Simple Steps to Keep Kapha in Check

Welcome to the Samata Stones blog!  I am the company founder and here I will be sharing tips and insights on all things yoga, Ayurveda and of course, design. 

For our first entry I thought I'd touch on simple ways to keep your kapha dosha in check. 

I am a Kapha-Pitta dosha type (which means I have two dominant doshas) but in the year after giving birth to my son, I found my kapha dosha was really overactive.  It's easy for one's body to fall out of balance, and after nine months of crazy hormones and intense food cravings, it's no wonder my kapha was so aggravated.  It look a lot of work to get my kapha back in line, but I'm thankful for it because the inspiration for Samata Stones came during this time when I couldn't find unique and stylish kapha balancing jewelry.  (Isn't it great when something positive comes from a challenging time?!)

I'm not one for strict diets or schedules (how very kapha of me) but generally, once I recognize my kapha tendencies are taking over, simple diet and lifestyle changes make a huge difference and set me back on a balanced track.

Kapha means "that which holds things together".  Its elements are water and earth and its qualities include oily, heavy, smooth, slow and cool.   Kapha provides support, substance and structure and governs human emotions such as love, compassion and patience.

In Ayurveda, like begets like, so eating heavy, smooth and oily foods will increase kapha.  Foods such as bananas and avocados should be avoided.  Instead one should favor foods with opposing qualities - light, dry and rough foods such as legumes and cruciferous vegetables as this will counteract the kapha qualities.  Logical, right?  This is why Ayurveda appeals to me! (Oh, there's my pitta!)

When it comes to a yoga practice, kaphas should favor standing and balancing poses for their energizing effect.  Trikonasana, virabhadrasana I, II & III, and ardha chandrasana activate the digestive organs and create space in the lungs where mucus can build up from excess kapha.  Backbends are also excellent for their heating effect, their extension of the front body and their expansion of the chest where kapha dosha lives.  A challenging yoga practice, such as a vinyasa style flow or holding your poses for 20 or so breaths, is best for kapha types.

The morning kapha hours of 6 a.m. - 10 a.m. is the ideal time for a yoga practice or any vigorous physical activity, as this will help keep a kapha type motivated and energized throughout the day. 

The gemstones that help balance kapha include red garnet, cat's eye, iolite and carnelian.  Red garnet is a stone of positive thoughts and vitality while carnelian helps to restore vitality and motivation.  Cat's eye and iolite are great for discipline, motivation and confidence.  The qualities of these stones counteract the tendencies of complacency, lethargy and depression which can occur when kapha is out of balance. 

Don't know your dosha type?  Or have zero clue what the heck doshas are?!  Check out our simple explanation here and then take the quiz to find your dominant dosha(s).

Are you a kapha type?  I'd love to hear how you keep your kapha in check!  Please comment below and share what works for you.

With love & gratitude,

Lara