L7 Ayurveda I - Doshas - Kapha Flashcards
What does Kapha mean?
‘mucus’
What elements compose Kapha?
Earth and water
What are the attributes of Kapha?
- Cool
- Moist
- Heavy
- Gross
- Dense
- Static
- Dull
- Soft
- Smooth
- Cloudy
What are the functions of Kapha? (List at least three)
- Building physical mass
- Developing structure
- Lubricating joints and mucous membranes
- Giving endurance
- Providing strength
- Ensuring stability and steadiness of body, mind, emotions, and character
What is the main ‘home’ of Kapha?
The stomach and lungs
Kapha is associated with mucus production in these areas.
What is the first sign of Kapha aggravation?
Mucus build-up
This indicates an increase in Kapha dosha.
List some other signs of Kapha aggravation.
- Fluid retention
- Lethargy
- Weight gain
- Nausea
- Brain fog
- Poor concentration
- Watery discharges
- Allergies
- Sinus congestion
- Cysts
- Lymphatic congestion
- Depression
Think heavy, weightiness, sluggishness, congestion
What factors aggravate Kapha?
- Cold
- Dampness
- Mucous-producing foods
- Lack of activity
- Winter
- Childhood years
These factors contribute to an increase in Kapha dosha.
What is the initial location where Kapha accumulates?
In the stomach
What type of herbs can stimulate digestion, circulation, and metabolism?
Warming spicy herbs such as dry ginger and black pepper
Such spicy herbs would generally only be used in Kapha constitutions
What is the purpose of expectorant herbs?
To increase elimination of mucus
Name an example of an expectorant herb.
Aniseed
Elecampane
Warming and drying
What type of herbs help to balance dampness?
Drying astringent herbs
Not good for Vata (they are already dry)
List two examples of drying astringent herbs.
- Green tea
- Cinnamon
Warming and drying
What dietary focus is recommended for balancing Kapha?
Light, spicy, dry foods
What type of physical activity is suggested for Kapha balance?
Vigorous exercise
What are the five subtypes of Kapha?
- Tarpaka = nourishes
- Bodhaka = gives taste
- Kledaka = gives moisture
- Sleshaka = binding together
- Avalambaka = to support
These subtypes govern different types of lubrication in the body and mind.
What does Tarpaka Kapha do?
“nourish”
- Lubricates and nourishes the brain and spine
- Provide contentment, calmness, and happiness
Tarpaka Kapha is associated with mental well-being.
What is the function of Bodhaka Kapha?
“gives taste”
Lubricates the mouth, throat, and sense organs
Bodhaka Kapha plays a role in taste perception.
What does Kledaka Kapha do?
“gives moisture”
Lubricates and protects digestive processes and membranes
Kledaka Kapha is essential for digestive health.
What is the role of Sleshaka Kapha?
“binding together”
Lubricates joints
Sleshaka Kapha helps maintain joint flexibility.
What does Avalambaka Kapha maintain?
“to support”
AvalamBAKA
Mucous membranes of lungs
Avalambaka Kapha is critical for respiratory health.
Which subtype of Kapha is considered the ‘storehouse’?
Avalambaka
Avalambaka is responsible for all other forms of Kapha.
How can clearing lung mucus affect the body?
It helps clear mucus throughout the body
This indicates the interconnectedness of Kapha subtypes.
What foods and spices can help regulate Avalambaka Kapha?
Mustard, ginger, spicy foods; avoid cold, damp, mucus-producing foods and drinks like dairy
Warming spices are beneficial for balancing Avalambaka Kapha.
True or False: Warming spices can balance Avalambaka Kapha.
True
