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THE KAPHA INDIVIDUAL
Kaphas are caring, maternal, graceful, sensual types. They tend to be focused more on others than on themselves and they can usually be found mothering something or someone. It is said that without Kaphas there would be no home, no children and no family, as Kapha energy ensures the stability and foundation of the home. They have a larger rounder body shape than the other two doshas and tend to put on weight just by looking at food. Ruled by the elements of earth and water, they have a sluggish metabolism and a tendency towards fluid retention. Weight issues are a constant headache for these individuals. Kaphas have thick wavy lustrous hair that is usually blonde or black.
Slow to learn but then they never seem to forget, these people can often be mistaken for being slow or dumb, especially when they are younger. If their teachers don’t have the time or patience to spend extra effort going over things with them, they quickly fall behind at school.
Kaphas are most happy in their own company or being with family. They won’t go out of their way to make friends as they can find friendships exhausting as they always seem to be the ones giving.
Though ruled by earth and water, the qualities of Kapha are most like water – moist, slow, cool, heavy, dense, cloudy, unctuous, stable and viscous. They have soft well-lubricated joints and often their bodies feel cool, soft and slightly moist to touch. They feel the cold and tend to have an aversion to the cooler months. Their heaviness is evident in their body shape but is often more of an issue for these types mentally as it can give them a heavy outlook on life. They are also heavy sleepers who like to sleep for longer periods of time. Kaphas are slow walkers, talkers and thinkers, and won’t be rushed into decisions about anything; Kaphas are always calculating their energy and whether the effort is worth the expenditure. They seem to have a stubborn aversion to change and will often get stuck in unhappy relationships or work situations for long periods.
They are good savers and like to accumulate wealth and have a stable bank balance as this provides them with a strong sense of security. Kaphas love routine and stability but this can work against them if they are in an unhealthy situation. Kaphas can be very attached to the material world; they have a tendency to ground themselves in the world through food, people and possessions. They can become hoarders if this is not kept in check. Their home is everything to them as this is the place they devote to nurturing their families and loved ones. Kaphas are providers and nurturers, and they love to indulge in things they love. Kapha mothers need to be very aware this doesn’t turn into smothering their children as they age and want to move away from home. Kaphas can fall into the trap of loving home so much they isolate from the world, especially in the cooler, damper months. This can lead to them becoming lazy, lethargic and gaining weight.
Kaphas have strong, dense, stable bodies and Kapha types are said to be the most resilient of all the doshas when in balance. They have strong bones and when physically fit they develop strong muscles and great endurance, especially once they are committed to a task.
Exhaustion and depression can be a symptom of Kapha imbalance. It is important that these types rise early, between 6am–10am is Kapha time of day and when they feel most sluggish. If they don’t move their body in the morning, they can easily spend the rest of the day feeling tired, sluggish and unmotivated. Under stress, Kaphas will oversleep, overeat and do their best to avoid addressing whatever is bothering them. For more information on Kapha out of balance, see pages 32–4 (#ulink_1de4deef-f00a-5747-9506-9138dee543c6).
See Balancing the doshas on pages 22–41 (#ulink_ed85dc07-19fd-5f4a-93ba-a5ca6c109d7d) for the causes of an ‘imbalance’ and what can make someone dominated by particular doshas unwell, and recommendations on diet and lifestyle to help balance your dosha.
Be ground. Be crumbled so wildflowers will come up where you are. You’ve been stony for too many years. Try something different. Surrender.
–Rumi
Balancing the doshas
Balancing your dosha is pretty straightforward and if I could give you one bit of advice, then that would be to ‘keep it simple’. It takes a little while to get to know the qualities of your dosha but once you have familiarised yourself with the main characteristics of your dosha you will find it becomes second nature to remove things from your environment that are aggravating you.
Knowing the elements that govern your dosha is essential. Vata is ruled by air and space, Pitta by fire and water and Kapha by earth and water. Overexposure to the elements that govern your dosha will send you out of balance.
The principles behind balancing the doshas are guided by the Ayurvedic approach to health (see pages 42–6 (#ulink_ea6340c8-56b6-5938-9919-d19c55b839b5)) and circadian rhythms (see pages 47–63 (#litres_trial_promo)).
