To find out more about Ayurveda and Siddha medicine and body types, go to About Ayurveda & Siddha Medicine.
About Kapha Body Type
Kapha governs the structure of the body. It is the principle that holds the cells together and forms the muscle, fat, bone, and sinew. The primary function of Kapha is protection.
Kapha’s elemental makeup consists of water and earth (cells, tissue - the building blocks of the body). The common translation of kapha is “that which binds things” or “that which holds things together.” According to ayurveda, this is the dosha responsible for the stability, lubrication, substance, and support of our physical body.
Kapha also supports our emotions - by keeping us calm it supports mental and physical endurance and it allows us to feel deeply - to empathise, be patient and compassionate.
Kapha types have a strong physical build and excellent stamina. Large, soft eyes; smooth, radiant skin; and thick hair. They sleep soundly and have regular digestion.
Kaphas are naturally calm, thoughtful, and loving. They have an inherent ability to enjoy life and are comfortable with routine.
When in balance, Kaphas are strong, loyal, patient, steady, and supportive.
When out of balance Kapha tends to hold on to things, jobs, and relationships long after they are no longer nourishing or necessary. Unbalanced Kapha is resistant to change.
And on a physical level excess Kapha may cause weight-gain, excessive desire to sleep and illnesses like asthma, diabetes, and depression.
Habits to Balance Kapha
- Try to wake before 7am and go to bed before 10pm.
- If you are able to wake at 5am, this is the best time for you to meditate.
- Just sit in silence for 10 minutes and watch your thoughts. Do not try to stop thoughts, just watch the flow of thoughts. This is a great meditation technique for you to begin with.
- Cleanse the mouth and teeth with a gentle toothpaste.
- If you don’t follow a regular exercise program then begin to practice our I-Yoga Sun Salutation very gently and at your own pace. Initially complete just 6 cycles and slowly build yourself up to 24 cycles. Following the I-Yoga Sun Salulation you need to go for a brisk 15 minute walk if weather and time permits, or do jumping jacks or skipping for 10 minutes. We will also be providing 30 Minute Exercise Routines suitable for you during the program.
- Use a body brush or loofah to exfoliate your skin after exercise to stimulate circulation and detoxify the skin.
- Only if your skin is dry in the winter should you massage dry areas with Olive oil. You may add a few drops of Cedarwood or other woody Essential Oil to the Olive Oil.
- Have a hot bath or shower with warm to hot water - as suits your comfort level. If possible use a sauna weekly to promote sweating. Vigorously dry yourself, to stimulate blood flow.
- Do not eat breakfast before 10am. Begin your day with a Liver Flush cocktail : juice of one lemon, 1 tbs. Olive Oil, ½ apple or pear, blend in your blender or smoothie maker. You may add a dash of long pepper or cayenne if desired. This should be the first thing you drink every morning.
- Cleanse the teeth with a strong toothpaste, brush the white coating off your tongue. You may also use a tongue scraper if you have one.
- The colours that we wear have an effect on our mood. Colours that help balance Kapha are: yellow, brown and red. There is no need to wear an entire outfit in these colours but treat yourself to a winter scarf if you do not already have one in this colour.
Your Lean Jan Detox Plan Food List
These are the items that you can eat on a regular basis during the program. Download your Personalised Lean Jan Detox Plan.
Kichadi or Kichari is your best cleansing food during the LJDP. Replace one meal everyday with a small portion of Kichadi, heaped with salad of raw vegetable and your preferred spice.
Fruit:
You need to limit the amount of fruit that you consume. You are allowed only the following fruit:
Apples and pears,
Apricots
Kiwi,
Persimmon,
Pomegranate
Avoid all other fruit.
Vegetable:
All vegetable need to be eaten either lightly cooked or raw.
Asparagus,
Artichokes,
Bitter melon (karela),
Bok choy,
Beets,
Broccoli,
Carrots,
Cauliflower,
Celery,
Chilies,
Green and red peppers,
Green salads-especially mixed field greens and arugula,
Kale,
Chard,
Collards,
Turnip and beet greens,
Mustard greens,
Raw onions,
Radishes,
Spinach,
Sprouts or any kind.
Grains:
Whole grain buckwheat,
White or brown basmati,
Quinoa
Amaranth.
Avoid all other grains. Limit your portion of grain upto ¾ cupful cooked grain per meal.
Legumes:
All legumes and beans are good for you except tofu, chickpeas including chickpea hummus. You may use butterbean, black bean or mung hummus. Recipes provided.
Animal Products:
Try to avoid meat. If you must have, try freshwater fish and game meats like venison, pheasant, or rabbit.
Dairy Products:
Dairy is not allowed during the Detox Plan.
Use rice or almond milk as alternatives.
Oils:
Cook only in olive or sunflower oil.
Nuts and Seeds:
No nuts are allowed. You may eat seeds:
Pumpkin,
Flax,
Sunflower.
If you are vegetarian and seeds are a main source of protein for you, sprout them first by soaking overnight in water then laying out to sprout for 1-2 days. You may then consume these sprouted seeds as often as required for maximum protein intake.
Sweeteners:
Only raw honey is allowed and if you are vegan then use molasses.
Beverages:
Only drink water at room temperature.
No carbonated or sweetened drinks are allowed.
Also avoid water or drinks from the fridge.
Drink Redbush or Black Tea Masala Chai made with rice or almond milk.
Herbs
Kapha physiological types are predisposed to sinus and upper respiratory tract congestion due to the increased mucus production during the winter months. If you are have sinus or nasal congestion use the Ayurvedic Herbal Complex called Trikatu (composed of pepper nigram, pepper longus and ginger). This may be purchased as most health food stores or online. Use a certified organic brand. Please consult with your medical practitioner to ensure that this supplement is suitable for you and that it will not interact with any other medications that you may be taking.
Download your Personalised Lean Jan Detox Plan.
