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Kapha is the regulation of the muscles, joints, tissue building, wound healing and physical stability. Kapha governs the general physical processes.
On a mental level, Kapha controls the memory, tranquility, patience, forgiveness and the ability to love.
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Ayur stands for life, and Veda stands for science. Ayurveda deals with The Science of Life. Originating from the India 5000 years ago, Ayurveda consists of three main elements Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, making up the human body. Known as doshas, each dosha governs an essential structure of the human body.
Kapha is the dosha or constitution as it may be known, responsible for lubrication and structure of the body. The elements that govern Kapha are earth and water. Kapha people are very sturdy, grounding and they are difficult to move. They are comfortable and happy in one place and don't like change. They tend to be the healthiest of the three doshas, physically and mentally.
Kapha is our lubrication in the brain, around the joints, reproductive fluids and is responsible for building and surrounding most of our tissues. It keeps our bodies from turning into raisins. Kaphas are prone to static & heavy conditions like; obesity, lethargy, dullness of mind, and diabetes.
The oils in the Kapha Ayurvedic Body Oil are reputed to be stimulating and uplifting.
Cautions: It is possible that this blend may cause sensitivities.
Ingredients:
Almond Oil (Sweet) - Cold pressed oil from the seed kernel of the Prunus communis dulcis tree. Wonderfully emollient, soothing and moisturizing, with a sweet, pleasant scent. High in oleic, linoleic and other fatty acids that are beneficial for the skin. Nondrying, and useful in the treatment of very dry skin. Almonds are said to impart good tidings related to money, prosperity, and wisdom.
Cardamom - The essential oil is extracted from the plant Elettaria cardomomum. It has sweet, spicy aroma and is considered an aphrodisiac. It also helps aid digestion and is one of the ingredients in Chai tea beverages. Cardamom is said to impart love and lust. antiseptic (pulmonary), antispasmodic (neuromuscular), aphrodisiac, anticatarrh, expectorant, anthelminthic, anti-infectious, antibacterial (variable), cephalic, cardiotonic, diuretic, emmenagogue, sialogogue, stomachic, stimulant tonic-nervous, digestive (stomachic, carminative). aphrodisiac; induces menstruation however, used to ease pregnancy or travel nausea, PMS symptoms. Mental fatigue, nervous strain warming, uplifting, refreshing, invigorating. Associated with the earth element, it reminds of life’s true abundance when we feel deprived of opportunity or generosity. Creates an appetite for life.
Ginger - (Zingiber officinale) Most commonly known as a spicy, pungent food, ginger is very warming and is one of the best known remedies for nausea. It is also a digestive aid, and helps promote circulation, therefore helping to soothe pain and stiffness in the muscles and joints. It also has antioxidant properties. The essential oil is used in cosmetics for its fragrance and its stimulating and warming effects. Ginger is said to bring love, prosperity, power, money and success.
Orange, sweet - The essential oil is cold extracted from the fruit of the Citrus sinensis tree and is widely used in perfumery for its fresh, uplifting scent. It is mildly astringent, antiseptic, cleansing, and soothing, and makes a good toner for dry, sensitive skin, and broken capillaries. Oranges are said to promote love, luck, divination, and prosperity.
Sweet Fennel essential oil - is a wonderful aromatic from the crushed seeds of this common spice. Sweet fennel is a biennial or perennial herb growing up to 6 feet high with feathery leaves and brilliant crowns of gold flowers. It is an herb with a long history in traditional medicine, thought to bring longevity, courage and strength. Fennel's 'majical' use includes the warding off of evil spirits and the countering of poisons. The essential oil may be helpful in assisting digestion - the seeds are offered in Indian tradition after meals. It can be used for indigestion; a drop taken by mouth brings a nice feeling to the digestive system. Fennel essential oil may stimulate estrogen production (and is contraindcated for estrogen-mediated breast cancer for this reason) and increase lactation, as well as act as a stimulant to the circulatory and digestive systems. It may also act to break up and flush out toxins, cleansing the tissues. It is best applied topically diluted in carrier oil.
Pink Grapefruit - Euphoric and cleansing, great for refreshing your environment. In skin and body care it benefits oily or congested skin, improves elasticity and has diuretic properties. Antiseptic (especially airborne), anti toxic, astringent, bactericidal, diuretic, stimulant-lymphatic, tonic general. Eases muscle fatigue, stiffness, increases circulation, stimulates lymphatic system, increases urine flow, eases water retention, obesity, aids cellulite, depression, headache, performance stress, jet lag, PMS, alcohol and drug withdrawal, uplifting and euphoric, it increases self-esteem and bolsters confidence
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A Kapha Pacifying Program
Factors that affect the Kapha
Kapha -
Balancing Kapha;
Imbalancing.
Strong physical exercise;
Be a couch potato and eat lots of candy, cookie, chocolate
Seek a variety of experiences to be stimulated;
Sleep In for days at a time, also take naps in the day after eating
Eat meals that are lighter and dryer with more bitter, pungent and astringent tastes; Reduce sweet snacks;
Eat large lunches with food that is heavy (meat and sauces), oily, fried, sweet and salty and if possible have a frozen desert.
Reduce water consumption to no more that four cups per day (unless you are very physically active);
Drink lots of water and water containing foods such as watermelon, cantaloupe, cucumber, zucchini.
Stay warm and dry, lots of exercise outside in the sun;
Exposure to cold, wet or snowy weather.
Put that strong memory to use by learning new skills both personally and professionally;
Never change anything, do things as you have always done them.
If possible live in a warm, dry climate were you can often be outside;
Live in cold wet climates such as the Pacific Northwest.
Deep tissue massage with light, warm oils like mustard or corn;
Swim in cold water.
Learn to let go of things and not to become overly attached to things or people;
Be greedy, hoard things, never let go of anything.
Kapha Pacifying (reducing) Food List
Grains: White basmati rice, barley, buckwheat, conscous, dry crackers without salt, millet, museli, oat bran, oats, smaller amounts of wheat.
Vegetables: Most pungent and bitter vegetables like artichoke, asparagus, beet greens, beets, bitter melons, broccoli, brussels sprouts, burdock root, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, cilantro, eggplant, fennel, garlic, green beans, all green types of chilies, horseradish, kale, kohlrabi, leafy, greens, leeks, lettuce, mushrooms, mustard greens, okra, onions, potatoes, radishes, spinach, sprouts, squash, turnip and turnip greens.
Legumes: Most beans, peas and dals are good. Most soy products are too moist and oily for Kaphas to eat very frequently.
Spices: Most spices are good for Kapha (being hot and dry) like peppers, chilies, dry ginger.
Fruits: Most astringent fruits like apples (which are drying), berries, cherries, cranberries, persimmons, pomegranates, strawberries and dry fruit are generally best for Kaphas.
Dairy: Kaphas need the least amount of dairy. Goat milk and ghee in moderation.
Meats: Freshwater fish, rabbit, venison, shrimp, chicken and turkey(white meat)
Nuts: Most nuts are too oily for Kaphas. Almonds can be good in small amounts.
Oils: All oils in moderation for Kaphas. Small amounts of corn, canola or olive.
