Vata-Kapha and Kapha-

Vata Pacifying Daily

Routine

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Nearly everywhere we look in nature, there are creatures engaging in some sort of consistent
daily routine. The natural world at large is deeply influenced by the rhythms of nature the
rising and setting of the sun, the cycles of the seasons, and the underlying impulses directing
the broader community of life. While there is often some degree of seasonal variation, many
plants and animals embrace a predictable daily rhythm and, as a rule, live by it. As humans,
we have largely gotten away from this habit. Modern forms of energy allow us to heat and
cool our homes and businesses, light the darkness, and engage with life at all hours of the
day and night. Many of us even have jobs and other obligations that require us to keep
irregular schedules. The increasingly erratic nature of our lives is inherently taxing. Layer that
on top of the busyness and stress that pervades modern life, and it is no wonder that so
many of our nervous systems now exist in a chronic state of high alert hyper-vigilant,
increasingly unable to relax.

But at the most fundamental level, our physiology is very much adapted to and supported
by some sense of regularity. Actually, this is precisely why the daily routine is such potent
medicine. In effect, having a daily routine offers the grounding, stability, and predictability
that are largely absent from our hectic modern lives. The routine itself creates a number of
familiar and comforting reference points throughout each day that send a resounding
affirmation to the deep tissues of the body that all is well, that we can be at ease. And so,
when the body becomes accustomed to and learns to count on a daily routine that
includes things like adequate rest, appropriate exercise, and a nourishing spiritual practice,
the nervous system can finally begin to relax.1 As a result, a daily routine can elicit profound
rejuvenation throughout the body without requiring any conscious awareness of the healing
process.
But adopting a daily routine is also a very purposeful and enduring act of self-love. Each day,
our routines provide us with a tangible opportunity to prioritize our own health and wellbeing,
regardless of what else might be going on in our lives. They quickly become poignant
reminders that we are in fact worthy of a healthy dose of loving attention every single
day. The cumulative affect of caring for ourselves in this way is quite powerful. And for many,
committing to a daily routine results in a greatly improved sense of wellness in a very short
period of time.

Creating A Manageable Routine

Some aspects of an Ayurvedic daily routine are very quick and easy to incorporate into your
day, regardless of your schedule. Other practices require some concerted effort and a strong
level of commitment. If establishing a daily routine is entirely new to you and even if it isnt
its important not to get overwhelmed. As you can imagine, taking on too much too soon
tends to cause more stress than it relieves, so its important to be realistic about how much
you should start with. A good strategy might be to add as many little things as you feel
truly inspired to do, and then to take on only 3-5 more significant commitments. If you tend
to overextend yourself, start with just one substantial new addition to your day. If you tend to
make things too easy for yourself, commit to making at least 3 substantial new additions to
your day.
And no matter how appealing each practice may sound, it is far more important to be able to
stick to your commitments consistently than to try to do everything. A routine can have a
soothing effect on your entire organism, but much of the benefit will be lost if you cant do it
regularly. In this respect, less truly is more.
Remember, the idea is to facilitate a sense of predictability in certain aspects of your life so
that your being has a place to come home to throughout the day regardless of what other
curve balls might crop up as your day unfolds. You will always be able to add to your routine
later. In fact, as time goes on, you may notice that your routine becomes almost
effortless. Instead of pouring a bunch of energy into making it happen every day, it simply
becomes habit and you no longer have to think about it. This is the time to think about
layering in new practices.

Where to Begin?
If you read the classic texts of Ayurveda, one thing stands out about the recommended daily
routine: it is heavily focused on the early morning hours. Most of the recommended practices
are done upon waking and are completed before breakfast. Consider the cosmic peace and
serenity that is accessible in the hours just before sunrise. This time of day embodies an
inherent stillness. It is as if the entire atmosphere is imbued with the qualities of tranquility,
peace, compassion, and love. As a result, the early morning hours are an especially powerful
time to engage in loving self-care, reflective practice, and the intention to heal or re-pattern
the physiology. Beyond that, this is the timeframe that sets the tone for our entire day. Which
is to say, the early morning is a great place to start when establishing a routine. When we
care deeply for ourselves every morning, we create enormous potential for positive change
truly transformational potential. Changing your morning really can change your life.

The Traditional Ayurvedic Morning

Routine

Download our Elements of Ayurveda Daily Routine Guide

What follows is a brief description of a traditional Ayurvedic morning routine. Remember, this
is the ideal. Please do not try to do all of this tomorrow morning. Weve included all of these
practices and a brief description of their benefits because different elements of the routine
will speak to different individuals. As you read through this list, pay close attention to which
elements stir the deepest response in your body. Those practices will usually be the best ones
to start with.

Wake Up Between 3am and 6am

The classics recommend that we rise during the ambrosial hours of the morning, sometime
between 3am and 6am.2, 3 This is a vata time of day; the atmosphere is infused with lightness
and clarity, which helps us to more easily awaken. 4 Equally important, this time of day is
regarded as being the most conducive for creating a connection with our deepest inner
nature and consciousness.4 Waking during this particular timeframe is not necessary for
children, the elderly, or for those who are sick, pregnant, or breast-feeding. 4 Regardless of
what time works best for you, your daily routine will be most beneficial if you wake up at a
consistent time from one day to the next.

Eliminate
Empty the bladder and the bowels. Ayurveda views morning elimination as a natural and
essential element of daily hygiene and health. If you do not typically have a bowel movement
first thing in the morning, some of the below practices (like drinking warm water) may help
you regulate this function in your body. Or, consider taking triphala to support healthy and
regular elimination (see Evening Routine below, for more on taking triphala).

