Things always have to be done quickly and efficiently, and everything has to be done as quickly as possible. If you don 't let yourself get carried away by this hectic pace, you have sometimes already won. Calm, level-headed people are often envied in our sometimes very stressful times. Ayurveda has a special name for this type of being: Kapha.
People who are characterised by the Ayurvedic dosha 'kapha' are strong, calm and static. But before we get lost in details at the beginning, let's take a step back and look at where this concept actually originates and what role it plays in Ayurveda.
What do the doshas mean in Ayurveda?
The term dosha comes from Sanskrit and means 'defect' or 'infirmity'. These doshas occur in every human being in different constitutions, which vary from person to person. If the basic relationship between the doshas is out of balance, this leads to a wide variety of illnesses and complaints.
The basic relationship can be composed in different ways. Either one of the doshas is more dominant than the others (whereby the degree of dominance can vary), two doshas are more pronounced, or, in very rare cases, all three doshas are equally strong. In whom this is the case, the person is characterised by a unique balance.
The constitution of these 'defect potentials' characterises people, provides information about the way of life and behaviour of someone and to which diseases they are potentially susceptible. In addition, the diet can be based on this, because it is significantly involved in the balance of the doshas.
Characteristics of the Kapha type
Based on appearance, Kapha people are those who have a sturdy, heavy build. They have thick, firm hair and strong joints. Even with a moderate appetite, some tend to be overweight. Smooth skin, round contours and expressive eyes quickly suggest this type.
Kapha is the structural principle in Ayurveda and is characterised by the elements earth and water. Earth in particular stands for stability, compactness, steadiness and security. Further linked to it are attributes such as slowness, security, contentment and tolerance.
Kapha types are not easily thrown off course. With a strong immune system, they are less susceptible to diseases, but a potential tendency to obesity subsequently leads to related complaints, such as diabetes, but also lung, bronchial or sinus diseases.
Body and mind are known to be connected; so is the physical and mental strength of Kapha types. They are stable, balanced personalities who act thoughtfully and calmly and appreciate a steady lifestyle. They can handle money well and are good business people due to their level-headedness and sense of planning and organisation.
They work patiently and persistently, but perhaps a little slowly and they like to fiddle around. A certain routine is not boring for them, but pleasant. And - who would have thought it - they are true connoisseurs, when eating and when sleeping.
In social relationships they are reliable and loyal and therefore have stable, profound friendships. They are not quarrelsome, but also do not forget disappointments quickly and do not change their minds quickly. Of all three types, they have the least tendency to mental disorders.
If their balance is tipped, this has a slowing effect on their digestion, they develop a tendency to greed, envy, possessiveness and sluggishness. They could also be called phlegmatic, especially as they tend to become mucous in the head and chest area when they are out of balance.
Kapha people love water, sun and warmth and everything colourful.
What is best to eat for Kapha imbalance
If the organism is (too much) characterised by steadiness and slowness, a stimulating food counteracts this. This is the case with dry, light, heating, spicy and bitter tastes and foods.
Since the Kapha digestion likes to take its time, rather 2, but at the most 3 meals should be eaten per day. Snacks and meals in the early morning or late evening are not advisable. In order to give the digestion some time out and Kapha rest, fasting days are popular.
In orderto lower the Kapha level, the following foods should be avoided: sweet, sour, heavy, oily, salty or cold foods (especially in the morning and in spring), fried food, cheese, milk, animal proteins in general, raw food (if then at noon or in summer).
Spices such as chilli, pepper, ginger, turmeric and tart herbs prevent the kapha potential. In addition, tissue-building and light foods such as mung beans, barley, millet, leafy vegetables, artichokes and honey help.
Ideal lifestyle for Kapha balance
Kapha types want to strengthen their dynamism and energy so as not to see their stable rest deteriorate into inertia or even laziness. This creates movement, physical and mental activity. A new demanding hobby and active leisure time activities lower your Kapha potential, which tends to be high.
However, you can also indulge your desire for peace, safety and security and withdraw as you please. This is a good Kapha way to compensate for stress, although over-eating is often relied upon. Find another way; exercise is particularly good.
Learn to consciously represent your interests and not to be satisfied with mediocrity. Practice activity, self-discipline and willpower. Perhaps you can benefit from your organisational skills and actively set yourself goals.
