Have you heard about the doshas?
They are a key tenet in Ayurveda and lay the groundwork for much of the wisdom
Ayurveda offers. There are actually three doshas--vata,
pitta, and kapha,
and while everyone has a combination of all three, for many of us,
one dosha stands out more than the others.
Today we will get to know kapha better--the dosha that gives the best hugs!
You can probably point to a kapha in your life.
Their go-with-the flow-attitude means that they don't upset very easily,
have a broad and easy smile, and move through life in a relaxed way.
Some might call kapha lazy, but that's not quite the case.
The elements that make up kapha are earth and water.
The nature of these elements are steadiness, stability, and stillness.
No amount of wind or fire can move these elements very easily,
and that's just like kapha.
The elements of earth and water have specific qualities and these qualities,
when applied to the doshas, can inform someone's unique constitution.
They express themselves physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
Water and earth, mixed together,
make mud and this is a great way to imagine kapha's ability to hold things
together and make them stick. Earth is dense, heavy,
stable, and slow, while water provides the soft, cold,
and smooth qualities. Observing these qualities,
we can see them expressed within us and in the environment around us.
This applies both internally and externally, and we can describe it as kapha.
Imagine late winter when cold dry days give way to wet spring rains.
When the snow starts to melt into the earth and hydrate the soil,
we've entered kapha season. During that time of year,
or if you tend to live a more kaphic lifestyle,
you may notice these qualities increase internally.
You may find yourself stuck in a routine.
Ask any kapha person how they like to spend their Friday night,
and they may say cuddled up in a cozy spot such as a couch,
eating a meal with a loved one, or watching a movie,
or some other form of entertainment. In Ayurveda,
like attracts like. So if it's the kapha time of year,
you're eating a kapha diet, and living a kapha lifestyle,
those kapha qualities may increase internally.
This can cause many kapha dosha folks to find it hard to step outside of their
comfort zone and shake things up a bit.
Ever find yourself craving and ice cream sundae when you're feeling down?
While this may lighten the mood temporarily, the cold,
dense qualities can actually perpetuate those heavy kapha feelings.
That density is also responsible for the structure of the body,
and balanced kapha lends itself to strong bones, teeth,
hair, a healthy development of tissues, and a sturdy, solid form.
You may find that your family,
friends and coworkers lean into your dependability.
The softness of the water element provides deep patience, compassion,
and a romantic streak.
When we can identify kapha dosha in and around us,
we create the possibility to understand ourselves in a profound way.
We can also create balance. Since like attracts like, in Ayurveda,
opposite qualities create balance. So on that cold,
rainy winter day, try a run at the gym and a trip to the dry sauna.
Change up your routine and try something different, like a ginger, lemon,
and celery juice for breakfast.
I hope you found this video helpful and feel free to share it with your kapha
friends. As always, we are here to answer your Ayurvedic questions.
Our mission is to support you on your journey towards great health and wellness.
Subscribe to our channel for more Ayurvedic lifestyle videos.
Thanks for watching!