Earth/Water Element

Earth and water are termed Kapha in Ayurveda.  Think of earth and water as ideas or forms of matter.  Earth is the idea of solidity and stability, and water is the idea of flow or liquidity.  The definition of Kapha is "That which holds things together."  It refers to promotion or growth brought about by secretions.  It provides lubrication, structure, stability, growth and immune strength in the body.

Kapha body - Kapha people are usually large framed, solid, well developed and sometimes overweight.  They have the greatest stamina and endurance of all the body/mind types.  They typically have a graceful, slow pace. 

Kapha types tend to have thick, pale, cool, and oily skin; thick, wavy, oily hair.  Their mouths tend to be large with full lips, and their eyes are often large with thick, dark lashes. They tend to have shorter necks and stalky body frame. 

Kapha emotions - When they are in balance: affectionate, loving, kind, patient, loyal.

Out of balance: Sadness, greed, envy, stubborn and attached.

Kapha mind - Calm, tolerant, forgiving, slow to comprehend, but long term memory is excellent.  Kapha types tend to do well under stress.  They remain calm and courageous and typically think before they speak. 

Kapha Internal Tendencies - Think and speak slowly and need a good deal of sleep.  They need time to think things through calmly and rationally.  Kapha types are stable and grounded. When in balance they are sweet and kind, steady, calm and helpful.

Kapha Diseases - Kapha predominate people typically have the greatest stamina of all the body types.  When when they do have symptoms, they tend to have diseases connected to the water and earth principle such as weight gain, heaviness in body or mind, sinus congestion, asthma, and other imbalances related to mucus.  

Kapha Food and Lifestyle Suggestions

Drink warm water upon arising to flush the kidneys and intestines.  Take pungent (spicy), bitter and astringent tastes, light foods avoiding excess sweet sour and salty substances.

Seek out warm and dry surroundings, stimulating herbs, saunas and dry massage.  Practice energetic breathing and chanting meditation.  Do dynamic varied activities and exercise.  Avoid sedentary tendencies, routine and attachment.