Scrape Tongue
This simple hygiene practice removes bacteria and toxins that have accumulated on

the tongue overnight.4 It also serves to stimulate and cleanse the digestive tract and the vital
organs. So while tongue scraping is considered an important element of daily oral hygiene, it
also supports the natural detoxification of the system at large. Another benefit of scraping
the tongue is that it allows us to take notice of the coating on our tongues each morning and
to begin to see how our dietary choices and lifestyle habits influence our overall health from
one day to the next.3 A tongue cleaner made of stainless steel is balancing for all
doshas. When you are finished, rinse with clean water and spit.

Brush Teeth
While this practice is already familiar to all of us, Ayurveda recommends cleaning the teeth
with herbs that promote oral health like neem which are typically bitter, astringent, or
pungent in taste.4

Drink Warm Water

Drinking a glass of warm water cleanses and awakens the digestive tract, hydrates the
tissues, and promotes peristalsis which can encourage a bowel movement, even when
there is a tendency toward sluggishness or constipation. It is best to drink water only after
the mouth and the tongue have been cleansed so as not to swallow the bacteria and toxins
that have accumulated in the mouth overnight.3

Swish & Gargle with Daily Swish Pulling Oil

It is said that swishing and gargling with warm oil lends strength to the teeth, gums, jaw, and
voice, while improving the sense of taste.3 Spit the oil out after you have held and swished it
in your mouth for the desired period of time. This practice can be done briefly, for 1-2
minutes, or for as long as 15 minutes. If a longer swish and gargle is appealing, consider
doing it during abhyanga (see below), or while completing other aspects of your morning
routine.

Massage Gums with Daily Swish Pulling Oil

Use your clean index finger to gently massage a bit of Daily Swish oil into your gums. This
practice further benefits the teeth and gums by increasing circulation in these tissues and
encouraging absorption of the oil.3, 5

Splash Cold Water in the Eyes

Our eyes work very hard all day and they tend to accumulate a lot of heat. Splashing a bit of
cold water into each eye in the morning helps to cool, sooth, and relax the eyes, but also
helps us to feel more vibrantly awake.

Meditation, Pranayama, Prayer, or Quiet Reflection

If the central purpose of a morning routine is to calm the nervous system and ground the
being before the day begins, then meditation, pranayama, prayer, or quiet reflection are
perhaps its most essential elements. You may already have a practice that speaks to you. If
not, simply sitting quietly and breathing slowly and deeply for a few minutes can have a
tremendously beneficial effect. If youre looking for a soothing and powerful introduction to
breath work, Dr. Claudia Welchs Prana CD consists of four guided breathing exercises that
can be practiced in sequence or individually.
 Movement
Making time to move our bodies in an appropriate way in the morning is both grounding and
motivating. It supports natural detoxification by promoting healthy circulation and by helping
to move stagnation from the organs and tissues. It also helps to loosen and awaken the body
and the joints. Early morning is a very supportive time for almost anyone to exercise because
of the strengthening and stabilizing influence of kapha, (which is prevalent in the atmosphere
from about 6am-10am). If it is not possible for you to exercise in the early morning, early
evening is a good alternative (about 6pm 10pm), preferably before dinner.

Yoga
As a sister science of Ayurveda, yoga is a natural part of an Ayurvedic daily routine. However,
different individuals will benefit from different types of yoga, depending on their constitution
and current state of balance. For vata-kapha types, its important to balance the active,
invigorating approach that benefits kapha with the slow, gentle movements that support
vata. One strategy that often works is to do a little bit of both. For example, you might follow
a vigorous yoga practice such as kapha-pacifying yoga with several restorative poses and
a long shavasana. You can also adjust your routine seasonally, switching from vata-pacifying
yoga in the fall and early winter to kapha-pacifying yoga in the late winter and
spring. Regardless of your practice, its essential that you listen to your body, try to tease out
what it needs most, and adapt your practice accordingly.

Other Forms of Exercise

Ayurveda recommends different types and intensities of exercise for different constitutions
and imbalances. In general, Ayurveda suggests that we exercise to only about 50% of our
capacity until we break a mild sweat on the forehead, under the arms, and along the spine,
or until the first sign of dryness in the mouth.5, 3 Vata-kapha types have to honor kaphas need
for a faster-paced, invigorating exercise routine alongside vatas need for calmer, more
grounding activities like walking, chi gong, or tai chi. A simple awareness of this dichotomy
is an essential first step. Its sometimes helpful to adopt an appropriate mixture of both or to
adjust your exercise routine seasonally to insure that both vata and kapha are supported
throughout the year. And you can always balance with opposites. If you start to feel heavy or
tired, get up and go for a brisk walk. If you feel depleted and run down, focus on slower, more
centering forms of movement until you recover your strength. Whatever works for you, be
careful not to get chilled during or after exercise, as this will aggravate both vata and kapha.

Abhyanga (Ayurvedic Oil Massage)

This ancient practice of self-massage with oil calms the nervous system, lubricates and
rejuvenates the tissues, and promotes healthy circulation throughout the body. It is no
coincidence that the Sanskrit word for oil, sneha, also means love. Abhyanga is a profound
practice of rejuvenation and loving self-care that benefits both the physical body and the
more subtle realms of consciousness. Each morning, before a shower or bath, massage about
1/4 cup warm Kapha Massage Oil (because vata is inherently calmed by the practice of
Abhyanga) or Organic Sesame Oil into the skin. Alternatively, you can choose your oils
seasonally or according to your current condition. For further instructions on this rejuvenating
technique, click here.

