Ayurveda Guide for Kapha

If your Ayurvedic body type is Kapha, then this practical guide is for you! In it you will find information on the importance of establishing a daily living routine, the benefits in particular of an Ayurvedic morning routine, recommended Yoga poses, meditation tips for Kapha doshas, and more. If you are new to Ayurveda and are not sure if you have a Vata, Pitta, or Kapha body type, take the online Dosha Quiz to determine which category you belong to.

The Science of Ayurveda

Dating back to ancient times yet enjoying a modern revival, the Science of Ayurveda believes in the body's innate capacity to heal and to maintain health - provided we eat, exercise, sleep, work, and interact with the environment and the elements in ways which suit our constitution and which promote balance in the mind, body, and spirit.

In Ayurveda, one's basic constitution is called a body type or dosha and is a conglomeration of physical, emotional, and cognitive traits, as well as inherent likes, dislikes, aversions, and other characteristics. This means that no two individuals are alike and that all health-and-wellness plans must be personally customized to be effective. Once you know what your Ayurvedic body type is, you will have access to a wide range of tools, protocols, recipes, tips, and lifestyle guidelines which put you directly in charge of your health and allow you to reach your highest potential.

Kapha Morning Routine

Research shows that having a daily morning and nighttime routine sets you up for success. Studies find that a regular regimen yields the following benefits:

• Mind-body balance
• Boosted energy levels
• Healthier digestion
• Stable blood pressure
• Enhanced circulation
• Deeper sleep
• Enhanced creativity

According to Ayurveda, morning routines are especially significant since what you do in the early hours sets the tone for the rest of the day. The key is to begin by engaging in activities which eliminate nighttime toxins, which flow with the natural rhythms of the sun and your body, and which prepare your mind-body-spirit for optimal functioning.

In the Sanskrit language from which Ayurveda is derived the word dinacharya ('din' + 'acharya') means to be close to or to follow the day. Fortunately, Ayurvedic experts have provided pertinent information on how to do just that.

Benefits of an Ayurvedic Morning Routine

When you establish regular morning habits, you are literally starting your day on the right foot! In fact, many of the world's most successful individuals attribute part of their achievements to a morning routine. Here are some of the benefits of an Ayurvedic morning routine:

• Awakens and activates the body
• Stimulates metabolism
• Promotes healthy digestion
• Detoxifies the body
• Starts the day with awareness
• Enables you to meet challenges with greater grace and ease
• Improves mood
• Decreases mental fog
• Enhances ability to focus
• Fosters discipline
• Increases productivity
• Decreases the need to self-medicate
• Strengthens control over thoughts
• Encourages patience
• Cultivates inner peace

Kapha Daily Practices

The good news for Kapha doshas is that they naturally gravitate towards structure and sameness. In other words, Kapha body types are creatures of habit who are most comfortable in familiar routines. The bad news, however, is that they are also naturally resistant to change and will stick adamantly to their status quo, even at a cost. Indeed, Kaphas find it hard to let go of the past, try something new, or take a risk. In the same vein, they tend to be physically sedentary, lethargic, and emotionally detached.

If you have a Kapha type personality, you can counterbalance some of these tendencies by choosing from the following list of Ayurveda lifestyle guidelines:

• Start your day bright and early
• Establish a consistent waking routine (bathing, dressing, brushing teeth, skin care, etc.)
• Eat/drink something light and warm (i.e. warm oatmeal with cinnamon, ginger tea, almond milk)
• Meditate
• Exercise daily before it gets too hot
• Find an exercise buddy to keep you motivated
• Though you prefer to remain sedentary and tend to be lethargic, counterbalance these leanings by moving throughout the day: movement stimulates your metabolism, your mind, and your spirit (i.e. try cycling, an aerobics class, a Vinyasa Yoga class, sun salutations)
• Eat meals at regular times, limiting snacking
• Walk after meals, preferably in nature
• Tackle your most challenging tasks early in the day
• Practice stepping out of your comfort zone
• Try new things (new sights, new sounds, new tastes, new people)
• Turn in by about 10 pm and enjoy a sound sleep

Yoga for Kapha

According to Ayurveda, each dosha has particular lifestyle practices that promote balance, including yoga poses and breathing exercises. For example, while Vatas require strengthening and Pittas need to cool down, Kaphas - who prefer to take things slow and easy - need yoga practices that are vibrant, that fire up their metabolism, and that get them moving.

Some of the yoga exercises recommended for Kapha doshas include:

• Power Yoga
• Deep stretches
• Poses that open up the hips
• Poses that release stiff muscles and joints
• Chaturanga Push-Ups (Chaturanga Dandasana)
• Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana), which opens up the chest and heart, elongates and increases flexibility in the spine, strengthens the liver and pancreas, improves digestion, and helps rid the body of toxins and fat
• Abdominal Twists (Jathara Parivartanasana), which literally wring out toxins and food wastage, aid digestion, improve liver and pancreas function, stimulate reproductive and elimination processes, strengthen core muscles, and help things move, physically and mentally

Meditation Tips for Kapha Body Types

While a regular meditation practice is recommended for all doshas, Kapha body types in particular can benefit from meditating daily. Being tied to the past makes it difficult for them to stay present and to enjoy the moment. Meditations that are present-oriented and cleansing are recommended for Kaphas, as are any practices that emphasize mind-body awareness and their interconnectivity. Even 10 minutes daily is sufficient to reap the benefits!

In addition, since many Kaphas experience respiratory problems, Ayurveda recommends mindful breathing practices, also known as pranayama, for five minutes in the morning and at night. Benefits of mindful, controlled Pranayama practice include:

• Increased energy circulation
• Increased brain-body connection
• Decreased stress
• Lung cleansing
• Improved cognitive functioning
• Enhanced mood
• Greater inner calm and ease

Finally, to complete the package, be sure to check out nutritional guidelines for Kapha, as a dosha-friendly diet is central to the success of Ayurveda.

Good luck on your journey and be sure to share this Ayurveda Kapha Guide with your friends!