having a Kapha predominant Constitution (prakriti) means that all the following qualities can express themselves generously throughout your mental, emotional, and physical make up.

The qualities of Kapha 

  • unctuous
  • cool
  • heavy
  • slow
  • smooth
  • soft
  • stable
  • dense
  • cloudy
  • viscous

Someone with Kapha predominant Constitution can have for example slow reaction and a cloudy mind.

AND because Ayurveda is built around the basic idea of like increases like Kapha will increase in your body, mind, and spirit by increasing the qualities above. So:

Cold weather, heavy foods or wet seasons tend to increase Kapha.

BUT Kapha in excess can be unhealthy and lead to the following signs or symptoms

on a psychological level:

  • mental sluggishness, slowness
  • Weak drive
  • Melancholy

on a physical level:

  • Feeling of heaviness
  • Obesity
  • Water accumulation
  • Excessive mucus formation
  • Susceptibility to colds
  • Allergies

HOW TO BALANCE (VIKRIT) 

When healthy Kapha governs our capacity we experience

  • nourishment
  • growth
  • stamina

​As mentioned before Ayurveda is built around the basic idea that like increases like and opposites balance.

-> So you balance a dosha by using the opposite.

Qualities opposite to Kapha are those

  • warm
  • dry
  • light
  • active

Everything  can be used to restore healthy balance because everything that exists has a quality. This includes but is not limited to: foods, colors, smells, and lifestyles.

Lifestyle

  • Stimulating your body and mind on a daily basis with a routine.
  • Keeping your body warm and dry, no matter what the weather.
  • Trying new things, taking risks, and being spotaneous.
  • Lively and invigorating music, experiences, and company.

Yoga

Kapha-pacifying yoga to warm your body, uplift your spirits.

Clothing, colors, smells & jewellery

  • Clothing with stimulating colors and breathable materials.
  • jewellery fiery red ruby, red coral or garnet and as metal as possible pure gold.

Food

To favor because it decrease Kapha

  • Foods that are pungent, bitter, or astringent in taste.
  • Warm foods, both energetically and in temperature.
  • Whole, freshly cooked foods.
  • Light, dry, and warm foods.
  • Only room temperature or warm drinks and herbal teas.
  • Lots of veggies. Favor warm cooked veggies as much as possible.
  • Enjoy coffee and caffeine only in moderation.

To avoid because it increase Kapha

  • Foods that are sweetsour, and/or salty.
  • Cooling foods, both energetically and in temperature.
  • Heavy and oily foods, such as cheese, French fries, nuts, or pastries.
  • Highly processed foods (e.g. canned or frozen foods, “TV” dinners or pastries).
  • Cold, iced, or carbonated drinks.
  • Overeating or eating heavy meals.
  • Eating fresh fruit or drinking fruit juice within 1/2 hour of any other food.
  • Excessive red meat.
  • Foods or drinks that contain refined sugar or corn syrup.
  • Deep fried foods.
  • Alcohol, except for an occasional glass of dry red or white wine.

It is also especially important to follow the general eating rules of Ayurveda.