The kapha response to stress
Kapha types are your steady, strong and grounded individuals that often hold everything together. They are reliable, full of love and compassion with a calm and steady nature. This dosha is dominated by the earth element with stable and grounded qualities. They are the most resistant to getting stressed out by the many stress triggers in modern life and are seen as being laid back.
However, in the face of stressful situations they can be very resistant to change becoming stubborn or reclusive when challenged. When faced with stress, this mind-body type may also comfort eat, especially sweet foods, which leads a feeling of heaviness and a lack of motivation. Emotionally, this type also has the tendency to become mentally possessive, perhaps holding on to unhelpful emotions.
So how do we balance kapha?
You can balance kapha’s cold, damp, heavy nature by not reaching for cold and heavy comfort foods in times of stress such as cheese, wheat and sweet foods. Try not to hibernate in the face of a stressful situation or bury your emotions. Instead keep yourself energised and warm by getting outdoors and walking amongst nature.
Pukka teas and supplements to try:
To provide both a mental and physical boost whilst also building core energy levels within the adrenal glands try Ginseng which is excellent for helping kapha types respond to stress
If digestion is affected by stress, try capsules and After Dinner capsules to keep cold and damp accumulations at bay
Partner these with warming, reviving teas such as Three Ginger, Three Cinnamon, After Dinner, Ginseng Matcha Green, Revitalise and .
If you don't already know what dosha you are, you can take our short dosha to find out.
Author: Jo Webber
Head of Herbal Education
As a B.Sc. qualified Ayurvedic practitioner and yoga teacher, Jo is passionate about bringing these two ancient sciences together to help people feel empowered about their health. Jo has put her post-graduate certificate in education to good use, co-founding the Ayurveda academy to help others learn of the wonders of Ayurveda. Jo has also earned a Masters degree in human sciences from Oxford University and has taught in several schools
Qualifications:
B.Sc. qualified Ayurvedic practitioner and yoga teacher
Years of experience:
20 years as a Hatha yoga teacher/ayurvedic practitioner
Professional Registrations:
Member of the Ayurvedic Practitioners Association