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Kapha dosha is made of earth and water, with water being the predominant element in this dosha. Vata dosha is responsible for the movements of the body and mind; Pitta provides heat as well as transformation and digestive power. Kapha dosha, on the other hand, offers much needed protection. This earthy, watery dosha provides the physical structure of the body. Also, the water element lubricates the joints, moisturizes the skin, and provides endurance, vigor, and vitality.

Kapha Dosha Qualities

The elements of earth and water are associated with the qualities of cool, cloudy, dense, heavy, slow, smooth, soft, static, and oily. They are also correlated with being moist and gross.

Kapha Dosha Characteristics

These qualities manifest in people with a predominance of Kapha dosha in their constitution. Specifically, here are some of the characteristics to look for in Kapha types.

Heavy & Dense

Individuals who are predominantly Kapha possess heaviness rather than lightness. In terms of physical structure, this means that they typical have a strong, solid build. They have good muscle development and may be large-boned and voluptuous. Their skin will have a smooth, thick feeling. This does not mean that all Kapha types are overweight. It simply means that their underlying structure is more substantial and solid compared to the lighter and moderate frames of their Vata and Pitta counterparts. There is also a fullness to Kapha types that is exhibited as thick, lustrous hair, large eyes, thick eyelashes, and strong nails and teeth.

Cool

Coolness is another quality that is exhibited by Kapha types. Composed of chiefly earth and water, they lack the strong fire to create heat. Of course, everyone is made up of some combination of the five elements and three doshas, so Kapha types have their share of heat and fire. However, it is a lower flame compared to Pitta types. If you are mostly Kapha dosha, your body temperature will shade toward coolness. Yet, you may not suffer from intense cold and cold extremities as Vata types tend to.

Slow & Smooth

Kapha types tend to be slow, smooth, and graceful in their movements. Not fond of rushing, they speak thoughtfully and deliberately. When it comes to completing projects and making decisions, Kapha types like to go slow and steady. They are dependable and will get the job done with much care—just don’t rush a Kapha!

Oily & Moist

Pitta types have an oily quality, Vata types run dry, and Kapha types have a natural watery moistness. Again, the water element keeps their joints and skin lubricated. If you are someone who rarely needs to use lotions or body oil (and your skin remains smooth and soft), you probably have a fair amount of Kapha in your constitution. Having smooth, moist skin and not worrying about dry eyes or dry hair is definitely a pro of being a Kapha type. On the other hand, all that water can lead to imbalances such as water retention, swelling, and excess mucous.

Static & Stable

One of the many pluses to having a Kapha type in your life, is that they tend to be very stable, nurturing, and dependable. The earth element lends a certain stability to Kapha types. This means sturdiness and stability of body as well as mind. Kapha types like routine. They may take time and deliberation to commit to a career, partnership, or other undertaking, but once they are in, they are in for the long haul. Steadiness and stability are virtues. On the other hand, stability can become complacency if Kapha types don’t stay tuned in and aware of what is and isn’t working. These unshakeable types can, as Robert Svoboda (1999) puts it, “stabilize themselves right out of mental acuity or agility”. Meaning, it’s important for Kapha types to balance their fortitude with a periodic assessment of their true levels of engagement, happiness, and fulfillment. Do I want to keep steadily walking down this path, may be a good question for Kapha types to ask themselves from time to time.

Kapha In and Out of Balance

Every dosha has its pros and cons, and Kapha dosha certainly has its bright side. When Kapha types are balanced, they exhibit endurance, patience, longevity, and compassion. Conversely, Kapha types need to be wary of a Kapha excess, which may manifest itself in a variety of ways. Learn more about Kapha imbalance and the symptoms here.

Kapha Times in Nature

Kapha Time of Day

The rise and fall of the doshas ebb and flow with the time of day. Each dosha has two distinct times of day in which it shines strongest. 6-10 am and 6-10 pm are the times of day in which Kapha dosha is predominant. You can read more about the daily dosha cycle in our post What Are the Ayurveda Times of Day? Essentially, in planning our your daily schedule and routine, it can be helpful to keep the doshas in mind. For instance, since Kapha dosha is stable in nature, 6-10am and 6-10pm are great times for creating any kind of routine that you really want to stick. For instance, if you want to establish a daily practice of physical movement, get Kapha time on your side. Also, the Kapha time of day is perfect for connecting with friends and family, as Kapha possesses nurturing, cohesive qualities.

Kapha Season

Given that Kapha dosha is cool and moist, the Kapha season or time of year is the cool, moist time of year—late winter through early spring. Depending on where you live, there may be some variation to this. However, the bottom line is that when the climate is cool or cold and there is moisture in the air, Kapha dosha is strongest. Also, Kapha is associated with growth and new beginnings, so it is fitting that spring season is associated with Kapha dosha. 

Tips for Balancing Kapha Dosha

The best way to balance Kapha is to embrace a diet, exercise and lifestyle choices that counteract its cool, dense, and moist qualities. 

Read our guide to balancing Kapha dosha, which includes tips for:

  • Cleansing Kapha from the body
  • What to eat to balance Kapha
  • How to create a Kapha balancing routine
  • Exercising to satisfy and soothe Kapha
  • Meditation and Pranayama
  • Lifestyle considerations
  • Kapha remedies

Greta Kent-Stoll is a Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner (NAMA), as well as a writer, editor, and Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher. Her Ayurveda practice is based in Asheville, North Carolina and she is the co-owner of Iyengar Yoga Asheville.

References

Lad, V. (2009). Ayurveda: The science of self-healing: A practical guide. Twin Lakes, WI: Lotus Press.

Svoboda, R. (1999). Prakriti: Your Ayurvedic Constitution. Twin Lakes, WI: Lotus Press.

Halpern, M. (2012). Principles and practices of ayurvedic medicine (10th ed.). Nevada City, CA: California College of Ayurveda.

O’Donnell, K. (2015). The everyday Ayurveda cookbook: A seasonal guide to eating and living well. Boulder, CO: Shambhala.

Frawley, D. (2000). Ayurvedic healing: A comprehensive guide. Twin Lakes, WI: Lotus Press. 

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