Dosha Report – Vata-Kapha
What it means to be a
Vata-Kapha
DOSHA
CHARACTERISTICS
IMBALANCES
RECOMMENDATIONS
YOU HAVE HIGH LEVELS OF ENTHUSIASM, CREATIVITY, AND SENSITIVITY COMBINED WITH PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL STABILITY.
YOU ARE USUALLY SYMPATHETIC, COMPASSIONATE, PEACEFUL, CALM, AND CREATIVE.
More About Your Dosha
Your body is composed of all three doshas. We have all three doshas in each of us, but we have them in unique combinations. This unique combination is what creates YOU and is the reason why Ayurveda is highly individualized.
So let’s look at you. You are a combination of Vata and Kapha. That means either dosha can predominate in different seasons. Let me show you your two dominant doshas.
The Vata in you can talk fast, walk fast, create fast and worry fast. You have a tendency towards a thin frame and lack of insulation. You can have a slender physique, an oval-shaped face, and your hair can be more towards the thin and dry side. You really are quite delicate both physically and emotionally. Your mood and mind change easily. You can quickly go out of balance and just as quickly come back into balance.
Your other dosha Kapha, shows up as a more solid or voluptuous build and though you have a strong presence, you can be soft-spoken and shy. Kapha-type people are very strong, jolly, sweet, and highly structured in both body and mind. You tend to have thick, porcelain skin (you do not wrinkle easily) and thick hair. Your eyes are round with thick eyelashes and you have a strong, bright smile. Kaphas are the sturdiest of the three doshas capable of handling a lot of work with endless patience. It can take you a long time to get out of balance and a very long time to come back into balance.
- Vata-Kaphas, when in balance, are creative yet stable. A powerful combination. People that are creative yet emotionally and physically stable are true game-changers. Think visionary business leaders, successful artists, and those that are creative in the way they solve problems. Outside the box is where you are most at home.
- However, if out of balance, Vata-Kaphas have a tendency to dig in their heels, much to the frustration of those around them. However, as people tend to rely upon you to make a decision, your stubbornness often works to your advantage. You know better, and usually you are correct to follow your gut instinct.
- Vata-Kaphas tend to eat quick, ready-made foods that are made up of empty calories, leading to weight gain and nutritional deficiency.
- As a result of an over-reliance on eating “convenience foods,” you are constantly hungry and continue to (over)eat to fill the void. You can gain weight at the expense of taking in actual nutrition.
- You have a deep and unconditional love for your friends and family – who often turn to you for help.
Vata-Kapha Characteristics
FACE
Large facial features – in this case, large eyes, moderately full lips, large white square teeth (Kapha).
HAIR & SKIN
You could have the luminous skin of Kapha or the dryer skin of Vata. Kaphas can have luxurious hair while Vatas can have dryer frizzy hair.
MIND
Sensitive, highly intuitive, creative, yet grounded.
BODY
Slender body frame, prominent joints with little adipose tissue (Vata).
APPETITE
You could have the variability of Vata with a finicky digestion whereas the Kapha in you can have a more steady digestive system. You may be prone to a finicky appetite sometimes eating like a bird and other times eating a 4-course meal with gusto.
TEMPERMENT
Often cold around others.
Signs & Symptoms of Imbalance
We often think of our health in terms of symptoms, however, symptoms are just signs of an underlying problem or imbalance. We want to treat the underlying cause of the imbalance and not just the symptoms.
- Digestive system: Both Kapha and Vata are cold in nature, this disturbs the digestive system and shows up as gas, bloating, and indigestion.
- Respiratory system: Kaphas produce too much mucus while Vata causes dryness. This results in a blockage in the respiratory system and asthmatic conditions.
- Kidneys and Urinary Systems: These systems are regulated by Vata but the association with Kapha means you can be prone to kidney stones and other urinary problems
- Muscles and Joints: The cold nature of your doshas can cause spasms and difficulty in movement.
- Metabolic System: The Vata-Kapha combination causes low metabolic rates making you prone to diabetes, obesity, and weight gain.
- Weight: It is easy for you to gain weight.
- Immune System: Being a Vata-Kapha means you can be prone to immunity-related problems.
