kapha dosha: the elemental view of water + earth
an elemental view
Spring. The world around us begins to waken, to re-animate. Rivers swell with melt from winter snow and ice, creating a sense of heaviness in the air. The cold hasn’t quite left us yet, and the outside environment can feel wet, dense, and soft.
What does this have to do with Āyurveda, and more specifically, Kapha dosha?
Āyurveda recognizes that everything we interact with on the physical plane is comprised of a particular ratio of elements, and that we too are made up of those same elements. When the elements (ether, air, fire, water) of the external, macro environment are balanced with the elements of the internal, micro environment, these elements maintain harmony and support life, but when out of balance can cause discomfort.
qualities of kapha dosha
Kapha dosha is one of the three constitutional types, or humors, recognized by Āyurveda. Kapha is the combination of Earth and Water elements, and its qualities are heavy, slow/dull, oily, cold, dense, slimy, and stable. When we see these qualities manifest in the external environment, we know that in order to maintain balance of the macro and micro environments, we must tend to kapha in healthy ways to avoid an imbalance.
earth + water
Kapha dosha governs form and substance, and constitutes the main structure of the body. It predominates the upper part of the body, present in the stomach, lungs, and head. Feelings and emotions are governed by Kapha. It provides calm and stability, but can prevent growth and expansion.
Kapha dosha rules spring time, but did you know that there are also Kapha times of day, and even Kapha stage of life? These time periods also see an increase in Kapha dosha, and so knowing when to expect Kapha dosha can help to bring balance. Check out our blog on the Āyurvedic clock.
balancing kapha dosha
Is your Kapha out of balance? If so, you may be experiencing one or more of the following:
excess mucous and congestion
increased body weight
difficulty waking the in morning
feeling slow, sluggish, or heavy
feeling stuck mentally or emotionally
emotional eating
In order to restore balance, you can utilize warming, drying, and stimulating qualities through your lifestyle practices like dry brushing. Physical movement and exercise play an important roll in countering Kapha’s stagnation. Food practices also play a big part in balancing Kapha dosha as well, and we utilize pungent, bitter, and astringent tastes to pacify Kapha dosha. Digestive spices like Three Pungents wake up the digestive fire, herbal teas like Kapha Bright Fire counter the cold and congested qualities of Kapha.
There are many ways to stay healthy and constitutionally balanced this spring. Our apothecary is stocked with goods aimed at pacifying dosha.
related products
vata root down tea
Root Down Tea is formulated to counter the light, dry, airy qualities of Vata Dosha. When you need to feel grounded, present, and steady of mind brew a daily cup of Root Down. This blend contains Ayurvedic Herbs that support the nervous system, strength of digestion, and the adrenals.
Boil 2-4 tsp for 10-20 minutes and strain. Add milk/mylk and sugar for an extra cozy cup. If adding milk, be sure to boil for an additional minute or two. Do not boil mylk.
In a pinch, steep 1-2tsp in hot water for 10 minutes.
pitta cool refresh tea
When Pitta get overheated and cranky, Cool Refresh is a lovely support. Cooling, blood nourishing, and a little sweet - this blend makes a Pitta pacifying and delicious cup.
Steep 2-4 tsp in hot water for 3-5 minutes. Let cool completely (for most effectiveness), or drink warm.
Alternatively, brew at room temperature or under the light of the moon for 8-12 hours. Discard herbs and refrigerate.
kapha bright fire tea
Bright Fire tea is a warming antidote to slow, sluggish Kapha-type digestive fire. A cup of this tea 20-30 minutes before a meal supports strong digestion, and lessens the physical accumulations Kapha brings.
Boil 1-2 tsp in water for 5-10 minutes. Strain and enjoy! In a pinch, try steeping 1-2 tsp in hot water for 5-10 minutes.
2oz + 5oz
Santhwanam translates to “soothing”. This massage oil is ideal when there is tenderness, whether in the physical, mental, or emotional body.
Physically, Santhwanam supports healthy circulation to minimize swelling and discomfort, making it Ideal in bodies that may be congested or struggle with Kapha stagnation.
This daily massage oil:
* Supports Blood Flow & Healthy Circulation
* Nourishes and Rehydrates the Skin
* Relaxes Joint and Tissues
More subtley, we like using Santhwanam to soothe a heart that needs tending, or care for mental and/or emotional tenderness.
