Kapha

Kapha - Elements: Earth (smell) and water (taste)

Of the five elements, earth and water are the most dense and heavy. They are life-giving, and indicate stability and nurturance. The harmony between these elements is evident in the balanced kapha constitution. When kapha is balanced, we are stable, loyal, loving, and affectionate; we are also peaceful, dependable, supporting, and nurturing. We feel grounded and can stand on our own two feet. We seek to be thorough in our understanding of things and, once we assimilate information, we retain it.

When we lack this grounded, stabilizing influence, kapha is said to be deficient. Without an adequate foundation to support us, we may lack vitality and stamina and, at times, feel incapacitated. We may also experience lethargy, unresponsiveness, and a lack of ambition.

When kapha is excessive in our constitution, we are often preoccupied with the need for security, trying too hard to control our environment and those around us. We can become overly attached and greedy in our need to satisfy this urge, and may attempt to surround ourselves with excessive comfort and wealth. We can become stubborn and possessive, shielding ourselves in a self-made cocoon from the helpful advice of others. We can also become rigid in our thinking and, over time, find it extremely difficult to change our behaviour patterns.

Signs that you need to balance Kapha

• Are you gaining weight easily, even though you feel like you don't really have an appetite?
• Do you feel tired even though you are not performing any physical activity?
• Do you find it difficult to awake even after long hours of sleep? Do you wake up feeling unrefreshed, tired?
• Is your skin feeling oilier than usual, with breakouts?
• Is your hair oily and streaky even with regular shampooing?
• Are you heavy and congested in your throat, head and chest?
• Is your digestion slow? Do you feel heavy and lethargic after a meal?
• Do you feel like you just want to sit and be a spectator?
• Do you feel withdrawn? Is it difficult to deal with change? Do you constantly feel the need to "cling"?
• Do you feel mentally unmotivated?

If you answered yes to many of the questions above, following a Kapha-balancing diet and lifestyle can help restore balance to Kapha.