THE KAPHA TYPE
heavy, cool, soft, viscous, slow, solid, smooth, oily, corporeal
BODY TYPE AND GENERAL APPEARANCE:
The Kapha type body is stocky, thickset, large and often chubby, although generally well proportioned, has heavy, strong and sturdy muscles and bones, which endows it with great strength and endurance.
Kapha types are prone to excessive weight gain. Their movements are slow and sluggish.
SKIN:
The skin is thick, damp/oily, shiny, elastic, soft and smooth. Kapha don’t feel the cold Their skin tone is lighter and paler than average.
HEAD AND FACE:
The head is large and square. The face is round and large with a pale complexion. The forehead is fleshy; the eyes are large, clear, round, open and often protruding, with a gentle, calm gaze. The nostrils, thick and wide (bulbous nose). The lips are usually thick and soft.
CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM:
Kapha type circulation tends to be slow and constant; the Kapha pulse is slow, steady and regular.
DIGESTION, METABOLISM AND APPETITE:
Digestion is slow and sluggish although the metabolism is efficient. Kapha types need little food, put on weight quickly, and rarely lose weight.
PERSONALITY, BEHAVIOUR AND EMOTIONS:
Kapha types love harmony and are quiet, content, patient, kind, gentle, forgiving, tolerant, tender, affectionate. Respectful toward older people, reliable and sentimental. However, they are prone to attachment, mental rigidity, envy and greed. They can also lack drive, be hesitant, inflexible, and often appear lethargic.
INTELLIGENCE AND MEMORY:
The Kapha mind is slow to sluggish, but very highly developed. Kapha types are quite indecisive and like to take their time to consider things. However, once they have made a decision, it will be well thought out and executed. Their memory is very good, especially their long-term memory.
DISEASES, DEFENCES AND VULNERABILITIES:
Kapha types are sensitive to the cold. They are prone to weight gain, fatigue, oedemas, mucus congestions (especially of the respiratory tract), depression and lack motivation. However, they have a very strong immune system and therefore rarely become ill. They react slowly to medication and therapy, and require higher than average doses.
LIFE IN GENERAL:
Kapha types love water. They need sun and heat, and they like bright flowers, colours, pleasant fragrances and cosmetics. They are good with money and generally make talented and successful business people. They enjoy robust good health and high life expectancy. Although popular as friends thanks to their reliability and easy-going nature, Kapha types are not good enemies to have as they can be vindictive and unwilling to change an opinion once set.
IN HARMONY:
- Robust and heavy body
- Methodical, patient and persistent
- Likes to work meticulously and make plans, organised
- Balanced personality, a ‘tower of strength’
- Enjoys routine
- Moderate hunger, enjoys the taste of food
- Sleeps long and deep
- Experiences heat as soothing
WHEN UNBALANCED:
- Slow digestion
- Tendency to excessive weight gain
- Greedy, envious and avaricious
- Slow and lethargic
- Typical symptoms of disease:
- Mucus congestions
- Obesity
TIP:
Kapha Tea activates the metabolism and promotes blood circulation
- Kapha Spice
- Fast day
- Skip breakfast
- A light evening meal (before 6pm)
- Enjoy a Vata or Kapha steam bath
- Drink anise and fennel tea
