Kaphas are the heaviest, roundest people of the three mind-body types according to Ayurvedic medicine. Ayurveda is a health care system that dates back 5,000 years to India. People of all creeds and nationalities practice the principles of Ayurveda today.Kaphas tend to be large-boned, heavyset and often are chubby or overweight. Earth and water are the elements expressed in Kapha and when balanced, Kapha individuals can be mellow and easygoing. Slow to act and speak, once they do, Kaphas are purposeful and methodical.Stress is manifested in Kaphas as a heaviness or sluggishness, water retention, sinus headaches, flu, colds or at an extreme, diabetes or obesity.Famous for their sweet tooth, Kaphas do not like physical exercise, which can lead to weight gain and inertia. Moderation is key for the larger-sized Kapha. Kaphas might handle stress by overeating, oversleeping and choosing to not act but to self-medicate. This can create a non-productive cycle that can build more stress.Learning manage stress for Kaphas means taking active control of daily activities.
Instructions
1. Maintain regular physical exams. As Kaphas tend to be the most sedentary of the three doshas (mind-body types) it is important that they are routinely examined by their physicians. Any weight management issues can be addressed at the same time. Generally, Kaphas are at a higher risk for weight gain, diabetes and other chronic disease if they are unable to effectively control their weight.
2. Establish a realistic work schedule. Kaphas love to sleep. If you know that you are not an early bird person, find work that allows you to have a flexible schedule so you are not rushing in a mad dash to be in at the office at 8 am. Telecommute or create work you can do at home, if possible.
3. Keep your metabolism stoked. Agni fire is the fire of digestion in Ayurveda and it is strongest at 12 noon. Make breakfast and dinner smaller meals and lunch the main event. This is not to say skip breakfast and have a giant lunch: practice moderation. Consult with a nutritionist to determine any special dietary needs and adjust.
4. Drink non-iced liquids between your meals. No ice: it kills agni fire and Kaphas want to keep that fire burning! Dilute fruit juice at one part juice to 3 parts filtered water and sip between meals. Non-caffeinated teas are fine, too. Avoid sugary drinks (read: empty calories).
5. Exercise every day. Despite their large size, Kaphas generally do have good stamina. If you have not exercised in some time, begin with 20 to 30 minutes of walking. If you don’t have time, squeeze in 10 minutes of walking before or after each meal. (This might mean walking 10 minutes to the place you get lunch at work, for instance, or walking your dog at home after work). Do not skip exercise.
6. Consider alternative health treatments to reduce stress. Acupuncture can balance the flow of chi, energy in the body and release endorphins to reduce stress. Getting a professional massage will do the same thing. Ayurveda suggests we all do a self-massage every day with a light oil before bathing.
7. Pamper yourself during your free time. Kaphas appreciate the finer things in life: manicures, facials, pedicures, or a haircut with a neck massage could be their cup of tea. At least once every three months, book one of these treatments to help de-stress.
Tags: Kaphas tend, mind-body types, minutes walking, reduce stress, weight gain