When Kapha is imbalanced, you can fall back upon the simple Ayurvedic mantra – “Like attracts like, and opposites balance.” The characteristics of Kapha are oily, heavy, tender, smooth, stable, and cold. Therefore, you must try to cultivate the opposite qualities in your diet and lifestyle to balance excess Kapha. Follow an active daily regimen to avoid spiraling into a sluggish and dull lifestyle.

Start your day with an excellent fast-paced workout to shake off the sluggishness of Kapha dosha. Get in bed by 10 pm, avoid oversleeping, and try to wake up 90 minutes before sunrise—practice Abhyanga – a soothing daily self-massage – with warm sesame oil. Work up a sweat with intense, fast-paced yoga or sun salutations, movement meditation, and heating breathwork (pranayama). Eat a simple but moderate diet that includes light/airy food and cooked salads with organic and seasonal produce. Opt for pungent, bitter, and astringent tastes and avoid milk products, red meat, or other hard-to-digest foods.

A simple plan of staying active, eating moderate meals, and sufficient daily exercise can help in restoring Kapha to a harmonious state.