KAPHA Flashcards
KAPHA Dosha
KAPHA= SLESHMA = PHLEGM
Kapha governs the structure of the body. It is the principle that holds the cells together and forms the muscle, fat, bone, and sinew (tendon + ligaments).
The primary function of Kapha is protection. In general Kapha people have the least psychological disorders.
Elements: Earth + Water
Function: Protects; Supports;
provides substance and support. It gives strength and stability, both physically and psychologically. It enhances resistance to disease and promotes the healing process.
Psychology: Nurture
Qualities: Heavy, slow, steady, solid, cold, soft, oily
(Cold, Damp, Dense, Heavy, Oily, Slow, Sweet, Stable and Moist)
Taste: Sweet
Location: Lungs, upper part of the stomach, heart, tongue and oesophagus
Digestion Cycle: Ingestion
Food balancing: pungent + bitter
Main imbalances: mucous formation (slow digestion), swelling, lethargy; mental dullness, congestion and poor perception
Main treatment: diet + herbs
Personality: naturally calm, thoughtful, and loving.
Physicality: Strong built and stamina
Agni= low Dhatu= excess
KAPHA Physical Characteristics
Kapha types have a strong build and excellent stamina. Large, soft eyes; smooth, radiant skin; and thick hair are also important Kapha characteristics. Those who are predominantly Kapha sleep soundly and have regular digestion. But when Kapha builds to excess, weight gain, fluid retention, and allergies manifest in the body. When they’re out of balance, Kapha types may become overweight, sleep excessively, and suffer from asthma, diabetes, and depression.
KAPHA Emotional Characteristics
Kaphas are naturally calm, thoughtful, and loving. They have an inherent ability to enjoy life and are comfortable with routine. When in balance, Kaphas are strong, loyal, patient, steady, and supportive. People with an excess of Kapha tend to hold on to things, jobs, and relationships long after they are no longer nourishing or necessary. Excess Kapha in the mind manifests as resistance to change and stubbornness. In the face of stress, the typical Kapha response is “I don’t want to deal with it.”
KAPHA Subdoshas
TARPAKA KAPHA:
Consciousness
Governs calmness, happiness and stability. Nourishment of sense and motor organs. Located in the head, sinuses and cerebrospinal fluid (Brain/Mind+Heart).
BODHAKA KAPHA:
Governs perception of taste, lubricating and moistening of food. Located in the tongue, mouth and throat.
AVALAMBAKA KAPHA:
Governs lubrication of the heart and lungs. Provides strength to the back, chest and heart. Located in the chest, heart and lungs (respiratory system)
KLEDAKA KAPHA:
Governs moistening and liquefying of the food in the initial stages of digestion. Located in the upper part of the stomach.
SLESHAKA KAPHA:
Governs lubrication of all joints. Located in the joints.
TARPAKA KAPHA
Governs calmness, happiness and stability. Nourishment of sense and motor organs.
Psych. consciousness
Location/organ: head, sinuses and cerebrospinal fluid.
Function: Protects the central nervous system; produces cerebro-spinal fluid
Imbalances: Dullness, complacent, cerebrospinal fluid, sluggish, response; mental dullness
Treatment: five-sense therapy; avoid excessive sleep.
BODHAKA KAPHA
Governs perception of taste, lubricating and moistening of food.
Psych. ?
Location/organ: tongue, mouth and throat
Function: Protects the upper digestive track (oral cavity, mouth); produces saliva (salivary secretions)
Imbalance: increase salivation, excess mucous in the mouth and throat.
Treatment: Diet and herbs are most important
AVALAMBAKA KAPHA
Governs lubrication of the heart and lungs. Provides strength to the back, chest and heart.
Psych. Sorrow?
Location/organ: chest, heart and lungs.
Function: Protects the respiratory system; produces mucous
Imbalance: increase of respiratory phlegm/mucous, weight gain; attachment, clinging, sorrow
KLEDAKA KAPHA
First stage of imbalance
Governs moistening and liquefying of the food in the initial stages of digestion.
Psych.
Location/organ: upper part of the stomach.
Function: carries digestive acids and mucous
Imbalance: sluggish digestion, nausea, vomiting
Treatment: Diet and herbs are most important
SLESHAKA KAPHA
Governs lubrication of all joints.
Psych. Stack ?
Location/organ: the joints
Function: Protects the joints (movement); produces synovial fluid;
Imbalances: swollen joints, limited motion range, non-heat joint pain
Treatment: five-sense therapy; stretching and exercise.
KAPHA Fluctuation
TIME OF LIFE:
Beginning of Cycle (Birth); birth to puberty
Goal: Kama: pleasure and play
TIME OF DAY:
Mornings (6-10am) Preparing for the day
Evenings (6-10pm) Unwinding time (Friends +Family time)
KAPHA SEASON:
Late winter, early spring
Aggravated by warm and damp weather
