoided, as it increases Kapha.
Meat and fish (for non-vegetarians) White meat from chicken or turkey is fine, as is seafood. Reduce red meat.
Sometimes it is difficult to assess your own type and discover those remedies best suited for you without professional help.
|
|
 |
|
 |
Signs, symptoms & indicators of Ayurvedic Dosha - Kapha Dominance:
Recommendations and treatments for Ayurvedic Dosha - Kapha Dominance:
KEY | | Weak or unproven link |  | | Highly recommended |
GLOSSARY
Allergy (Allergies)
Hypersensitivity caused by exposure to a particular antigen (allergen), resulting in an increased reactivity to that antigen on subsequent exposure, sometimes with harmful immunologic consequences.
Astringent
Agent causing contraction, especially after topical application.
Ayurvedic (Ayurveda)
Type of alternative medicine in which diet and therapies, such as herbal inhalation and massage, are dictated by individual's body type; 4,000 year-old traditional Indian system believed to be helpful to those suffering insomnia, hypertension and digestive problems.
Dosha (Doshas, Kapha, Pitta, Vata)
Ayurveda describes three humours or motivating principles called doshas, which are necessary for all living beings whether plant, animal or human. They are vata, pitta and kapha, represented in the body by wind, bile and mucus respectively. Vata is responsible for the movement of the organism, without and within. Pitta is responsible for metabolism and the processes of transformation, and kapha is responsible for form and structure. Disease is said to be the result of an imbalance in one or more of the three doshas.
Immune System (Immune Response, Immunity)
A complex that protects the body from disease organisms and other foreign bodies. The system includes the humoral immune response and the cell-mediated response. The immune system also protects the body from invasion by making local barriers and inflammation. The process may involve acquired immunity (the ability to learn and remember a specific infectious agent), or innate immunity (the genetically programmed system of responses that attack, digest, remove, and initiate inflammation and tissue healing).
Last updated: Apr 13, 2008
|
 |
|
|
