Top 5 Kapha Dosha Characteristics

Kapha dosha characteristics are warm of heart and steadfast of mind. When Kapha increases to excess, however, they can grow sluggish and even depressed. They mirror Kapha’s earthy characteristics, unctuous, cool, heavy, slow, smooth, soft, and steady. We all appreciate the lovable nature of Kapha people, and having them close to us can be a genuine delight. Nothing seems to get them out of balance, and they continually seem patient and understanding. 

According to the Ayurveda, we are all ruled by three different energies, or doshas, known as vata, pitta, and kapha. These doshas are governed by the elements, earth, water, air, ether, and fire. We’re all made up of a unique combination of these three forces. If you don’t know which dosha is most predominant for you, the Ayurvedic Body Type quiz is a fun and easy way to find out.

Kapha dosha characteristics include the power of stability due to the grounded, solid elements that create it. A Kapha-type mirrors earth and water in their physical, mental, and emotional being. A Kapha body is solid and sometimes stocky. It is very easy for Kapha-types to gain weight and also hard for them to lose it.

The common translation of kapha is “that which binds things” or “that which holds things together.” According to Ayurveda, this is the dosha responsible for the stability, lubrication, substance, and support of our physical body.

Learn more about the Kapha dosha characteristics in the video below:

The Ayurvedic Body Types and Their Characteristics (Vata Pitta Kapha)

Kapha Dosha Qualities

Qualities of Kapha:

  • Heavy
  • Slow
  • Steady
  • Solid
  • Cold
  • Soft
  • Oily

Kapha types have sworn regularity and routine as their life principle, which they do not have to work on. This all seems very positive, but they also have a tendency toward overeating, inadequate exercise, and excessive sleep.

Their capacity to hold onto things, pounds, and people, coupled with water retention, makes life challenging for them in many regards, but financially, this leads them to wealth and possessions.

Top 5 Kapha Dosha Characteristics

1. Cold

Kapha dosha is the Ayurvedic mind-body type that is connected with earth and water. It’s slow and steady in nature and embraces structure and coolness. This can be represented physically and mentally. Kapha’s can be cool internally and need to dress warmly and eat warming foods. They also have a cool temperament and are slow to anger and relaxed,

2. Heavy

When Kaphas are in balance, they are calm, grounded, and genuine. This grounded heaviness comes from their earthy constitution. This can be helpful for stability and routine but also have negative effects. When Kaphas fall out of balance, they binge-eat and under-exercise, causing weight gain and even conditions like diabetes.

For a Kapha person, being thin is usually not a healthy goal. If you are prone to gain weight and are constantly five to ten pounds overweight no matter how little you eat, it would go against your nature to ever be especially thin. Rather, it would be more beneficial to balance your metabolism, enhance your ability to digest sugars and carbohydrates by adopting a Kapha-balancing diet and lifestyle, and allow your body to naturally find its ideal weight. You may not be thin, you may always weigh five to ten pounds more than average, but you will feel great and look healthier, and you will lose most of your excess weight.

3. Oily

Kapha skin is normally oily with large pores. Tolerant to the sun, when in balance, Kapha skin is pale, soft, supple, cool, and somewhat moist. Kapha’s excess oil shows a greater inclination to blackheads and needs regular detoxification. They may be prone to acne eruptions, clogged pores, and bags under the eyes. Kapha skincare should be stimulating with regular cleansing of the face; at least twice daily, and deep exfoliation at least once a week.

4. Supportive

Kaphas are naturally calm, thoughtful, and caring. They have an innate ability to enjoy life and are satisfied with a routine. When in balance, Kaphas are strong, dependable, reliable, calm, and supportive. People with an excess of Kapha tend to hold on to things, jobs, and relationships long after they are no longer nourishing or necessary. Excess Kapha in the mind manifests as resistance to change and stubbornness. In the face of stress, the typical Kapha response is, “I don’t want to deal with it.”

5. Regular

Those who are predominantly Kapha sleep soundly and have regular digestion. Kapha types have regularity and routine as their life principle, which they do not have to struggle with. When they’re out of balance, Kapha types may become overweight, sleep excessively, and suffer from asthma, diabetes, and depression.


Healing For Kapha Dosha

To avoid an imbalance in Kapha dosha characteristics, exercise regularly, change profession or place of residence from time to time, and to eat less than is given, his or her strength and perseverance will be impressive for a lifetime. It is good to avoid the “digestive nap” during the day and to look for exciting experiences instead.

Seek stimulation. Since Kapha is naturally cold, heavy, and dense, the key to balancing Kapha is stimulation. Kaphas tend to cling to the status quo and routine, so they need the stimulation of new sights, sounds, and experiences.

Foods that are great for supporting of Kapha, in general, are pungent, bitter, and astringent in taste. Ayurveda considers these tastes to be the medicine for warming, drying, and stimulating digestion for Kapha. Generally, all six tastes (sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent, and astringent) are recommended for healthy digestion. To learn more about Kapha friendly foods, check out our Kapha food guide here.


Learn more about how to support the kapha dosha with food choices, lifestyle choices, color therapy, and aromatherapy.