Abstract

Kapha dosha is one of the three dosha according to the basic principles of Ayurveda. Among the Tridoshas, Kapha is considered to be the force in its natural state. Hence it is essential to maintain Kapha in its normal state. The aggravated dosha is capable of producing its own symptoms and initiating disease pathology. If care is not taken to bring the dosha to its normal state, the disease progresses to successive stages. Kapha dosha controls body fluids and maintains the structural harmony of the organism. Kapha imbalance is one of the most common problems in our daily lives. The main combination of elements that make up the Kapha dosha is water and earth. It incorporates the characteristics of both these elements: the stability, consistency and firmness of earth, as well as the free movement, smoothness and coolness of water. It is known to hold everything together. In this article will discuss symptoms, ayurvedic tips and herbs to balance the Kapha dosha.

Location of Kapha

Kapha is predominantly located in the upper portion of the body. The chief seat of the Kapha dosha is Chest. Some other location of the kapha dosha are:

  • Chest
  • Throat
  • Tongue
  • Trachea
  • Fat tissue 
  • Head
  • Nose

Qualities of Kapha Dosha

  • Snigdha (Oily)
  • Guru (Heavy)
  • Manda (Slow)
  • Shalakshna (Smooth)
  • Sheeta (Cold)
  • Sthira (Stable)

Kapha Imbalance Symptoms

  • Mukha praseka (Excessive Salivation)
  • Mukha madhurya (feeling of sweetness in mouth)
  • Mukha lipata (white coating over tongue)
  • Nidra Adhikya (excessive sleep)
  • Budhi Mandya (lack of intelligence)
  • Achaitanya (lack of decision making power)
  • Agnimandya (Low digestive fire)
  • Alasya (lethargy)
  • Gaurav (heaviness in body)
  • Shaitya (coldness in body)
  • Staimitya (Feeling stiff)
  • Maladhikya (increase feces volume)
  • Murtradhikya (increase urine volume)
  • Trupti (lack of appetite)
  • Katuka-Ushna Kamita (craving of eat something hot and pungent)

Effects of Kapha Balance

A. Physical:

  • Varicose veins
  • High cholesterol
  • Depression
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Diabetes

B. Behavioural:

  • Blood in the stools
  • Hyperglycemia
  • Chronic sinus infections
  • Congestive heart failure 
  • Hypertension

Causes of Kapha Imbalance

  • Consuming foods that increase Kapha (dairy, fatty and oily foods, cold drinks, frozen and salty foods, sweets, very sweet and sour fruits).
  • Overeating, eating heavy meals.
  • Spending too much time in cold and humid climate.
  • Lack of physical activity/sleeping during the day.

Abnormal Functions of Kapha Dosha

The abnormal functions of Kapha when Kapha is in imbalance state: 

  • Causes emaciation of body
  • Causes lethargy 
  • Causes loss of interest in sexual intercourse
  • Reduces body immunity
  • Make joints weak

When Kapha is in an imbalance state, it can be hyperfunctioning or hypo functioning.

A. Hyperfunctioning of Kapha (Vridhi):

  • Shaukalaya (Whitish coloration of skin) 
  • Shaityam (A feeling of coldness) 
  • Sthairyam (Stiffness)
  • Gauravam (Heaviness in body)
  • Avasada (Depression) 
  • Tandra (Drowsiness) 
  • Atinidrata (Sleepiness) 
  • Sandhivishlesha (Lack of firmness in joints)

B. Hypofunctioning of Kapha (Kshaya):

  • Rukshata (Dryness) 
  • Antara Daha (Burning sensation in the body)
  • Sandhi shaithilya (Flaccid joints) 
  • Thirst (trishna)
  • Daurbalya (Weakness)
  • Anidra (Loss of sleep)
  • Brahma (Giddiness) 
  • Angamarda (Body aches)

Some Ayurvedic Tips to Balance the Kapha Dosha

  • Consume a Kapha pacifying diet (foods with bitter, astringent and pungent tastes)
  • Foods that can refresh the mind while limiting overall consumption are leafy greens, vegetables, astringents and dried fruits like apples, apricots, peaches and mangoes.
  • The most suitable sweetener for Kapha dosha is raw honey
  • Early to bed, early to rise
  • Daily physical activity and exercise routine like jogging, cycling and other adventures. 
  • Involvement in introspective activities (writing, emotional housekeeping, meditation etc.)
  • Keeping yourself warm and dry
  • Regularly doing oil massage (abhyanga) with warm sesame oil

Yogasana

  • Surya namaskara  (Sun salutations)
  • Ardha chandrasana (Half moon posture)
  • Veerabhadrasana II (Warrior posture II)
  • Trikonasana (Triangle pose)
  • Vrikshasana (Tree pose)
  • Dhanurasana (Bow posture)
  • Purvottanasana (Upward plank pose)
  • Shavasana (Corpse pose)

Some Ayurvedic Herbs that helps in Balancing the Kapha Dosha

  • Triphala 
  • Vyaghryadi 
  • Kanchanara guggulu
  • Lavangadi vati
  • Nishamlaki
  • Amrut
  • Shatavari
  • Ashwangandha
  • Haridra

Conclusion

Tridoshas are the three fluids or forces of the body, which when in balance provide health and when out of balance cause disease. Physical disorders can cause mental disturbances and mental disorders can cause physical illnesses which can lead to imbalance of the tridoshas. Hence, keeping the mind healthy is equally important. This can be achieved by doing yoga asanas, pranayama, staying away from a diet and lifestyle that increases kapha.