Apply Warm Oil to the Ears

The ears are closely related to vata dosha. Lubricating the ears with warm, untoasted sesame
oilregularly can help to pacify vata in general, but can also support the sense of hearing,
prevent stiffness in the neck by lubricating local tissues, and encourage healthy TMJ
function.3 You can use an eyedropper to place about 10 drops of warm sesame oil in one ear
at a time letting it sit for several minutes before draining any excess and then repeat the
process on the other side. Or, you can simply use the tip of your pinky finger to lubricate the
inside of each ear with a bit of sesame oil.3

Apply Warm Oil to the Top of the Head

 Oiling the head and scalp is deeply soothing and can help to prevent headaches, hair loss,
and greying. It also supports each of the sense organs and encourages sound sleep. 3

Foot Massage
Our feet literally carry us through each day. Massaging them each morning, focusing on the
soles in particular, is a very grounding and nurturing practice. But because various points on
the feet correlate with organs and tissues throughout the body, it also supports proper vision,
relieves stress, and offers many other systemic benefits. 3

Cleanse or Lubricate the Nasal Passages

There are two Ayurvedic practices that support clean, clear nasal passages and clarity of
mind. Both of these practices are best done on an empty stomach, usually early in the
morning. They each have distinct energies and benefits, so if you chose to try them both, it is
best to separate them by at least a day (i.e. dont follow nasal rinse immediately with nasya
or visa versa).

Nasal Rinse
Nasal rinse is a practice of pouring warm salt water through the nasal passages to moisten
the mucus membranes and cleanse the nasal passages of dust, dirt, pollen, and excess
mucus. If you find that your nasal passages feel dry afterwards, you can use your pinky finger
to lubricate the nostrils with a bit of sesame oil or ghee when youre finished or at another
time of day (i.e. as part of your bedtime routine).

Nasya
Nasya is the practice of applying medicated oil to the nasal passages to soothe these delicate
tissues, promote unobstructed breathing, relieve accumulated stress, and support mental
clarity. This practice is also said to improve the quality of the voice and to strengthen
vision. Nasya should not be performed by pregnant or menstruating women. Each morning,
find a comfortable place to lie in the supine position (on your back), tilting your head upside
down. You may find it helpful to hang your head off the edge of a bed or bolster, so that the
top of your crown is parallel with the floor. Once in position, apply 3-5 drops of Nasya Oil into
each nostril, sniffing the oil inward and massaging the face, forehead, and scalp to encourage
the oil to move up into the sinuses and head. Relax for a minute or two to allow the oil to
absorb before slowly getting up.

Massage the Body With Dry Powder

Massaging the body with soft powders (like chickpea or rice flours), stimulates movement of
the lymph, balances kapha, encourages circulation, liquefies fat, bolsters the health of the
skin, and lends strength and tone to the tissues of the body. 3 It can also help to remove
excess oil from the skin following abhyanga.

Bathe
Bathing is a very important part of the traditional Ayurvedic routine. It is said to cleanse and
purify the body, to bring energy and alertness to the being, and to promote longevity. 5 Use
soap only where necessary. If youve done abhyanga, rinsing the skin with warm water will
generally suffice to remove excess oil.

Breakfast Time
Establishing a consistent time for breakfast is a great way to ensure that we have time to eat
our first meal mindfully and that we start our day well nourished. The content of your
breakfast should be seasonally appropriate and supportive of your unique constitution or
imbalance.

During the Day

While the bulk of a traditional Ayurvedic routine is performed in the morning, there are a
handful of things that we can do throughout the day to enhance the benefits of having a daily
routine.

Establish Consistent Times for Meals

This is a very simple way to create consistency for our bodies. It supports digestion, ensures
that we are adequately nourished and eating at optimal times, reduces the propensity for
snacking, and helps calm the nervous system by establishing another predictable pattern
that our bodies can rely on.

Establish Lunch as the Main Meal

The digestive fire is strongest at mid-day, from about 10am to 2pm. This is therefore the best
time to eat our main meal especially for vata-kapha types, who can tend toward irregular
digestion, a sluggish metabolism, or both. This also allows us to enjoy a lighter evening meal,
which supports sound sleep and deepens the bodys capacity for rejuvenation each night.

Implement a Consistent Work Schedule

While this is not entirely possible for everyone, do it to the extent that it is possible for
you. This provides another avenue toward predictability and supports a deeper sense of calm
within the nervous system.

Keep An Appropriate Pace

As a vata-kapha type, this may present a bit of a challenge because vata tends to overextend
while kapha can leave us feeling less than motivated. So again, learning to listen to our own
inner compass is critically important. If we feel frantic and ungrounded, we should probably
slow down. If we feel lethargic and lackadaisical, we might need to find a wellspring of
motivation to push through any heaviness thats dragging us down. By pacing ourselves
appropriately throughout the day, we will tend to make better decisions, which generally
supports health and can prevent stress. And if we can learn to strike a balance between the
opposing tendencies of vata and kapha, we will be much better equipped to keep both of our
primary doshas healthy and balanced.

Allow Adequate (But Not Excessive) Time For Rest

Again, this can be a tricky balancing act for vata-kapha types. Rest is indeed important and
rejuvenating, so make sure you are getting enough but be honest about how much you really
need. If you wake up tired, ask yourself if you feel exhausted and depleted (which likely
means you need morerest), or heavy and sluggish in which case you may have slept too
late or for too many hours.

Download our Elements of Ayurveda Guide to Taking Your Herbs

Designate Time(s) to Take Herbal Remedies

Taking your herbs at the same time each day is the best way to ensure that you take your
herbs regularly. It also benefits the body in much the same way that eating meals at regular
times is beneficial.

An Evening Routine
 The evening routine is critically important because it lays the foundation for success with the
morning routine. An evening routine can be as simple as establishing a consistent dinnertime
and bedtime. Or, it can incorporate a few simple practices. Here are some nice things to
consider.

