Balancing Kapha
Balancing KAPHA
Signs and Symptoms of Increased Kapha
You are probably experiencing some of the following signs or symptoms :
- excess mucous
- thick, white tongue coat
- slow, sticky, sluggish bowel movements
- high body weight
- difficulty rising in the morning
- feeling slow, foggy, dull, lethargic or heavy
- easily attached or possessive
- overly sentimental
- complacent or stubborn
- tendency for “emotional overeating”
To reduce or pacify kapha, Ayurveda has given us dietary, lifestyle and herbal treatment strategies. Here are a few underlying concepts that these strategies are based on:
- Stimulation
- Exercise
- Lightening
- Warming
- Drying
General Guidelines for a Kapha-Pacifying Diet Enjoy :
Foods that are pungent, bitter, or astringent in taste.
Warm foods, both energetically and in temperature.
Heating spices—like chili, black or cayenne pepper, ginger, cinnamon, and cumin.
Whole, freshly cooked foods.
Light, dry, and warm foods.
Honey.
Only room temperature or warm drinks.
Most beans. Mung dahl, well-cooked tofu or tempeh, or warm soy milk are all okay.
Lots of veggies.
A minimal amount of high-quality corn, canola, sesame, sunflower oil, or ghee in your daily diet.
Routine times for your meals.
Taking a deep breath after swallowing your last bite and heading off for your next activity.
Eating your meal in a peaceful environment.
Avoid :
Foods that are sweet, sour, and/or salty.
Cooling foods, both energetically and in temperature.
Heavy and oily foods (e.g. cheese, pudding, nuts, cake).
Highly processed foods (e.g. canned or frozen foods, “TV” dinners or pastries).
Cold or carbonated drinks.
Overeating or eating heavy meals.
Eating fresh fruit or drinking fruit juice within ½ hour of any other food.
Red meat.
Foods or drinks that contain refined sugar or corn syrup.
Deep fried foods.
Alcohol, except for an occasional glass of dry red or white wine.
General Guidelines for a Kapha- Pacifying Lifestyle Enjoy :
An energetic routine. Avoid stagnation.
Stimulating your body and mind on a daily basis.
A 10–20 minute self-massage daily with ½ cup warm sesame oil before bathing.
A vigorous exercise routine that includes jogging, hiking, biking, vigorous forms of yoga or martial arts, or other challenging forms of exercise, a minimum of five times per week.
Keeping warm and dry, no matter what the weather.
Lively and invigorating music, smells, experiences, and company.
