Ayurvedic philosophy tells us the Kapha dosha is defined by the qualities heavy, oily, and slow. Kapha skin is smooth and radiant, but also prone to conditions associated with oiliness. According to Ayurveda, to balance Kapha there should be a focus on inviting opposite qualities into your life. Therefore, the key to balancing Kapha is stimulation of the mind and body with warm and lively actions.
Lifestyle choices to balance Kapha
Invite energy and avoid stagnation with these lifestyle choices:
- Exercise every day
- Learn new skills
- Try new hobbies
- Encourage new relationships
- Travel to new places
- Listen to enlivening music
- Bring stimulating scents into your home
- Surround yourself with warm and bright colours
- Avoid clutter by donating unused items
Exercise
Exercise should be vigorous, but not over-strenuous. Competitive sports, running, aerobics, and cycling are best. Every day is ideal, but five days per week is adequate. Early morning exercise gives the body the best chance of feeling energetic throughout the rest of the day.
Scents
Eucalyptus and juniper berry essential oils can be diffused in the home. Cooking with cloves, cinnamon, and marjoram will stimulate olfactory senses as well as taste buds.
Routines for keeping Kapha in balance
Although embracing change is a large part of a healthy lifestyle for those of the Kapha dosha, there is a certain degree of regularity that is needed for skin health.
Diet
It’s important to eat three regular meals. Delaying meals or fasting only slows the metabolism. Lunch should be the most sustaining meal of the day.
It’s recommended to eat light and warming foods for a balanced Kapha dosha. Cook in a small amount of ghee, rather than oil, because Kapha already has an excess of oil. Clear vegetable soups, dhal, and vegetable casseroles are great meal choices, particularly when containing cruciferous vegetables, asparagus, carrot, and plenty of warming spices.
Skin care
An excess of oil is often a problem for those with Kapha skin. Therefore, the skin should be thoroughly cleansed twice per day and exfoliated once per week. A clearing serum, such as Amala clearing serum, can control the outbreaks of conditions like acne that often accompany oily skin. Amala contains Coleus forskohlii root oil for anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial benefits.
Staying warm
It’s important to stay warm and dry because damp and cold weather is detrimental to Kapha skin. Drinking warm water infused with dried ginger helps you stay hydrated and warm.
Rest
Early to bed and early to rise is the best sleep routine for the Kapha dosha. Napping or sleeping for extended periods of time will actually result in you feeling more tired.
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