Stick to A Consistent Dinner Time

Ideally, we would eat dinner early enough that our food has time to move completely out of
the stomach before we go to bed. This means allowing your body a minimum of 2-3 hours
between dinner and bedtime. It may also mean eating a lighter dinner than we might
otherwise be accustomed to. These practices allow for proper digestion, prevent the
unnecessary accumulation of toxins, and support healthy sleep patterns.

Take Triphala
Triphala is a traditional Ayurvedic formula comprised of three fruits that is balancing for vata,
pitta, and kapha. It is revered for its unique ability to gently cleanse and detoxify the
digestive tract while replenishing, nourishing, and rejuvenating the tissues. About half an
hour before bed, steep teaspoontriphala powder in a cup of freshly boiled water for 10
minutes. Cool and drink. Or, take 2 triphala tablets with a glass of warm water.

Create a Brief Bedtime Routine

The idea here is to create a simple series of events that helps to signal your body that the
day is winding down and that you will be going to sleep soon. This practice can be incredibly
helpful in supporting our ability to surrender to sleep. It is important that these activities be
consistent from one day to the next. A bedtime routine might include things like:

Brushing the teeth

Washing the face

Applying oil to the feet and scalp

Other soothing, quieting activities that appeal to you

Note: Reading in bed is not recommended, as it disrupts the desired association between
being in bed and sleeping. If you like to read before bed, designate a specific place other
than your bed and enjoy. But keep in mind that reading before bed can be quite stimulating
to the eyes and the mind, which can disrupt healthy sleep patterns. If you tend to struggle
with disturbed sleep, you might want to try giving up your bedtime book for a while to see if
you notice a difference in your quality of sleep.

Establish a Consistent Bedtime

The trick here is to be consistent. Having predictable sleep and wake times helps our bodies
naturally attune to a daily rhythm. It is often helpful to work backward from your desired
wake time and establish a sleep time that ensures that you get enough rest each night
without being excessive. This is a beautiful way for us to honor our need for sleep and to
ensure that an appropriate amount of rest is built into each day.

Managing a Vata-Kapha
Constitution

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Vata-Kapha Pacifying Daily Routine

Nearly everywhere we look in nature, there are creatures engaging in some sort of consistent daily routine. The natural world at large is

deeply influenced by the rhythms of nature the rising and setting of the sun, the cycles of the seasons, and the underlying impulses

directing the broader community of life. Continue Reading >

Being a vata-kapha type means that two doshas are predominant in your constitution. It is
usually best to manage a dual dosha prakriti according to the season. In general, as a vata-
kapha follow a vata-pacifying regimen during the summer and fall seasons, during the
change of seasons and especially when the weather is cool and dry. Follow a kapha-pacifying
regimen during the winter and spring and especially when the weather is cool and damp.
Read more about vata and kaphabelow.

The Qualities of Vata

"Tatra ruksho laghu sheetah, khara sukshmaschalo nilah"
The qualities of Vata are dry, light, cool, rough, subtle, and mobile. Ashtanga
Hrdayam: Sutrasthana I:11

This Sanskrit line lists the main qualities of vata and provides a key to understanding what it
means to have a predominantly vata prakriti. The main qualities of vata are dry, light, cool,
rough, subtle, and mobile. So, having a vata-predominant prakriti means that these qualities
express themselves generously throughout your mental, emotional, and physical make up. If
you look back over the prakriti test, you can get a feel for how these qualities manifest
themselves. A vata-predominant individual's strengths and weaknesses both reflect these
qualities.

In excess, the dry and rough qualities may manifest themselves as dry or brittle skin,
lips, hair, nails, or bones (e.g. osteoporosis), as constipation, or as feeling "dry" emotionally.

The "light" quality may manifest itself as giving you a lanky physique but excess
lightness may manifest as being underweight, having muscle wasting, light bones, insomnia,
or feeling "spacey" or insecure.

The cold quality of vata may lead you to feel cold more easily than others around
you, have cold hands and feet, and crave warmth.

The subtle quality may express itself as being introverted, creative, and having an
active fantasy life.

The mobile quality may lead to a healthy ability to "multi-task" or, in excess, to
scattered attention, a fidgety tendency, tremors, and nervousness. It may manifest as
extremes; as in being very tall or very short or being drastically different weights at different
times in your life.
Decreasing or Balancing Vata
Like Increases Like
A basic tenet of Ayurveda is "like increases like." Therefore, increasing the inherent qualities
of vata will increase vata in your body, mind, and spirit.

For example, because vata is inherently coolcool weather, cool foods, the cool seasons and
times of day, and even cool emotions can increase vata. Likewise, dry seasons, foods,
environments, or emotions will increase the dry quality and thereby increase vata.

Example: You are a vata individual. One of the qualities of vata is dryness. You live in a dry
climate, like a desert, and you regularly snack on dry crackers. This added dryness adds to
the dry quality of vata, which you already have plenty of. This usually increases vata and can
lead to dry conditions like constipation or dry skin. This is an extreme example to illustrate
the point.

Tastes That Increase and Decrease Vata

Along with the main qualities of vata, it is also helpful to know those tastes that increase and
decrease vata.

Pungent, bitter, and astringent tastes increase vata by increasing its drying and cooling
qualities. An example of the pungent taste is chili peppers. Bitter and astringent tastes are
common in most leafy greens and many herbs.

The sweet, sour, and salty tastes decrease vata by bringing moisture, bulk, and warmth to
the body, which are opposite qualities to those of vata. An example of a naturally sweet taste
is wheat; of sour: pickles; of salty: seaweed.

Opposites as Medicine
As said above, each of us has a unique proportion of the three doshas in our prakritis.
Ayurveda teaches us that if a dosha increases beyond its original, natural proportion for us, it
fosters an environment where disease can flourish.

