I'm a Kapha. Are You a Kapha too?

What does Dosha mean?

Ayurveda is an ancient holistic system from the Vedic civilization of India. It teaches that health is maintained by finding balance in doshas. Doshas are basically the 3 energies that govern the body. At birth, we were all created with a unique combination (known as prakruti) of the 5 elements; ether, air, fire, water and earth. Our prakruti is the combination of the 3 doshas:

• Vata (Ether and Air)
• Pitta (Fire and Water)
• Kapha (Water and Earth) 

Ayurveda teaches the maintenance and protection of the mind, body and soul. It is based on an individual's characteristics and body frame instead of being solely oriented towards treating sickness.

Longevity and overall well-being depends on keeping doshas in balance. According to ayurvedic teachings, any imbalance among the doshas will create discomfort and disease. Diet, exercise, good digestion and elimination of toxins are common factors that help to balance out doshas.

So which particular dosha are you? You could be predominantly one dosha or a combination of doshas. To find out, take this test!

Found out which dosha you are?
I'm a Kapha!

Let's go through the basic characteristics for each dosha shall we?

Vata people don't have a lot holding them together. They quickly fall in and out of balance, similar to a breeze. Vatas are prone to colds and dry skin. Vatas also tend to talk quite a lot, move a lot and yes, worry just as much. They tend to have a million things going on at one time. Vatas, due to their creative energy, make brilliant teachers, artists, actors and professional speakers. Do you tend to be late and change your mind rather rapidly? Then you are a Vata! You are definitely energetic and infect all the people around you.

Generally, vatas are slender and can be either tall or short. They have prominent bone structure, have dry (usually curly) hair, an oval shaped face with small eyes and teeny lashes. Vatas are commonly known to be easily browned by the sun.

What can you do to balance out being a vata? Slow down. Meditation, yoga practice and pranayama will get you grounded (to keep you from flying away!). You should also add oils, fully cooked vegetables, milk and grains to your diet to avoid constipation.

Famous Vatas? Christy Turlington and Mick Jagger!

Pittas have firey personalities. They are competitive by nature, and make great leaders! They solve issues really quick but at times, tend to be opinionated and controlling. Most times, they want things done their way, and require explanations for everything. Pitta people are talented list-makers and are extremely organised. Balanced pittas have razor sharp intellect, glowing skin, a roaring sense of humor and have the power of influence.

Pittas are usually medium sized with an athletic build with sharp features.

Pittas in general, to balance out their firey-ness, best practice nadi, shodhanam, sheetali and shekali - which are several pranayanamas (breathing techniques). Responding well to sweetness, be kind to pittas and give them ice cream! They need sweet fruits, salads, legumes, breads, rice, milk and cucumber water.

Lastly, pittas are blessed with  strong digestion and can eat almost anything! Although, if not fed, they get irritable and angry.

Famous Pittas? Madonna and Bill Gates.

Kaphas are comfortable and happy in one place and are averse to change. They are rather prone to diseases like obesity, lethargy, dullness of mind and diabetes (oh dear!). Personality wise, thankfully, everyone tends to love a Kapha! Peacemakers and joyous hosts at heart, they are listeners and nurturers. They tend to be extremely tolerant, patient and rather helpful. They do not like to lead, but are happy to follow. It is not easy to test or upset a Kapha, but when you do, watch out! They can hold a grudge.

They have strong bodies but unfortunately Kaphas need encouragement to get themselves moving. Attached greatly to things and memories, Kapha people do not like change. They are blessed with strong joints and bones, thick (although oily) hair. Kaphas also tend to gain weight easily.

How do we balance out a Kapha? They've got to move it, move it! Get them to perspire! A light diet of veggies, fruits, salads and legumes will greatly balance them out. Fasting if rather necessary for Kaphas to help them maintain their weight.

Famous Kaphas? Oprah Winfrey!

source for information and images :
http://healing.about.com/od/ayurvedic/a/tridoshas.htm
http://heymonicab.com/ayurveda-an-overview/
http://www.banyanbotanicals.com/constitutions/kapha.html