Ayurveda and exercise - part 4
Kind, detailed, relaxed, and loyal. These are only a few qualities of somebody with a predominantly ‘kapha personality. Some people might tease them for being slow, or too set in their ways, but when kapha people are in balance, they have many qualities going for them. It’s great to understand the personality of a prakruti. It follows that designing an exercise routine becomes that much easier.
Join a Free workshop on Yoga, Meditation and Breath
The ‘steady’ kapha type
1. Kapha people are very loyal and devoted friends. However, they sometimes lack the motivation to do certain things. Exercise could be one of them. The most important guideline for kasha-pacifying exercise would be to simply show up. Though this challenge is something which everyone faces, kapha people might find it more challenging. If you’ve been on such a guilt trip, and if you are a kapha person, then relax. Know that it is part of your prakruti. Yet ensure that you keep showing up, and getting your exercise done. Buddy with people if you would like, but ensure that you exercise. Since kapha people like a challenge, you might want to sign up for a bike race or a marathon. This will motivate you to exercise regularly.
“Snigdhah shita gururmandah shlakshno mritsnah sthirah kaphah”
Kapha is unctuous, cool, heavy, slow, smooth, soft, and static.
- Ashtanga Hrdayam: Sutrasthana I:12
2. Since kapha people have a good, strong built, they might naturally be on the heavier side. That’s why it’s all the more important to do exercise which is challenging and vigorous. There is a natural strength and endurance in kapha people which is great for exercise. Fortunately, their equanimous minds keep them away from stress-inducing ailments.
3. A kapha person also likes a good challenge and some excitement. It would be great if the exercise routine could include both elements. Boredom can set in easily, and once that happens - a kapha person will find ways to avoid hitting the exercise track. So let’s avoid that. Exercise in a group, try some adventurous sports, change your routine and route occasionally. Get into things that will avoid the eventual sense of mundane kicking in.
Kapha-pacifying exercise | |
| Type of exercise | More intense and invigorating exercises. Intense but mildly competitive yoga asanas, |
| Suryanamskara | Fast paced suryanamskara |
| Yoga rules | The kapha sthana is chest, ie above the heart hence The stomach and chest are the areas where kapha accumulates. |
Exercises that require strength and stamina and that are stimulating and heating can be performed for a longer duration. | |
In the chest, kapha takes on the form of mucus. Thus asanas should be practiced that opens up the chest. | |
| Yoga postures | Ustrasana, Setubandhasana, |
| Prayanamas | Bhastrika, Kapalabhati, Ujjai Sudarshana Kriya
|
4. It’s best for a kapha person to exercise in the kapha times of the day (which is also the best time for the other doshas). Embrace the 6-10 am/ pm time slot and commit yourself to it. The little sluggishness and lethargy will shake out. If, however, these times are not convenient for exercise, then worry not. Just exercise.
5. Pamper yourself with self-care. It could be a dry massage with rice flour or chickpea flour before a shower and daily abhyanga. This helps in circulation and stimulates the lymphatic system. It also tones the body and calms the nervous system. Practice putting nasya oil into the nasal passages. This will relax the mind and remove sluggishness.
Celebrate yourself, and your personality. A person is a combination of two doshas, which have been gifted to you by nature. Prakruti is something that you have been given to further your life purpose in the time you spend on earth. Cherish yourself. Happy exercising!
With inputs from Dr. Sharika Menon, Ayurvadiya, Sri Sri Ayurveda
This is the third part in the series on Ayurveda and exercise. You can read the first, second and third parts here.
It’s always best to consult a certified Ayurveda doctor for detailed advice based on your body type. You could connect with the Sri Sri Ayurveda team to get a full body profile and avail of the Panchakarma facilities. Combine Ayurveda with the Sri Sri Yoga program and learn more about your body and mind.