It is common for our predominant dosha (vata, pitta, or kapha) to increase more quickly than
other doshas because we tend to perpetuate what we know best. For example, if your
dominant dosha is vata, you will naturally incline towards a life filled with activity, due to the
mobile quality of vata. However, if you are too active, you are likely to eventually aggravate
vata and thereby exhaust the nervous system.

If a dosha increases in our bodies, Ayurveda suggests that we will want to decrease it in order
to regain a healthy balance in our constitution.

Medicines are substances that decrease the excess dosha by providing the opposite qualities
to it. For example, if vata has increased due to excess activity, a quiet, calm environment can
be a medicine. If it has increased due to excess dryness, wetness can be the medicine. Too
much cold? Use heat.

One of the wonderfully practical aspects of Ayurveda is that anything can be used as a
medicine because everything that exists has a quality. This includes but is not limited to:
herbs, foods, colors, drinks, environments, smells, and lifestyles.

Qualities opposite to vata are moist, grounding, warming, smooth, oily, and stabilizing. It is
therefore best for vata individuals to seek out physical and emotional environments, routines,
and foods that possess these opposite qualities.
Opposites in Diet as Medicine
A vata individual does well to have warming, freshly cooked, nourishing, mushy foods, like
soups, stews, and one-pot-meals. Because of the inherent "light" quality in vata, you may
think that heavy foods would nicely balance that quality but actually too much heavy food
or just too much food at a sittingis too heavy for the lightness of the vata digestive system.

Because the sweet, sour, and salty tastes decrease vata, these tastes should be predominant
in your diet.

When selecting sweet foods, note that naturally sweet foods like many grains, squashes, and
most fruits are appropriate, but processed foods high in refined sugars are not at all
balancing for vata. Refined sugars merely offer a quick burst of energy, followed by a "crash,"
a pattern that is already a hallmark feature of vata, and one that the vata individual does well
to avoid.

Herbal Support for a Vata Constitution

Using herbs to manage your constitution compliments the changes you make in your diet and
lifestyle. Ashwagandha, Shatavari and Vidari Kanda are three of the primary herbs used to
remove excess vata from the body and maintain balance. All of these herbs can be found in
our Healthy Vata herbal tablets.

Opposites in Climate and Lifestyle as Medicine

The ideal environment for a vata individual is warm and wet, like Hawaii. Sweet scents, sweet
music, and sweet emotions are also good "medicines" for vata. A daily, 1020 minute,
gentle self-massagewith warm sesame oil can positively change the life of a vata-type.

The mobile quality of vata can drive vata-types to do "1000" things at one time. This can lead
to exhaustion of the nervous system, which in turn causes emotional and physical
restlessness and eventual "dis-ease." While a routine can feel contrary to your nature, it can
be extremely beneficial for you to incorporate into your life. For example, rising and going to
bed at about the same time every day, giving regular time to meditation, gentle yoga or
other strengthening exercise that is easy on the joints. Also try having regular meals,
chewing them thoroughly and taking a breath before moving on to your next activity.

In general, it is best to move through life as if you were a master. Ask yourself, "If a master
were faced with this situation, how would she act?" Then enjoy playing that part.

Yoga for Vata Types

Visit the vata-pacifying yoga section on our website for information on how to customize your
yoga practice to help balance vata.

Famous Vata Examples

Christy Turlington. Lanky. Moves around a lot. Very tall. Angular face.
Mick Jagger. Jumps around. Creative. Lanky. Disproportionate features.

The Qualities of Kapha

"Snigdhah shita gururmandah shlakshno mritsnah sthirah kaphah"
Kapha is unctuous, cool, heavy, slow, smooth, soft, and static. Ashtanga Hrdayam:
Sutrasthana I:12
 This Sanskrit line lists the main qualities of kapha and provides a key to understanding what
it means to have a predominantly kapha prakriti.
The main qualities of kapha are unctuous, cool, heavy, slow, smooth, soft, and stable. It is
also dense, cloudy, and viscous. So, having a kapha-predominant prakriti means that these
qualities express themselves generously throughout your mental, emotional, and physical
make up. You may find them reflected in your strengths and weaknesses.

The unctuous quality can allow for smooth joint function but, if pronounced, can lead
to excess mucous.

The cool quality may manifest as cool skin and a laid-back, cool temperament.

Heaviness may manifest as a large, sturdy, grounded physical and emotional

constitution and, in excess, as being overweight or experiencing a subjective feeling of
heaviness in the mind.

Slowness may manifest as a slow gait or a slow, steady pace that you can maintain.
In excess, you may get stuck in a pattern that may not be the best for you.

Softness can manifest as a soft heart that is easily empathic. Another manifestation
of this quality is having soft skin.

Stability can be an asset that friends, family, and colleagues probably recognize and
perhaps lean on, but in excess could become stubbornness or sluggishness. You could
become so stable that you are disinclined toward any physical activity.

Density can manifest as good stamina and strong, well-formed muscles and bones.
This enables the kapha constitution to withstand vigorous exercise. This quality is also
responsible for dense, luxurious hair.

Decreasing or Balancing Kapha

Like Increases Like
A basic tenet of Ayurveda is "like increases like." Therefore, increasing the inherent qualities
of kapha will increase kapha in your body, mind, and spirit.
For example, because kapha is inherently cool, heavy, and wetcold weather, heavy foods,
or wet seasons tend to increase kapha. Knowing this can help identify which lifestyle choices,
foods, or environments will bring balance to your constitution.

Example: You are a kapha individual. Kapha is heavy, dense, wet, cold, and static. If you eat
a large bowl of ice cream (heavy, dense, wet, and cold,) at night (cold) in winter in Vermont
(cold, wet), you can be sure that kapha will increase in your system. The next morning you
may find yourself with a cold, having gained a pound or two (the increase of heavy and
dense), and less likely to move than ever (static).

