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  • Writer's pictureElli

VATA - KAPHA DOSHA

Updated: Oct 19, 2023

THE VISIONARY ADVENTURER

Your individual Ayurveda constitution (Dosha) is stable and defines you as a unique human with unique abilities, a unique personality and a unique physique. No one else is exactly like you. It influences all aspects of your being, including physiology, physique, preferences, tendencies, likes and dislikes, mental and emotional traits, as well as susceptibility to imbalances and specific diseases.


Vata-Kapha individuals combine two very contrasting doshas, with the elements wind and earth, their only similarity being coldness. Therefore, they tend to be more introverted and reserved. To maintain balance, they require the warmth of fire to cultivate energy, courage, and infuse their life with movement, turning their ideas into tangible realities.



Personality of a Vata - Kapha Constitution

The Vata-Kapha type embraces life with a gentle spirit and a keen appreciation for its simple pleasures. They gracefully navigate their world, finding contentment within their comfortable boundaries, steering clear of major risks. The cool essence of their energy brings clarity and a serene outlook. With the airy Vata igniting their creativity, they carefully ponder before taking action, ensuring thoughtfulness in every endeavor. Their resilient nature grants them stability, yet beneath the surface lies a wealth of sensitivity and emotions. When wounded, they retreat to a place of quiet introspection, tenderly mending their hearts in solitude. They prefer harmony over conflicts and approach life's challenges with caution. Emotional wounds affect them deeply, and healing takes time. While ambition may not drive them, their generous spirit thrives when they wholeheartedly support meaningful endeavors, especially in the realms of art, spirituality, and social causes. With a Vata-Pitta constitution, they emanate peace and compassion, their hearts radiating warmth. The blend of Kapha and Vata sensitivity fosters deep empathy, though sometimes leading to trusting too easily. They cherish intimate gatherings, where genuine conversations and good food nurture their souls. At first glance, they may appear reserved, but as trust builds, they blossom like delicate flowers, forming sincere and lasting connections. Their cool exterior can make them seem distant, a protective shield guarding against potential hurt. However, once the barriers are broken, they form bonds of unwavering loyalty and friendship.






Physical Characteristics a Vata - Kapha Constitution

A person with a Vata-Kapha constitution embodies a warm and amiable nature. Despite their tall and relatively robust physique, they move with surprising gracefulness. Their limbs may exhibit a slight fullness, depending on the dominant aspect, yet they can also appear delicate and flexible. Their facial features exude a timeless, almost regal expression. The finely shaped mouth, eyes, and nose add to the overall gentle aura they project. If Kapha becomes more pronounced, they may appear slightly stocky, whereas if Vata takes the lead, they might have a slender appearance. In the latter case, their notably large hands and strong chest are distinctive features. While their muscles may appear strong and even athletic, they lack the dynamic energy of Pitta.




Physical Imbalances a Vata - Kapha Constitution

The Vata-Kapha type is primarily characterized by coldness. As a result, they are more prone to "cold" ailments, often chronic due to Kapha's sluggishness. The influence of coldness slows down their movements and can lead to poor circulation and blood flow. Consequently, their blood pressure tends to be lower, especially during summer. This fatigue can even lead to extreme lethargy. The more they sleep, the more lethargic they may feel. Due to the low burning of their digestive fire, they lack energy, resulting in a sluggish digestion. Heavy meals or raw foods are not well tolerated, leading to issues like diarrhea or constipation after rich meals. Many individuals with Kapha-Vata constitution struggle with weight, especially when Kapha becomes excessive. Water retention may cause edema, and they might experience swelling of the eyelids more easily. Diseases like diabetes may also manifest more readily. The reduced fire also affects their kidneys, making them susceptible to kidney stone formation, functional disturbances, or inflammation of the renal pelvis. Urinary tract problems are more common in women with this constitution.




Mental Imbalances a Vata - Kapha Constitution

Coldness acts as the catalyst for reducing the fire. Vata loses its ability to inspire, and Kapha fails to provide a warm and fertile ground. Within, the person feels a sense of emptiness and depletion. Though exhaustion persists throughout the day, they may find it challenging to sleep at night as their mind races with thoughts. Consequently, fully expressing their energies becomes a struggle. Moreover, their behavior appears imbalanced, oscillating between extroversion and talkativeness and introversion with seriousness. Anxiety becomes a significant concern when Vata becomes overwhelming, limiting their activity and constructive actions. In this state, their weak nervous system and low self-esteem heighten hypersensitivity, leading to irritability, mood swings, and a tendency to feel hurt and personally attacked over trivial matters.

Excessive rise of Kapha brings about lethargy and inertia, further distancing them from the outside world. Everyday tasks seem insurmountable and impracticable. Gradually, this state of lethargy can evolve into profound depression. During challenging times, Vata-Kapha types tend to withdraw into a reclusive existence. Their gullibility and lack of self-confidence may turn them into followers, as they struggle with energy and courage to assert themselves. This can lead to challenges with alcohol and drugs, and they might develop dependencies on others or social groups.



Harmonize your imbalances in your Daily Routine


The following fundamentals to harmonize your Imbalances are suitable if your imbalances are in a very early phase or for prevention. For stronger irritations and imbalances a personalized health plan with a personal consultation would be needed.






Mental and Emotional Stability for Vata-Kapha

Embrace meaningful tasks to boost your self-confidence, even if it feels challenging at times. Engaging in charitable projects or artistic pursuits will ignite the inner fire within you. Openly expressing your perspective and standing up for your beliefs is important to avoid being overlooked or dismissed. Share your fears, problems, and challenges with your loved ones to avoid carrying the burden alone and prevent feelings of loneliness that can lead to lethargy. Considering your tendency towards despondency and melancholy, try incorporating the following into your daily routine: Rise early in the morning and break the cycle of lingering in bed with ruminating thoughts. Light movements can help kindle your inner fire. Seek meaningful connections with your close ones, and participate in social activities that ignite your creativity, such as attending music, theater, or art events.




Nutrition for Vata-Kapha

With a combination of two cold energies in your nature, you crave warmth, affection, comfort, and movement on all levels. During the winter when your energy levels are lower, it becomes crucial to pay special attention to regulating your energies. Warm meals and a nurturing family environment become essential to maintain stability, also Breakfest. Avoid indulging in heavy and greasy foods, as they can make you feel even more sluggish. Also, steer clear of large portions. You can follow the Hara Hachi Bu, a instruction of Confuzian, to eat only until the stomach is 80% (eight out of ten parts) full. This practice has been followed until recent times, especially on the Japanese Okinawa Islands, where a large number of people over 100 years old live. A very healthy proportion of food intake is if you fill your stomach with 50% with food, 25% of Water and leave 25% with air. Embrace the wisdom of avoiding unnecessary snacking throughout the day. Adding spicy spices like chili or cayenne pepper to your meals can also bring warmth and stimulate your senses.



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