Kapham

Kapham is formed from Earth and Water and is the energy that forms the body's structure--bones, muscles, tendons--and provides the "glue" that holds the cells together. Kapham supplies the water for all bodily parts and systems. It lubricates joints, moisturizes the skin, and maintains immunity. In balance, Kapham is expressed as love, calmness and forgiveness. Out of balance, it leads to attachment, greed and envy.

Kapham people are blessed with strength, endurance and stamina. They have sweet, loving dispositions and are stable and grounded. Their skin is oily and smooth. Physically, Kapham people tend to gain weight and have a slow metabolism. They shun exercise. They have thick skin and their bodies and muscles are well developed. Their eyes are large, dark, and attractive with thick, long lashes and brows. Kapham people evacuate slowly and feces tend to be soft, pale and oily. Perspiration is moderate. Sleep is deep and prolonged. Kapham types are attracted to sweet, salty and oily foods, but their constitutions are most balanced by bitter, astringent and pungent tastes.

Psychologically, Kapham people tend to be calm, tolerant and forgiving. However, they may become lethargic. While they may be slow to comprehend, their long term memory is excellent. When out of balance, Kaphams tend to experience greed, envy, attachment and possessiveness. In the external world, Kapham tendencies toward groundedness, stability, and attachment help them to earn and hold onto money. They tend to have diseases connected to the water principle such as flu, sinus congestion, and other diseases involving mucous. Sluggishness, excess weight, diabetes, water retention, and headaches are also common. Kapham can become more aggravated as the moon gets full because, as biologists have discovered, there is a tendency for water retention at that time. Winter is the time of greatest Kapham accumulation and following the dietary and lifestyle changes are most important during that season.

Dietary guidelines for Kapham

30-40% whole grains: rye crackers, dry cereals, and cooked grains 20% protein: chicken, turkey, boiled and poached eggs, rabbit, small amount of goats milk, and most beans (including garbanzos, adukis, pintos, black beans, red lentils, navy and white beans, split peas, and black eye peas) 40-50% fresh vegetables with an optional 10% for fresh or dried fruits. A daily salad is good.

Other guidelines

Get plenty of exercise Avoid heavy foods Keep active Avoid dairy Avoid iced food Vary your routine Avoid fatty, oily foods Avoid iced drinks Eat light, dry food.