Tastes That Increase and Decrease Kapha

Along with the main qualities of kapha, it is also helpful to know those tastes that increase or
decrease kapha.
Sweet, sour, and salty tastes increase kapha by increasing bulk and moisture in the body and
mind, and by perpetuating the qualities of kapha. An example of the naturally sweet taste is
wheat; of sour: a pickle; of salty: salt.
The pungent, bitter, and astringent tastes traditionally decrease kapha by drying the body
and providing the opposite qualities to those of kapha. An example of the pungent taste is
chili pepper; of bitter and astringent (which are often coupled): many leafy greens and many
herbs.

Opposites as Medicine
Each of us has a unique proportion of the three doshas in our prakritis. Ayurveda teaches us
that if a dosha increases beyond its original, natural proportion for us, it fosters an
environment where disease can flourish.
It is common for our predominant dosha (vata, pitta, or kapha) to increase more quickly than
other doshas because we tend to perpetuate what we know best. For example, if your
dominant dosha is kapha, due to the slow quality of kapha you may be naturally inclined
toward calming activities. In excess, this quality may lead to stagnation.
If a dosha increases in our bodies, Ayurveda suggests that we will want to decrease it in order
to restore a healthy balance to our constitution.
Medicines are substances that decrease the excess dosha by providing the opposite qualities
to it. For example, if kapha has increased due to excess stagnation in your life, activity can be
a medicine. If it has increased due to excess coolness, you can use heat as a medicine. Too
much heaviness? Use lightness.
One of the practical aspects of Ayurveda is that anything can be used as a medicine because
everything that exists has a quality. This includes but is not limited to: herbs, foods, drinks,
environments, colors, smells, and lifestyles.
Qualities opposite to kapha are predominantly warm, dry, light, and active. It is therefore best
for kapha individuals to seek out physical and emotional environments, routines, and foods
that possess these opposite qualities.

Opposites in Diet as Medicine

A kapha individual does well to have a moderate amount of warming, light, freshly
cooked foods to maintain balance.
Because pungent, bitter, and astringent tastes decrease kapha, these tastes should be
predominant in your diet.

Herbal Support for a Kapha Constitution

A kapha individual does well to have a moderate amount of warming, light, freshly cooked
foods to maintain balance.
Using herbs to manage your constitution compliments the changes you make in your diet and
lifestyle. Bibhitaki, Chitrak and Punarnava are three of the primary herbs used to remove
excess kapha from the body and maintain balance. All of these herbs can be found in
our Healthy Kapha herbal tablets.

Opposites in Climate and Lifestyle as Medicine

Although kapha may be able to tolerate a wide variety of temperatures, the ideal
environment is a warm and dry one. Active sports like jogging, hiking, biking, or competitive
sports, especially in the morning, are best. Aromatic, invigorating, or heating scents, and light
and lively music are also good "medicines" for kapha. A vigorous, daily, 1020 minute self-
massage with warm sesame oil will help keep kapha from becoming stagnant.
One of the best medicines for kapha is activity. It is well worth the effort for the kapha
individual to find that golden key to what motivates them. For example, if you have a difficult
time motivating yourself to exercise regularly, you could enter yourself in a local bike race.
This may give you just that extra push and you may be surprised by how much you enjoy
yourself.

Yoga for Kapha Types

Visit the kapha-pacifying yoga section on our website for information on how to customize
your yoga practice to help balance kapha.

Famous Kapha Examples

Oprah Winfrey: Large, luminescent eyes and frame. Compassionate. Generous.
Luciano Pavarotti: Deep, resonant voice. Large frame.

Now What?
Knowing our Prakriti is useful because it increases awareness of our natural strengths and
challenges. This is a positive first step towards understanding health.
The second step is to understand if and how we have strayed from our natural, healthy
constitution. In Ayurveda, we determine this by comparing our Prakriti (natural constitution)
with our Vikriti, our current condition.

Vata/Kapha mixed or dual type

are you a dual type?
Vata/Kapha
The Vata/Kapha mix is an interesting mixture that can offer great qualities or conflicts. The physical nature of
this type will tend to reflect the Kapha type more than the Vata type of body; i.e., stronger and well formed
rather than thin. In a smaller percentage of people the Vata type can dominate physically, but if this is the
case, the mental disposition will exhibit more Kapha type qualities.
Physically this type can suffer from some of the traits of the Vata type like constipation and colic pain. Generally
speaking, this type has a strong constitution and does not become ill very easily. They do, however, tend to be
troubled by many small, nagging problems in their health. These problems are usually related to the Vata
principle and reflect either migrating pains, nervous problems or irregularities in the metabolism. The Vata side
of the constitution can aggravate the Vata side quite effortlessly and cause bloating, distention, and edema.
The lungs can also suffer from allergies or congestion.
The easiest qualities of this combination are the intuitive, quick mental attributes of the Vata type together with
the stability and persistence of the Kapha type. The farsighted Kapha type counteracts the usual short
sightedness of the Vata type this combination gives many qualities for artistic endeavors. This type can be
very socially oriented and can work well with people in a caring, motherly capacity. They make good service
oriented people and are good at communicating and relating with others.
When afflicted they can suffer from the worst of both principles. This can be hard to deal with, as qualitatively
the two are opposites. This means that the Vata side likes to move and change while the Kapha side hates
change and movement. The Vata type likes all kinds of irregularity staying up late, eating at strange hours
and the Kapha type likes regularity eating and sleeping at the same time every day. The physical problems
that can result from this are reflected in a confused metabolism. The slowness of the Kapha side is quite
disturbed by the erratic behavior of the Vata side. The spontaneity of the Vata side is aggravated by the rigidity
of the Vata side.
Understanding the two sides is critical for this combination or mental and physical unhappiness results. Working
with the dual aspect of your constitution brings harmony and peaceful metabolic function. Ignoring one or the
other of your two sides will bring digestive, nervous disorders and mental problems usually poor self-esteem
and self-negating attitudes. This can be one of the most interesting and happy of the types when both sides of
the nature are well understood.

