How to Get Rid of Kapha Dosha?

In the body these Kapha qualities project as grosser energy in the form of the body’s framework and substance as opposed to Vata and Pitta which are more subtle energies and which govern motion and transformations respectively.

Kapha makes up a large proportion of the body’s fat, muscle, tendon, skin, etc. and is responsible for the body’s stability, immunity, strength and firmness. It is sometimes called the “water humour”and is also the main component of bodily fluids such as plasma, saliva and intracellular fluids which give the body fluidity and lubrication between joints and also between organs thus ensuring their smoother interactions.

Kapha also gives smoothness and natural oiliness to skin, lustre to hair and moistness to eyes. 

Kapha-predominant types tend to have a large physical frame. They are slow but have a great capacity for hard, sustained work; and smoothness in their relationships makes them the carers and peace-makers of their societies.

Bearing in mind the qualities of Kapha it is easy to see that an excess buildup of Kapha in the body could lead to problems of overweight, water retention, all sorts of congestion, swelling, asthma and respiratory problems. Other manifestations could be feelings of heaviness, especially after meals, exhaustion, excess urination, salivation or other kinds of fluid discharges.

Stiffness in the joints is also a common complaint; and excess stickiness can cause kapha-imbalance persons to stick to their beds, to their possessions, and their natural emotion of love can begin to manifest as over-possessiveness, and even jealousy and envy.

Another characteristic of kapha is slowness. This may also determine their metabolism, so such persons should avoid eating heavy meals in the mornings and after dusk. Kapha types also need constant stimulation, both in their lifestyles as well as in the foods they consume. Brisk walks, vigorous exercise, frequent change of activity serve them well as do the use of fiery condiments and spices like ginger, mustard, pepper and even chilly.

This all helps to breakdown and prevent the accumulation of kapha and to keep it flowing and well distributed in the body, thus maximising the good qualities of kapha and the feeling of well being and happiness in the individual.

To Favour 

• Light and dry foods like salads and green leafy vegetables. 
• Small quantities of food and water. 
• Warm food, drink and environment. 
• Spices. 
• Pungent, bitter and astringent foods. 
• Vigorous exercise. 

To Avoid 

• Dairy products like milk, yoghurt and cheeses. 
• Cold and frozen food and drinks. 
• Large quantities of food and liquids. 
• Refined foods like white flour. 
• Heavy foods like red meat, wheat and fried foods. 
• All nuts. 
• Sweets and salt. 

 Reference - Chinmayam (September 2002)