Living like a Kapha

Are you predominantly a Kapha dosha? Discover meditation, movement and dietary recommendations to start living a life more aligned with your Ayurvedic characteristics. Working with your dosha, rather than against it, is the first and the most important step on the journey to finding your glow.

Meditation for Kapha

We all know how incredible meditation is for our mental wellbeing, yet getting started can be a struggle. In this case, making a conscious decision to work with your dosha – rather than against it, as many of us naturally do – will make forming a meditation habit easy…

Adopt habit-forming techniques. As a Kapha, willpower can be your sticking point. To overcome this obstacle, try attaching your meditation to an existing habit, like tacking it on the end of an exercise session or making it part of your coffee break.

Use sensory awareness. Kapha is associated with the senses of touch and scent, so using sensory awareness can make meditation more appealing. Enjoy the physical sensations by Vipassana meditation, incorporate your favourite essential oils, or make lighting incense a part of your ritual.

Movement for Kapha

It can take some time and effort for Kaphas to get into their groove with movement, but getting – and staying – active is key for preventing the sluggishness you’re prone to feeling. Try forms of exercise that work naturally with your Kapha power and strength, guided by your gift for endurance.

Weight training or boxing. You can build muscle easily and have the capacity for heavy lifting. Having a PT on side could aid your motivation and consistency if you really want to thrive in this area.

Athletics and team sports. You enjoy the community feel of being part of a tribe. Your power and endurance will shine in a power position within a rugby, hockey or volleyball team.

Swimming. The longer the lengths, the better for Kapha.

Cycling. Particularly cross-country, mountain biking or other related sports, like skiing.

Flow or power yoga. To perk up your energy in times of need, up the intensity of your yoga practice with a flow class, or move through some Sun Salutations.

HIIT or aerobics. Instead of going to the gym, join a class for the sociable, fun and mood-lifting element.

Running. If you haven’t already, start building a running habit for a fast and instant burst of energy whenever you need it.

Eating like a Kapha

The Kapha diet aims to fire up Agni (our digestive fire), boost the metabolism, and prevent you from putting on excess weight. When making dietary choices, there are three key things to keep in mind for nurturing Kaphas’ digestive harmony and leading your healthiest lifestyle yet.

A warm and light diet. Ideally avoid heavy, cold and fatty foods as much as possible, as they can give rise to sluggishness. Instead think spicy, lightly cooked meals, which will help fire up your Agni (digestive fire).

Largest meal at lunchtime. Aim for two well-balanced meals per day, your largest being lunch. Avoid snacking and favour a light, low-carb dinner, like a bowl of soup.

Help from herbs and spices. Packed with antioxidants, the free and generous use of herbs and spices in your food will help aid digestion. The sharp flavours of ginger, black pepper, coriander, turmeric, clove, cardamom and cinnamon can be particular favourites of Kapha.