How To Balance Kapha Vata Dosha? 6 Factors To

Consider
When Kapha and Vata Dosha undergo imbalance, the treatment, medicine and diet should have hot quality. This is
because both Kapha and Vata have cold property. The task is relatively easier when compared to other Dosha
combinations. This is because most of the spices and a variety of other type of herbs have Kapha and Vata balancing
properties. So, the choice of medicine is quite high. Let us explore more.

Qualities of Vata Kapha Dosha

Kapha has cold, oiliness, heavy, immobility, smooth, viscous, mild, clear, slimy and stability qualities.
Vata has coldness, dryness, lightness, movement, roughness and minuteness qualities.

Common quality is coldness.

Opposing qualities are
Oiliness Vs dryness of Vata
Heaviness of Kapha Vs lightness
Immobility Vs movement
Smooth vs roughness

So, in general, hotness should be the common quality to balance both Kapha and Vata Doshas.

Usual diseases with Kapha and Vata involvement are respiratory disorders like asthma, cold, cough etc and
rheumatoid arthritis and so on.

Suitable Tastes to balance Doshas

Sweet, sour and salt tastes increase Kapha.
Pungent, bitter and astringent tastes increase Vata

Pungent, Bitter and Astringent tastes decrease Kapha.

Sweet, Salt and Sour tastes decrease Vata.

So, we can see that there are no common tastes in both the two Dosha categories. The choice of tastes to treat the
combination largely depends on the dominant Dosha. If Kapha dominance in the combination is more, then the herbs
should have Pungent, bitter and astringent taste and vice versa.

Seasonal regimen recommendation

Kapha involved with Vata can be compared to an ice cube broken and scattering by the power of wind. There is some
liquification of ice cube and there is some movement. The same phenomena can be found in spring, wherein, the
accumulated Kapha of previous winter season gets liquefied by the Sun rays and there is movement of Kapha. Hence,
Spring seasonal regimen is to be followed here.

Highlights of spring regimen are

Kapha should be controlled quickly, by resorting to strong emesis therapy (Vamana Panchakarma procedure), Nasya
(nasal medication) and other therapies.
Food that are easily digestible are recommended.
Physical exercises, dry massage and mild trampling should be done.This is especially helpful in disorders having
stiffness as symptom, like muscle cramps, rheumatoid arthritis etc.
Having thus mitigated the Kapha Dosha, the person should take bath, anoint the body with the paste of karpura
(camphor), candana (sandalwood), aguru (Aquilaria agallocha), and kumkuma (saffron).

Have one year old barley, wheat and honey, meat of animals of desert-like land, and meat roasted in fire as food;
Horse gram is astringent, hot, sour and balances Vata and Kapha.
Beverages such as Asava (fermented infusion), Arista ( fermented decoction), Sidhu (fermented infusion), Mardvika
(fermented grape juice), or Sarambu (extract of trees such as asana, candana etc.)
Water with honey, or water boiled with jalada( musta Nut grass) are good to take.
Avoid foods that are hard to-digest and cold, sleeping at day time, foods which are fatty, sour and sweet. Because,
all these will increase Kapha and Vata together.

Herbs and substances to balance Vata and kapha Dosha

Bael, Dill seeds, Moringa, Pomegranate, Clove, Fennel seeds, Cinnamon, Fenugreek (methi)
Mustard, Hedge mustard, Camel milk
Bhallataka Marking nut Semecarpus anacardium
Palasha Butea monosperma
Bakuchi Psoralea corylifolia
Karanja Pongamia pinnata
Jyotishmati Celastrus paniculata
Madanaphala Randia spinosa
Unripe Bael fruit
Patha Cyclea peltata
Bala Country Mallow Sida cordifolia
Karkatashrungi Pistacia chinensis
Monks hood Vatsanabha Aconitum ferox
Avalguja(Psoralea corylifolia Linn)
Edagaja (Cassia tora)
Dronapushpi Leucas cephalotes
Todari Pepper grass Lepidium iberis
Fruit of radish
Ajagandha Gynandropsis gynandra
Himsra Capparis sepiaria
Kareera Phala Fruits of Capparis decidua
Kokum butter Vrukshamla Garcinia indica
Pishacha Karpasa Devils cotton Abroma augusta
Fruit of Dhanvana Grewia tiliifolia
Star fruit Karmaranga Averrhoa carambola
Skin and pulp of ripe Citron Fruit Beejapoora
Amlavetasa Garcinia pedunculata
Ingudi Balanites aegyptiaca
Gum of Shallaki Olibanum
Sour ber fruit Indian Jujube
Asthisamhara Cissus quadrangularis
Ceylon oak fruit Koshamra Schleichera oleosa
Amchur powder prepared by drying skinless unripe mango.
Neelini Indigofera tinctoria
Sinshapa Dalbergia sissoo

Medicines that balance Kapha Vata Dosha

Chyawanprash
Ashtangavaleha,
Nasika Churna,
Nisosiradi Taila
Katakakhadiradi Kashayam
Vyaghradi Kashayam

Foods that increase Kapha and Vata Dosha Avoid these

Lotus stalk

Treatment of Kapharvrita: Vata Occluded by Kapha:

|
||||
|
kaphvte yavnnni jgal mga pakia|
svedstk nirhca vamana sa virecanam||187||
jra sarpistath taila tila sarapaja hitam| Charaka Chikitsa Sthana 28

