Kapha lifestyle, Kapha diet

Although Kaphas tend to have weight issues most of their adult lives (Kaphas tend to be thin in their youth), you certainly have the advantage of having the simplicity of following a diet and lifestyle that complement each other to achieve mental and physical balance as well as helping you to lose weight. Easy!

I have already outlined the general food guidelines for Kaphas in a recent post. But since Ayurveda is not exclusively about food, we need to address the other factors that will soothe or balance your Kapha dosha in a spiritual and mental way, to assist in weight loss and also make you feel your best.

Here is what Ayurveda prescribes to Kaphas to create mental and emotional balance.

KAPHA ROUTINES

~ aromatheraphy using essential oils with warm and spicy aromas, including eucalyptus, pine, musk and sage

~ surround yourself with hot and vibrant colours, especially red

~ listen to calming music like raga at sunset or before bed, between the hours of 7 and 10 pm

~ every day, give yourself a 10-minute dry massage using a silk or cotton glove, paying extra attention wherever you have fatty deposits

~ meditate first thing in the morning and do invigorating yoga stretches

~ engage in heating activities or sports, making sure you get your heartrate up for 15-20 minutes every day

~ fast one day a week on liquids, having broths, herbal teas, and diluted fruit or vegetable juices

~ drink green tea with fresh ginger 2-3 times a day

It's important to have a Kapha-pacifying lifestyle if you are a Kapha, not only to complement your Kapha-pacifying diet for weight loss but also to counteract the mental and digestive sluggishness that is characteristic of Kaphas. You'll notice that all foods and activities recommended to Kaphas have a heating, spicy, invigorating quality, all of which cleanse your body of excess fluids and give you the energy to be and do your best.