The recipes I have written for this book are all designed to balance your doshas and have been carefully designed to maintain that balance, particularly in the season that your dosha will be more vulnerable. For Vata types I have created warming nourishing meals with ingredients that help to calm and soothe the anxious energy in the body and to stimulate the digestive system. Pitta recipes are more cooling and wholesome, designed to satisfy the strong Pitta appetite and moderate heat in the body, particularly in the warmer months and climates. The Kapha recipes I have created are naturally a little lighter and purposed with spices and ingredients to absorb the excess moisture and weight that Kapha types hold in the body.
To help you to shop and make your food choices, refer to the food charts for Vata, Pitta and Kapha at the back of the book on pages 240–5 (#litres_trial_promo). I still use these tables a lot even after all these years, especially if I’m Vata imbalanced, as the foods differ quite a bit to the Pitta foods I normally favour.
VATA
To summarise what we have discussed earlier, Vata individuals tend to have thin, light frames; they are quick thinkers and can be quite nervy and excitable.
The Vata dosha is responsible for communication, movement and elimination of all wastes from the body. Someone may be either Vata in their constitution or they may have a Vata imbalance. Vata imbalances are very common for people who reside in cities and have busy lives.
Air and space dominate this dosha and they also aggravate it. They are susceptible to the cold and wind so it is essential they keep warm, maintain a routine and nourish themselves with warm cooked foods; it is logical that elements that decrease and calm this dosha are earth, fire and water.
They are aggravated by bitter, pungent and astringent tastes, and calmed by sweet, sour and salty.
Elements
Elements that dominate this dosha – Air and Space
Elements that aggravate this dosha – Air and Space
Elements that calm this dosha – Earth, Fire and Water
Tastes that aggravate the dosha – bitter, pungent and astringent
Tastes that calm and balance the dosha – sweet, sour and salty
Time of day
Each dosha has a time of day when it is more obvious in the body and mind. For Vatas it is 2am–6am and 2pm–6pm. Vata types may find themselves becoming more anxious or fearful at this time of day, they may also wake at night and not be able to fall back asleep, especially if they are worried about something.
Time of year
In autumn and early winter Vata can be more aggravated in the body. The wind at this time of year can aggravate Vata types and it is important that they stay warm and out of the wind if it bothers them. When it gets windy and cold, the time has come to slow down and eat grounding, nourishing meals. Flavours that calm in autumn are the sweet, salty and sour.
Vata types struggle at this time of year as they are naturally cold and sensitive to air and movement. The autumn wind can play havoc with their digestive system as well as their minds, leading to episodes of anxiety.
Time of life
70 to 75 years and above is the time that Vata will be more prominent in the body.
Vata is responsible for feelings of joy and happiness, as well as creativity, speech, sneezing, movement and elimination.
I will not let anyone walk through my mind with their dirty feet.
–Mahatma Gandhi
VATA OUT OF BALANCE
The site of Vata in the body is the nervous system, and it governs the mind, colon, skin, ears, blood flow and breath – and it is where Vata will present more strongly when it is out of balance.
Signs that Vata is out of balance
When Vata people’s health goes out of balance, the symptoms usually appear first in the gut or the mind. They might complain of an upset tummy, gas, bloating, small pebbly stools that are dry, hard, dark brown and sink. They can easily become constipated or irregular, especially when travelling or away from home. They may strain when passing stools and can find it painful.
Anxiety, weight loss, restlessness, fatigue, insomnia, interrupted sleep or fearful dreams, hypertension, inability to concentrate, tremors or a nervous system disorder are all indications that Vata is out of balance. Other indicators are dry cracked skin and lips, arthritis and joint pain.
Vata types are more likely to go out of balance in autumn and early winter.
Autumn–early winter/Vata health issues: constipation, gas, bloating, anxiety, dry skin.
