Kapha Dosha

The principle of lubrication, mass, and stability in the body. Composed of Prithvi (earth) + Apas (water).

Kapha-prakriti skin signs

• Thick, smooth, pale, slightly oily
• Large pores; sebum-prone, prone to comedones (whiteheads, blackheads)
• Hair: thick, oily, often dark and lustrous
• Tendency to fluid retention, puffy face

Cosmetic-relevant qualities of Kapha

• Guru (heavy) — Kapha-aggravation causes congestion
• Snigdha (oily) — Kapha-aggravation causes sebum overproduction
• Picchila (slimy) — Kapha-aggravation causes mucous, oiliness
• Manda (slow) — Kapha-aggravation slows skin turnover

To pacify Kapha in cosmetics

• Use Ruksha (dry), Tikshna (sharp), Ushna (warm) preparations
• Udvartana with Triphala-based Churna (Triphaladi, Kolakulathadi) is THE Kapha-pacifying cosmetic practice
• Mustard-oil-blended Tailas instead of pure sesame in winter
• Vacha, Trikatu, Triphala in face lepas; honey as vehicle (paradoxically warming despite being sweet)
• Hot water bathing; saunas and steam (Sveda)