Get Back in Balance
Lifestyle Recommendations
In order to eliminate symptoms and get back in balance, consider the following specific recommendations by clicking the link below:
Exercise
Mental Health
Eating
Body Care
Sleep
Exercise
- Wake up before sunrise and get moving. a tendency towards sluggishness: Exercise first thing in the morning will get your lymphatic system moving, and clear away any brain fog.
- Take a walk every day in nature, walking is the ideal exercise for balancing yourself. Walk in the early morning, for about 20 minutes every day.
Mental Health
- Take any opportunity to sunbathe, the warmth of the sun is rejuvenating for you.
- Stay light emotionally by being with those who you love and who love you.
Eating
- Drink a full glass of warm water to soothe any digestive problems first thing in the morning.
- Do not skip meals. Eat a nourishing breakfast and lunch at mid-day and a lighter meal in the evening. Sit down to eat each meal, eat in a peaceful atmosphere with your attention on your food, and sit quietly for a few minutes after your meal. If your digestive fire is irregular, practicing these eating habits will help make it more regular.
Here are some great balancing recipes for you
Show Me My Vata-Kapha meal plan
Body Care
- Clean your face, mouth and nasal passages, and gargle with salt water to remove any mucus build-up.
- To pamper dry, rough skin that can also be oily, indulge in an ayurvedic massage every morning before you bathe or shower. Use mustard oil as this oil is known to improve cardiac health, has antibacterial properties and is an anti-fungal too. It’s also great as a blood stimulant – all things that Kapha need.
- If you like, you can add 3-4 drops of a pure essential oil such as bergamot which is antibacterial, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic. It’s uplifting, improves your digestion and keeps your system working properly or camphor which has properties as a stimulant, its antispasmodic, antiseptic, is a decongestant, an anesthetic, a sedative and a nervous pacifier, its anti-neuralgic, anti-inflammatory, a disinfectant, and an insecticide substance. to 2 oz. of massage oil. Mix well before use
- Two or three times a week, massage your scalp with warm oil, and let the oil stay for an hour or two before you shampoo. After your shower or bath, apply a generous coating of a pure, gentle moisturizer all over your body to keep your skin feeling smooth and warm all day long.
- Protect yourself from the cold and wind. Stay warm and toasty in cold weather by wearing several layers of clothing. Wear a cap and scarf when you go out to protect your ears and throat. Wear lip balm to prevent lips from getting dry and chafed.
- Daily elimination is very important to prevent digestive toxins from accumulating in the body. Triphala (a mixture of fruits) helps promote regularity as well as toning the digestive system.
Triphala
Triphala is made up of three fruits and is most commonly purchased as a powder.
Triphala has the following effects:
- Assists natural internal cleansing
- Gently maintains regularity
- Nourishes and rejuvenates the tissues
- Supports healthy digestion and absorption
- Natural antioxidant
Triphala is most commonly known for its use as a gentle bowel tonic, being helpful in digestion, and supporting regular bowel movements. The combination of the three fruits has a synergistic effect to bolster many other systems as well.
In addition to the GI tract, Ayurveda uses triphala to support healthy respiratory, cardiovascular, urinary, reproductive, and nervous systems. Triphala has also been shown to be a powerful antioxidant, protecting cells from the damaging effects of free radicals.
The three fruits involved in making triphala are also known for their individual effects:
- Tamalaki (Emblica officinalis): Has a cooling effect that manages pitta, supporting the natural functions of the liver and the immune system.
- Bibhitaki (Terminalia belerica): Is particularly good for kapha, supporting the respiratory system as well as kapha accumulations in all systems.
- Haritaki (Terminalia chebula): Though having a heating nature, it is still good for all three doshas (vata, pitta, and kapha). Is known for its “scraping” effect, which removes toxins and helps maintain healthy levels of weight.
Sleep
- Go to bed early to promote vitality but also wake early – watch you do not sleep too much.
Start your healing journey today
Each of us is unique and your dosha gives you tremendous insights into your unique nature. If you would like more help on how to connect the dots to stay happy, healthy and disease free. Start your healing journey today by booking a complimentary consultation.