Habits and lifestyle factors that imbalance Vata
Eating too many cold icy foods and drinks, especially anything with bubbles, such as sparkling mineral water, carbonated drinks and foods that produce gas in the body; excess raw foods such as salads, especially in the colder months; irregular meals or skipping meals; too much travel; being outside in the cold and the wind; lack of sleep and routine; spending too much time in front of the computer and TV; stress, overthinking and over talking all imbalance the Vata dosha.
Environmental effects
Wind will unnerve them and you may notice their behaviour and mood change if exposed to too much of the air element, as they already have this as a major part of their constitution. Unsettled weather can have a strong effect on Vata types. Autumn can be difficult, accordingly.
Air travel can greatly disturb these types and they need to ensure they limit flying if they are feeling insecure, fearful and anxious. Their Vata body needs nurturing. Vatas have cold, dry skin that is very susceptible to the cold and wind. Daily warm sesame oil massage will benefit them greatly. It is essential they keep their bodies warm, both internally and externally. Fear and anxiety can really inhibit the lives of Vata types so it is essential they create a comfortable, safe, stable home for themselves.
KEY Warmth, safe calm environment and routine
AVOID Cold, dry, windy environments, skipping meals, raw food, chilled drinks, carbonated drinks, excess movement and air travel
HOW VATA MANIFESTS IN THE BODY
Cold – Coldness appears in the hands and feet. Vatas will have a tendency to avoid cold temperatures and love warmer climes. They have poor circulation and can suffer from cold bones and stiffness.
Dry – Dryness is a major issue for Vatas. They often have dry skin, hair, lips, tongue and a husky voice. Dryness in their colon usually leads to them suffering from constipation.
Light – Vata individuals are generally light in body weight with fine muscles and bones. They sleep lightly and wake easily, with little noise needed to disturb them.
Rough – Roughness appears in the body as cracked skin, nails, split ends, cracked lips, teeth and joints that creak and crack when moved.
Subtle – They will suffer from an underlying subtle anxiety, fear or insecurity. Vata types are prone to goose pimples, muscle twitches and tremors.
Mobile – Vatas can’t sit still: they walk fast, talk fast and tend to be those people who are incredible at multi-tasking. They are good at making money and great at spending it. Their eyes will dart around the room as they talk to you with their hands or shake their leg or tap. They love to travel and find it difficult to stay in one place for too long. Their moods are ever changing, as are their faith and their thoughts. Vatas love change and do what they can to make it happen often.
Clear –This quality gives Vata their clairvoyant ability, as this is related to the element of space. They can understand easily but forget abruptly, and they often experience a deep sense of loneliness.
Astringent – They can suffer from a dry choking feeling in their throats, and they will often find themselves with hiccoughs or burping. They enjoy oily, sweet, sour and salty foods.
BALANCING VATA
Vatas need routine, warm fluids, rest, massage, steady nourishment, warmth, decreased stress, and they need to avoid skipping meals, eating on the run, fasting and alcohol.
Activities that will calm Vata
Gentle calming exercise such as yoga, quigung (qigong), dance, golf, walking, swimming, listening to calming music, gardening, pottery, cooking, massage, meditation and getting to bed early all help Vatas to settle.
Warming grounding remedies – walking barefoot on the grass, warm sesame oil massage, foot massage, gardening, warm milky drinks with cardamom and cinnamon, ghee added to food and drinks
Warming grounding lifestyle choices – gardening, yoga, guided meditation, creative pursuits, listening to calming music
Lifestyle factors to limit – constant change and movement, overexercise, excess meditation without proper supervision, too much time on devices such as computers, TV, phones
So-called healthy foods that may imbalance you – raw food diets, juices, chilled smoothies and smoothie bowls, sparkling mineral water
Emotions and diet
Vatas are often attracted to cold, dry, crisp foods but these are best avoided. They can easily become imbalanced if they eat too many of these foods. Too much bitter, pungent and astringent food can also have a negative impact on the digestive system of Vata. The skin and body can become very dry in the colder weather and so Vatas should introduce warming spices and increase the amount of protein they are eating.
Soups and slow cooked stews made with plenty of root vegetables are the perfect choice for Vata types in the cooler or more unsettled months, and they do really well to warm their meals with spices like cinnamon, clove, star anise, cardamom and ginger that will help stimulate their digestion. To calm themselves they need to increase the amount of naturally sweet, salty and sour foods they are consuming. A glass of sweet warm milk before bed is a perfect remedy for any Vata that has trouble sleeping.
