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2/3/2019

It's Kapha Season! Are You Ready?

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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

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    Harvey Alexander, 
    E-RYT 500


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    Mountain Wisdom Yoga

    ApplE Yum Yum - a Simple and delicious way to start your day

    A Delicious Fall Recipe to Help You Enjoy a Healthy Start to the Day:

    ​Ayurvedic Apple Yum - A simple and infinitely variable recipe crafted by Sharon.  (repeat post)

    All amounts are approximate. Serves ONE person.

    * Take one organic apple, chop and cover with water in a small pot. 
    * Sprinkle with a little salt (1/2 tsp. Salt helps break down fibers.)
    * Add dash cinnamon (1 tsp. Helps metabolize sugars.)
    * Add grated fresh ginger root (1+ Tbsp. Enhances digestion.)
    * Chop and add 5-8 dates (great added natural sweetener.)
    * Throw in a small handful of almonds (8-10. Extra fiber, protein and good fat.)
    * Add other dried fruit as desired (raisins, goji berries, mulberries, mango, apricot)

    * Top with a spoonful of GHEE (1 Tsp. Adds great fat, helps body absorb vitamins and minerals, carries nutrition IN to the cells and waste products OUT.)
    * If desired, add 1/4 cup chia seeds or flax meal (beneficial fiber).


    Bring water to boil, then turn down low and simmer up to 10 minutes or so (until apples are quite soft). 
    Mash together and serve as is.
    Enjoy!

    This is a great way to enjoy the benefits of apples in a warm and nourishing dish. Perfect for the cool, dry mornings of autumn.

Photos used under Creative Commons from Rob.Bertholf, mle86, www.pvz.lt
  • Home
    • What is Wholistic Health? >
      • Ayurveda - The Science of Living a Balanced Life
    • Annual Calendar of Events
  • Buy the Breathing Book
    • Store >
      • Nourish with Ghee
  • Group Activities
    • Retreats and Special Events
    • Group Classes >
      • Scheduling Classes
  • Private Sessions
    • Yoga Therapy >
      • Breathing Assessment
      • Yoga For Wellness >
        • Meditation
        • Alternate Nostril Breathing
        • Mudras, Mantras, and More
        • Yoga For Sleep
        • Ayurveda and Yoga >
          • Ayurveda
  • Yoga Nidra
    • Yoga Nidra Details
    • Sankalpa
    • Yoga Nidra Sample
  • Reiki
  • About Sharon
    • Testimonials
  • Blog
    • Pose of the Month
    • Articles to Educate and Entertain
  • Contact Us