Kapha is the energy of lubrication in the body. Kapha types are blessed with strength, endurance and stamina. In balance, they have loving, sweet dispositions and are stable and grounded. They also tend to be calm, tolerant and forgiving. However, Kapha people have a tendency towards becoming lethargic. While they may be slow to comprehend, once they have grasped something their long term memory is excellent. When out of balance, Kaphas tend toward greed, envy, attachment and possessiveness.
Physically, kapha people tend to have larger body frames, may gain weight easily and have slow metabolisms. They tend to avoid exercise. Kapha skin is oily, smooth and thick and their eyes are large and attractive with thick, long lashes. Sleep is deep and prolonged. While Kapha types are attracted to sweet, salty and oily foods, their constitutions are balanced by bitter, astringent and pungent (hot/spicy) tastes.
Kapha is comprised of the elements earth and water, so Kapha types are more likely to have diseases connected to the water principle such as flu, sinus congestion, and other ailments involving mucous. Kaphas commonly suffer from sluggishness, excess weight, diabetes, water retention, and headaches. Winter is the time of greatest Kapha accumulation, so Kapha types will tend toward imbalance in this season if care isn’t taken. Kapha balancing dietary and lifestyle changes are most important during this time.
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