Routine and exercise
Vatas need to allow plenty of time for stillness in their day. Moving is what comes naturally to Vatas so they will often want to exercise and be on the go when they are feeling fragile, anxious or emotional. This is not the healthiest option, especially at the Vata time of 2pm–6pm. Their fragile nature demands they don’t allow too much space between meals. For continued wellness, Vatas should eat their meals at the same time every day. Skipping meals is one way to quickly imbalance these people. The digestive system is where Vata types are most susceptible and they may have issues with gas, bloating and constipation. They have sensitive tummies that do best with nourishing home-cooked meals.
Eating on the run or snacking instead of eating a proper meal is not a good idea for these types. If they do want to move their body, they are best to try grounding practices like yoga, tai chi or even a gentle walk. More strenuous types of exercise should be done between 6am and 10am in the morning at Kapha time.
Quiet time, listening to music, reflecting, drawing or journaling will help to calm them. Before bed they are better to read than be on their phone or computer, as any device will aggravate the Vata energy in the body.
We enter the Vata stage of our lives at around 75 years of age so it is not uncommon for these types to become more dreamy, vague or fragile as they age. The best diet for Vatas includes warming and soothing foods that are stabilising for a light, airy constitution. (See charts at the back of the book, pages 240–5 (#litres_trial_promo).)
PITTA
Pitta individuals are dominated by the element of fire. This creates heat in the body and is responsible for metabolising, transforming, digesting and processing all of our thoughts and all we eat. Pitta is also in charge of maintaining our digestive fire (agni); if our digestive fire is low, we will have problems with digestion and suffer from heartburn, reflux and indigestion.
Pittas have quick, sharp minds and tongues, a moderate body frame and tend to be able to maintain their weight better than the other two doshas.
Elements
Elements that dominate this dosha – Fire and Water
Element that aggravates this dosha – Fire
Elements that calm this dosha – Air, Water and Earth
Tastes that aggravate the dosha – salty, sour, pungent
Tastes that calm the dosha – sweet, bitter, astringent
Time of day
10am–2pm and 10pm–2am is the time of day when Pitta will be more obvious in the body and mind.
Time of year
In summer Pitta can be more aggravated in the body. It is the season when Pitta health issues such as eczema, heartburn, reflux, headaches, hay fever, insomnia or burnout can arise. Summer is known as Pitta time (bile). Energy and heat rise up in the body in summer so it is important to keep cool. We are naturally drawn to cooling summer fruits and higher carbohydrate grains like rice. We drink more juices made from seasonal fruits and fill up on salads with cooling herbs.
More fiery Pitta types need to eat with more awareness in this season, and so too does anyone who starts to show any signs of heat in the body, such as skin issues, headaches, reflux, indigestion or insomnia.
Time of life
18 to 50–55 years is the time that Pitta will be more prominent in the body.
Pitta is responsible for regulating body heat through the metabolism of food, appetite, energy production, vitality, ambition, confidence, courage, learning and understanding.
PITTA OUT OF BALANCE
The site of Pitta in the body is the eyes, skin, stomach, small intestine, sweat glands, blood, fat – where Pitta will present more strongly when it is out of balance.
Signs that Pitta is out of balance in the body
Irritability, impatience, anger and pushy, aggressive behaviour; skin irritations and rashes; heartburn, reflux and peptic ulcers; headaches, eye problems, falling hair, early greying, hot flushes; waking in the middle of the night and unable to get back to sleep; excess sweating, acne, blood shot eyes, heavy periods, large clots; extreme hunger before menstruation; yellow urine or loose unformed stools that fall apart in water, sink or float with a strong, pungent, offensive smell; a need to use the toilet 2–3 times a day, and may be urgent; tendency to diarrhoea and urinary tract infections.
Pitta types are more likely to go out of balance in summer.
Summer/Pitta health issues: Eczema, heartburn, reflux, headaches, hay fever, insomnia, burnout.
