It's Kapha Season! Are You Ready?

It's that time of year. The Kapha Season. But... What is Kapha?

​Kapha is a dosha, or Ayurvedic description for a biochemical quality present is each of our bodies. According to the ancient practice of Ayurveda - technically defined as “the science of life” – there are three doshas, and they reflect the expression of nature’s elements through us as an individual.

Ayurveda, which is the medical arm of yoga, explains that health exists when the doshas are balanced. An imbalanced dosha leads to dis-ease. When an imbalance continues over time, one may experience compromised health.

The Kapha Dosha represents the combination of earth and water elements in our bodies. It plays a role in maintaining lubrication, and strengthening the structures in our bodies. Think mud. Slow moving, unctuous, life sustaining. Kapha provides the fluids we need in our tissues in order to remain strong and capable. When these dry out (a function of Vata) we may feel anxious, scattered and ungrounded, or burn up with irritation and anger (imbalanced Pitta). Consider the roots of trees, or seeds waiting underground through the winter months, only to sprout when the warmth of the sun shines for longer periods again in the spring and summer months. They need the moisture held by the damp earth in order to thrive. They also need the warmth of the sun to grow.

In general terms, the Kapha Dosha results in the natural tendency to be overweight, over-settled, oversleep, and struggle with sinus and respiratory problems. But with attention, these concerns can be managed, and the high side of this dosha will manifest in a personality that is kind, considerate, attentive and has great memory.

An imbalanced dosha may result in:

• Excess Mucus – in the stomach and lungs, which are kapha organs (breeding ground for viruses and bacteria)
• Sluggishness or a slow, sticky, coolness to body/mind – think “couch potato”
• Ama – holding onto toxins in the digestive track, which is evidenced by a white coating on the tongue and slow and “sticky” bowel movements

To avoid a Kapha imbalance (especially important during the kapha time of year) try these ideas:

• Engage in regular and active movement that brings on a sweat (sustained aerobic exercise)
• Use the neti pot and other warming self-care practices, and stay warm on cold or damp days
• Add foods that are fresh, whole, organic, light and dry, raw, pungent, bitter, and astringent
• Avoid foods that are oily, cold, sweet, sour, or salty, especially dairy products, sugar, nuts

Questions? Please reach out. I am here to support you in being your best, and bringing your best self into all you do, so that you can fully enjoy the life you are living.

Namaste,
  Sharon Harvey Alexander, C-IAYT