Kapha: The Dosha Linked to Respiratory Issues

Are you feeling unmotivated and lazy lately? Are you craving everything sweet but having a hard time shedding the extra pound? If you think you are going through any of this, you might have Kapha dosha. Kapha dosha is one of the doshas, according to Ayurveda, which can make you feel slow and give you feelings of congestion. Let us discuss Kapha dosha and respiratory issues in detail: 

What is Kapha dosha? 

Kapha is made out of water and earth components. It is thick, stable, gross, cloudy, smooth, and sleek. Slow, cool, and delicate. Kapha gives structure to the things that need to maintain a particular form. It hydrates all the cells, saturates the skin, strengthens immunity, and safeguards the tissues. 

In terms of the respiratory tract, if there is an excess of Kapha, it can manifest feelings of stagnation, congestion, and water retention. There are a lot of things that can cause Kapha like: 

  • Inadequate exercise 
  • Cold weather 
  • Heavy, cold Kapha-aggravating foods 
  • Heavy emotions such as sadness can accumulate in the lungs 

There is a link between Kapha dosha and respiratory issues, which can cause an imbalance. Here are some things that happen when there is a Kapha imbalance in the body: 

Kapha dosha
Image Source: Photo by cottonbro studio: Freepik

Potential factors for Kapha imbalance

  • Excess mucus and phlegm: 

The mucus is secreted by the membranes to lubricate the delicate tissues further. If it comes in proper quantity then it is a healthy expression of Kapha dosha. If the Kapha gets elevated, then the mucus is produced more than general, which can further affect the respiratory channels. 

  • Frequent congestion and cold in the body: 

Mucus and feeling the sense of cold in the body are interrelated. Kapha is responsible for excess mucus production in the body, which can dampen the immune system. But if there is a proper balance of Kapha, it can help restore immunity and reduce the frequency of any illness occurring. 

  • Stagnation: 

If there is too much stability, then it can cause stagnation in the body which is not healthy. Because of the stagnation, the respiratory tract can become a ground for microbes and cause other imbalances in the body. A proper balance of Kapha can increase the warmth and restore the proper flow in the body, which removes stagnation from the body. 

  • Swelling and water retention: 

Another factor is swelling, which can be anywhere in the respiratory system and can cause issues. If there is a proper balance of Kapha in the body, then it eliminates the excess fluid and supports adequate healing. 

Kapha dosha and breathing problems

Image Source: Photo by Ivan Samkov: Freepik

Kapha dosha and breathing problems occur because of extra mucus being accumulated, and to get rid of that, you can follow certain natural remedies: 

  • Asthomap: 

Asthomap is an ayurvedic medicine for asthma and can help with breathing problems. It has a lot of strong and powerful ingredients which can help with respiratory issues. 

  • Kasni: 

Kasni is known remedy to cough, which has a lot of healthy ingredients and helps in getting rid of the extra mucus that is created. 

Understanding Kapha dosha and sinus issues

As sinus is caused because of the extra mucus and toxins, there is a relation between sinus and Kapha dosha. Getting rid of the extra Kapha can help in offering relief to sinus issues. It also clears the nostrils and brings back normal breathing patterns. Here are some signs of sinus Kapha that can occur: 

  • Drainage from the nose 
  • Bad breath 
  • Bad taste in the back of the pound 
  • Pain on the face 
  • Pain in jaw or teeth 
  • Sore throat 
  • Cough 
  • Poor digestion and lack of appetite 
  • Nausea 

According to Ayurveda, acute sinus can occur because the extra Kapha is aggrieved in the body. There are various ayurvedic treatments for getting rid of the excess Kapha and feeling better. 

Nasya: 

Nasya is the best sinus treatment in Ayurveda, and it helps in giving relief and treating sinuses. It is a process of putting medicated oil or powder through the nostrils in order to clear the accumulated Kapha. Kapha dosha and sinus problems are interrelated but can be treated by Nasya and other herbal therapies. 

Relation of Kapha dosha and allergies

Kapha dosha can also result in a few allergies, and more than one dosha is involved in that. Different types of allergies can occur but let’s discuss the ones that can happen because of Kapha dosha: 

Kapha dosha and allergies: 

Kapha dosha allergies usually happen during the spring season because of the pollen. It can cause irritation, congestion, cough, sinus, water retention, sleep disorders, and asthma. Kapha can also be responsible for creating heaviness in the stomach and messing with the digestive system. 

How to balance Kapha in such situations? 

If you are trying to balance Kapha, then the best thing to do is stay warm and dry. It is also vital to stay active, avoid daytime naps, and eat a pacifying diet. There are many herbal teas that can help get rid of the excess mucus from the body and eliminate the Kapha. You can use honey in small quantities in order to cleanse Kapha out of the system. 

Relation of Kapha dosha and cold/flu

Kapha dosha in cold

Image Source: Photo by Andrea Piacquadio: Pexels

As we know by now, Kapha increases after spring during chilly weather. The change of weather can weaken immunity at times and cause diseases. Kapha dosha increases during chilly weather and can cause colds/flu. 

Many people believe that Ayurveda takes a long time to heal any kind of issue, but in reality, it helps in healing the body through healthy herbs and foods. It is suggested to avoid consuming food products that have cold, moist, smooth, or oily attributes because they can accumulate Kapha. Those bound to go through this should be more careful during cold weather and avoid such food products. 

Conclusion

It is essential to keep the Kapha balanced because that helps in reducing the respiratory issues that can arise. Eat well, drink herbal teas, and sleep properly to avoid the excess formation of mucus and relieve respiratory issues. According to Ayurveda, proper management not only includes taking care of the respiratory system but also taking care of the digestive system.

Breathing issuesRespiratory health

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Zandu Ayurvedic Team

Zandu Ayurvedic Team has a panel of over 10 BAMS (Ayurvedacharya), boasting a collective experience of over 50 years. With a deep-rooted understanding of Ayurveda, they are committed to sharing their expertise & knowledge through our blogs.
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