If the ailment is caused by the occlusion of Vayu by Kapha then the patient is given barley and meat of the animals as
well as birds inhabiting arid one as food.
He is given strong fomentation, Niruha type of medicated enema and emetic as well as purgation therapies. Old ghee,
sesame oil and mustard oil are useful in this condition.
 Vata-Kapha = Cold

Im a Vata-Kapha, and I seem to be more Vata mind (anxiety, lots of thoughts) and Kapha body (I dont lose weight easily, etc.) I know I
need vigorous exercise and to cut down on Kapha foods, but how can I balance Kapha and not aggravate Vata?
Fabulous question!! If you are a person who is vata/kapha doshic combo, dont worry your pretty or handsome head, its not as complex as it
seems! Let me break it down for you. The qualities that vata and kapha have in common is that they are cold. So they both tend to have weak
or varied agni, which means their digestive fire is unreliable (vata) or low (kapha). The fire element is missing in both of these doshas, so
they miss out on the heat! So the key for the vata/kapha combo is to keep warm and spicy!
The vata/kaphas will do better with consistent (daily) exercise rather than vigorous exercise. Dont go crazy with the intensity of
your workout, instead, do cardio (fast walk or jog) for 20-30 mins OR do yoga. One or the other. Yoga is great for all doshas! Overexercising
will mess with the vata mind and could also injure a supple kapha body! Also, my advice is to eat lots of veggies and some carbs all
veggies should always be warm and well seasoned. When its fall and winter, veggies and foods should be moist either in a light sauce or
ghee. In spring when its more wet outside, favor roasted veggies or veggies from the grill! As a habit for these vata/kaphas, foods and drinks
should be warm or room temperature to keep your agni going! Another agni tip, make sure that dinner is your lightest and smallest meal of
the day.
Also, limit meat and sweets. Meats are very hard to digest (pittas can digest them because they have so much fire!) and sweets will make
kapha gain weight while making the vata mind scattered. Keeping a consistent and reliable routine is important, especially heading to bed by
10 pm and waking just a smidge before sunrise. Zoning out to the tv before bed for hours aint no way to wake up like a spring chicken (I
know you, kapha ;)!
Hopefully this sheds some light! Holler with questions, suggestions or anything you want to share! xo.

dosha combo, Kapha, kapha-balancing, spring habits, spring health, Vata, vata balancing
4 Responses to Vata-Kapha = Cold
1. Immy says:
August 5, 2013 at 11:08 am

Hi Monica,
What an amazing site, an amazing blog and an inspiring energy you have thank you so much for sharing it with the world! I am a Vata-
Kapha yoga teacher, living in Spain, enjoying our hot august! Ive been reading your blog for ages now, as Im doing a correspondence
course with Dr Frawley in Ayurvedic healing it blows my mind and your site helps to ground it! THANK YOU X Im nursing my 29
month old boy still and Im a stay at home mum. Im starting to get some digestive problems that I just cant seem to solve hope you dont
mind me asking? Im very bloated and struggling to know why it started in spring and this summer Im feeling very big in the tummy
area constantly (I lost weight with the baby and have been slim and feeling fine until recently), my stomach is hard after eating and the rest of
my body is soft, flacid. I do yoga every day, I eat well according to my type (although I find it tricky to balance my VK constitution
sometimes), but Im feeling very weary (who doesnt with a feeding toddler?!) and Im craving salty, crunchy dry foods all the time,
constantly hungry and get grumpy if I dont eat (PITTA!), food isnt satisfying my hunger either.oh, and Im a vegetarianso, can you
recommend what might help me balance out a bit? Thank you so much for your input, I really appreciate your time and energy. Sorry Im
rushing this, I have a small boy hanging on my leg :) namaste and love love love, Immy xxx

Reply

2. AyurJunkie says:
May 22, 2013 at 6:27 pm

What is one to think if theyre told that a yogic diet will heal all ones imbalances? One persons website, who has studied ayurveda and
treats people, claims that a yogic diet involves abtaining from grains and only consumes legumes, nuts, and veggies while eating the majority
 of their food during early day. This seems to be kapaha pacifying, but with nuts and legumes, one would think this would become difficult to
digest, especially if one if kapha/vata! I always thought a yogic diet involved only sattvic foods and not abstaining from grains and most fats?
Also, theres been a recommendation for avoiding year-round use of grains, or at least wheat and rice. Is this some kind of confusion between
seasonal changes and doshic influences, especially on kapaha dosha? What is your take?

Reply

o Monica says:
May 26, 2013 at 1:10 pm

HI AyurJunkie!
YES!! You are spot-on correct. One diet NEVER fits all. One specific diet will NOT heal all ones imbalances because we are ALL different!
The diet that will cure YOUR imbalances might aggravate someone elses. You are right on too, nuts and legumes are tough for kapha and
vata, respectively. Again too, you are correct that eating the exact same way all year round is not good either. We have to eat according to our
doshas but also according to season as you said. In a nutshell, my take is that your instincts are 100% correct!! That help??

Reply

3. shveta says:
May 22, 2013 at 9:14 am

Monica, you are a godess in ayurveda, your deep research and experience speaks in your blog. For almost two years i am
reading many blogs and doing research trying to find my prakritti. the test always said i am vata-pitta, but i have been
overweight almost all my life and never been skinny. the only time i have been skinny is when i kill myself with no carbs and
sweets. your latest post on vata kapha exactly describes my constitution and the foods which suit me. i am gasmaking machine,
everything on earth gives me gas and constipates me. if i start eating carbs and ghee and sweets in hours i start putting weight.
but is if i stick to veggies and fruits withlittle carb i am in better shape. guess what ,all protiens,dals, rajma, etc give me gas and
makes me constipated. veggies like cauliflower, cabbage also make me gassy. I want to lose 15 pounds, please guide me what
to do.