By Rasa Ayurveda

Kapha means ‘to nourish’ or ‘to nurture.’ It is the energy of Earth (Prithvi) and Water (Apas). As a result, Kapha expresses the qualities of heaviness, coolness and moisture.

If you think of Earth, what comes to mind? Structure, right? It’s no wonder then that Kapha governs structure in the body, mind and the world . Kapha energy makes up our bones, tendons and ligaments, all the way down to our very cells and structural DNA. Because of the water element, Kapha also supplies the liquid needed for all parts and systems to live and function optimally. This is why people who are predominantly Kapha by nature tend to have lubricated joints, thick hair and skin that feels perpetually moisturized (sorry Vatas ☹️). In the mind, balanced Kapha shows up as emotions of love, calm, tenderness and forgiveness. The Kapha mind is steady and less reactive. Outside the body, Kapha may appear in the support of a loving community, in a depth-full and committed relationship, in an unwavering mentor and in Mother Nature herself. Kapha provides the structure of life, allowing for the strength, vitality, stability, and endurance to weather whatever storms this life may bring.

When Kapha builds up in the body or mind however, we call this an imbalance. The body gets much lazier and heavier (sometimes in the form of literal weight-gain), the mind slows down, becomes foggy and uninspired while emotions such as attachment, clinginess, jealousy, lust, envy, stubbornness and a holding-on-for-dear-life style of living in the past veils the ability to experience the offerings of the present moment. What seemed like a temporary lull in life, evolves into a full-time residency in the state of depression.

Those with too much Kapha can spend their entire lives in their mind-erected comfort-zones, wedded to security and never giving life a chance to show them the beauty that awaits outside of the familiar. Even the act of waking up in the morning can be a struggle for Kaphas, as Kapha energy is predominant between the hours of 6am to 10am, making the warmth and safety of your duvet seem like a mighty fine option for the next 25 rounds of slapping the snooze button. Don’t confuse inertia for safety. Dismiss the should be’s, could be’s and would be’s to reveal the miracle of this perfect moment. ~

In our extensive apothecary–our natural pharmacy–you can reclaim your right to mother nature’s medicine in the form of wonderful Vata-Pacifying goodness. The following are available at The Pale Blue Dot:

↠Kapha Abhyangha Oil (Self-Massage oil)
↠Kapha Facial Elixir
↠Kapha Clarifying Facial Toner
↠Kapha Ubtan (Cleanser & Mask)
↠Kapha Uplifting Tea
↠Kapha Incense

Although we offer many products and practices that can support the balancing of Kapha in the system, the most reliable form of support you can discover is to know the true Self to be Pure Consciousness; unlimited, unwavering, infallible, free of fear and the only thing in existence that is not subject to impermanence. Do not look outwards for your inner stability and security. Sometimes Kapha clings to the physical reality and forgets this one truth. Give up looking for permanence in the impermanent. Turn your gaze inwards until you find what can never die. 

Does someone in your life who expresses the energy of Kapha, in its balanced or imbalanced form, come immediately to mind who needs to see this? Please share.