This oil absorbs beautifully into the skin and is well-suited for a full-body abhyanga. For a more energetic approach you can spot treat, and use for “dry” abhyanga to support anything that’s feeling congested and stuck.
4oz + 8oz
Dry brushing is the perfect way to start your abhyanga (self oil massage) practice. Dry brushing increases lymphatic circulation, exfoliates the skin, and opens pores, preparing the dermis to better receive your ayurvedic massage oil.
Handled Body Brush: This 100% natural boar bristle brush has a contoured wide wood handle, made from quality wood from the Chinese Guger Tree (Schima superba).
Facial Dry Brush: This brush is made from goat bristles which are perfect for those with sensitive skin. The bristles are softer than those on a body brush for a more comfortable facial brushing experience.
Travel Body Brush: Bristles are made from natural sisal and are perfect hardness to remove dead skin, unclog pores, and stimulate both the circulatory and lymphatic systems.
This blend of three pungent spices is an Āyurvedic formula aimed at pacifying Kapha dosha.
Ginger, black pepper, and pippali heat up and clear out the cold, heavy qualities of Kapha. Pungent taste stokes agni. The typical slow/dull Agni of Kapha dosha is awakened and stimulated by this spice blend. In particular, Pippali has an affinity to the lungs, a place where excess Kapha can accumulate and create congestion or respiratory imbalance. The inclusion of this herb provides lung support, especially important in spring (Kapha season).
Cook with it, use it as a spice at the table, or drink as a tea 20-30 minutes before a meal to stoke Agni and dial up metabolism!
2oz
These doshic rollers are one of our favorite and most convenient ways to calm excess dosha using the wonders of aromatherapy. Each roller is a blend of essential oils in a light fractionated coconut base oil that feels good going on, and provides a long lasting experience.
Our rollers are perfect for traveling or daily use. Throw one in your bag for anytime access. Roll onto pulse points, or your face mask for on-the-go aromatherapy.
Vata Be Grounded is the perfect oil to use any time you need to relax, go inward, and center. It pacifies Vata dosha by soothing an agitated nervous system, calming an overactive mind, and supporting strong vitality.
Pitta Be Calm works to cool and calm a heated mind or nervous system. It is an effective floral relaxant and simultaneously promotes uplifting moods.
It is the perfect oil for those with tendencies towards irritability, anger, or an uptight personality. With regular use, the workaholic will gain great benefit from the cool, calming effects. It is a nice oil for children and will support pleasant moods and greater attention span.
Kapha Be Energized penetrates through stagnant energy and can be used to effectively refresh, energize, and cleanse your office or home of stale air or low energy.
8ml
Because lips need Āyurvedic love too! Choose from our line of doshic lip balms, or select one of our seasonal balms.
Vata: An herbal infusion of asvagandha, complimented by a sweet and aromatic trio of almond, cardamom, and Turkish rose.
Pitta: An herbal infusion of amalaki, complimented by a cooling trio of coconut, Malagasy lemongrass, and peppermint.
Kapha: An herbal infusion of tulsi, complimented by an invigorating trio of grapefruit, eucalyptus, and Malagasy ginger.
Chai Spice: the real deal! a blend of black pepper, cinnamon, clove, anise, and vanilla. Spicy divinity!
Moon: The vanilla and peru balsam scent will lull you to sleep. Azulene packed blue chamomile soothes your lips for some true beauty z's!
Many grains (especially wheat & rice) are categorized under sweet taste Ayurvedically, and notoriously Kapha aggravating. Quinoa is a "pseduo-grain" that leads with a more astringent taste, than sweet, making this grain more Kapha friendly.
This is especially true, when prepared as a warm breakfast cereal - making quinoa a Kapha pacifying substitute for oats. It’s light quality also helps prevents imbalances during Kapha time of day (morning).
It’s easy to cook (simply soak in boiling water), and similarly easy to digest. It is high in fiber, soothing to the digestive tract, and slightly cooling, relieving inflammatory conditions. Quinoa is also free of gluten, a common allergen found in wheat and other grains. And contains more protein than traditional grains.
Quinoa is rich in iron, and restores strength to deficient blood. It contains more calcium than milk, and is rich in magnesium, phosphorus.
16oz
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