If you're a Kapha type, you have more of the earth and water elements in you. You'll tend to have Kapha ailments such as congestion, mucus, slow digestion, colds, asthma, swollen joints, excess water and swelling, white pus, lung conditions. The main symptom of Kapha is congestion.
Physical Kaphas are stout, stocky, often short, big (in relation to their height) with a well-developed physique. The face is large, round, often fat, white or pale, soft contours, a 'moon face'. The eyes are big, round, prominent. Gain weight easily and find it hard to lose. Hands are square or round.
Appetite Constant but low. Attached to food. Can often skip breakfast with no problem.
Stools Moderate amount, solid, sometimes pale, mucus in the stool. When digestion is imbalanced, tends to constipation as the metabolism is slow, but the stools won't be hard or uncomfortable when they do come.
Menstruation A regular cycle, can go up to 29-30 days, with a light flow lasting 3-7 days. When imbalanced, the cycle is still regular but there are swollen breasts, water retention, feelings of guilt, unworthiness, failure, unloved.
Mental traits Likes stability and security.
Negative tendencies Attached (to things, relationships), greedy, sentimental, lethargic, heavy heart. Anxious or angry if stability or family threatened. Puts things off and never moves or acts quickly.
Positive tendencies Calm, content, grounded, steady, loyal, tolerant, patient, compassionate, nurturing. Desire to help others be comfortable and cared for.
Kapha dosha is heavy, oily, cold, slow, static, stable and soft. Therefore, as Ayurveda works on the principle that 'like increases like', Kaphas will do best by avoiding cold, oily and heavy foods and activities. Eat heating, spicy, light foods, mainly vegetables, beans and wholegrains, and have spices with every meal. Avoid or reduce dairy, nuts and sugar.
Kapha types need activity and stimlation, otherwise they tend to congestion, lethargy and dullness in mind and body. Lead an active lifestyle. Pursue activities that challenge the mind. Do some stimulating exercise every day that makes you sweat, like brisk walks, cycling, swimming, dynamic yoga, or running. (Consult your GP first if you haven't exercised for some time or are overweight.) Don't be a couch potato.
Physical Kaphas are stout, stocky, often short, big (in relation to their height) with a well-developed physique. The face is large, round, often fat, white or pale, soft contours, a 'moon face'. The eyes are big, round, prominent. Gain weight easily and find it hard to lose. Hands are square or round.
Appetite Constant but low. Attached to food. Can often skip breakfast with no problem.
Stools Moderate amount, solid, sometimes pale, mucus in the stool. When digestion is imbalanced, tends to constipation as the metabolism is slow, but the stools won't be hard or uncomfortable when they do come.
Menstruation A regular cycle, can go up to 29-30 days, with a light flow lasting 3-7 days. When imbalanced, the cycle is still regular but there are swollen breasts, water retention, feelings of guilt, unworthiness, failure, unloved.
Mental traits Likes stability and security.
Negative tendencies Attached (to things, relationships), greedy, sentimental, lethargic, heavy heart. Anxious or angry if stability or family threatened. Puts things off and never moves or acts quickly.
Positive tendencies Calm, content, grounded, steady, loyal, tolerant, patient, compassionate, nurturing. Desire to help others be comfortable and cared for.
Kapha dosha is heavy, oily, cold, slow, static, stable and soft. Therefore, as Ayurveda works on the principle that 'like increases like', Kaphas will do best by avoiding cold, oily and heavy foods and activities. Eat heating, spicy, light foods, mainly vegetables, beans and wholegrains, and have spices with every meal. Avoid or reduce dairy, nuts and sugar.
Kapha types need activity and stimlation, otherwise they tend to congestion, lethargy and dullness in mind and body. Lead an active lifestyle. Pursue activities that challenge the mind. Do some stimulating exercise every day that makes you sweat, like brisk walks, cycling, swimming, dynamic yoga, or running. (Consult your GP first if you haven't exercised for some time or are overweight.) Don't be a couch potato.