The Vata-Kapha Type in Ayurveda
Best Tips for Everyday Life, Nutrition, Yoga & Meditation
We speak of a Vata-Kapha Ayurveda type when a person’s Vata and Kapha are present in similar strengths. As both Doshas (life forces) should be considered, skillfully combining several tips for health and fitness is necessary.
What Does Vata-Kapha Mean?
The manifestation of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha is responsible for our physical, mental, and emotional constitution. Thus, for all Ayurvedic medical recommendations, this so-called Ayurveda type is considered first.
When Vata and Kapha meet, so do the air and earth elements (the light and the grounded) in the human being, which is quite a fluctuating combination.
It is referred to as either a Vata-Kapha or Kapha-Vata type depending on whether Vata or Kapha is more pronounced. For both of these types, the recommendations for both Doshas should be considered.
Character of the Vata-Kapha Type
The Vata-Kapha Ayurveda type is, from a health perspective, a particularly interesting case. A fitting analogy would be a racecar driver hitting the gas and the brake at the same time.
The creative Vata Dosha, in the fast lane of life, meets the rather ponderous Kapha type, which is typically averse to change. There are preprogrammed internal conflicts, and it is understandable that the Vata-Kapha type has to grapple with frustrations from time to time.
Physical Characteristics of the Vata-Kapha Type
The body of the Vata-Kapha person can look either like a Vata type—small and delicate or tall and slender—or more like the large and strong Kapha type.
Typical Vata-Kapha Disorders
Vata-Kapha people freeze easily, have very bad digestion, often feel bloated, and tend to have constipation. Emotionally, the Vata-Kapha type is rather anxious, tends to be lethargic, suffers under alternating waking at night and excessive sleep, feels migratory pain, has frequent edema, stone formation, lack of discipline, disorientation, and may tend to experience schizophrenia-like disorders and depressions.
Health Tips for Vata-Kapha Types
The Vata-Kapha type should balance his/her constantly changing condition with sufficient warmth, easiness, and acuity. Regular Hatha yoga, regular warm meals, and maintaining discipline are the prerequisite for achieving a healthy balance. Daily routines that are as structured as possible support the process.
Generally speaking, Agni (digestive fire) must be increased in the case of Vata-Kapha dominance, preferably by Plumbago Zeylanica (Bai 01). The weak points of this Dosha combination are the stomach and colon due to mucus formation. Here, the “Three Fruits” are recommended: Terminali Chebula, Terminalia Belerica, and Phyllanthus Emblica (Bai 35).
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The Best Diet for Vata-Kapha Types
Vata-Kapha types should utilize the nutrition tips for both Doshas if possible. However, contradictions may occur.
The basic rule is that the somewhat more pronounced Dosha should take precedence. Furthermore, the more active Dosha in the respective season should be pacified: Kapha is more present from February to May, Vata from October to January.
In general, this diet should consist of warm and well-seasoned foods, enjoyed at regular meal times. Ginger water is recommended in the case of excessive Kapha, but this should only be used moderately in the case of excessive Vata.
Vata
Sweet fruits such as bananas, coconuts, apples, figs, grapefruits, grapes, mangos, melons, oranges, papayas, peaches, pineapples, plums, berries, cherries, apricots, and avocados. Dried fruits can also be eaten, but not too much.
Kapha
Apple, berries, cherries, mangos, peaches, pears, and raisins are recommended. Dried figs and plums are good, but other dried fruits should be avoided if possible.
The following general rule applies to fruit consumption: at least one hour before or after meals, but not in the evening.
Vata
Cooked: asparagus, red beets, carrots, sweet potatoes, radish, zucchini, spinach (in small quantities), sprouts (in small quantities), tomatoes (in small quantities), celery, garlic, and onions (only steamed).
Kapha
Spicy and bitter: red beets, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, eggplant, garlic, lettuce, mushrooms, onions, parsley, peas, radish, spinach, sprouts, fennel, and Brussels sprouts.
Vata
Oats (boiled), brown rice, wheat.
Kapha
Barley, corn, millet, oats, basmati rice (small quantities).
Vata
Eggs (omelets/scrambled eggs), fish, chicken, and other white meat.
Kapha
Eggs (scrambled eggs, no fried eggs), chicken, turkey, and rabbit.
Vata
No beans, with the exception of mung beans and black lentils.
Kapha
All legumes except for white beans and black lentils. Azuki and black beans are good.
Vata
Jaggery (dried sugar cane juice), brown sugar.
Kapha
Only organic honey and jaggery.
Vata
All spices, peppers, and chili in small quantities.
Kapha
All spices.
Vata
Ghee (clarified butter), fresh milk, paneer; soy milk and tofu as a substitute.
Kapha
Reduced-fat milk in small quantities; avoid fatty cheeses and curd (quark). Soy milk is preferable in general.
Vata
All organic oils.
Kapha
Walnut and corn oil, but just a little.
Vata
Lukewarm water or milk.
Kapha
Organic honey as carrier substance for herbs.
All Ayurveda Types
Vata, Pitta, or Kapha? The combination of your Doshas is essential for your health. When you know what constitution you have, you better understand why you are the way you are at times. You discover what nutrition is suitable for you and how you can stay healthy, fit, and happy with yoga, exercise, and meditation.
With the free Ayurveda Test from Euroved, you’ll find out what Ayurveda type you are. Simply answer a few questions about your physical, mental, and emotional aspects to get free health and nutrition tips for your personal constitution.
