It was a hot July day in New York City. I was exhausted, running in a mad rush to see a spiritual guru named Amma that was said to give hugs and blessings to all.
I had left my career a year before, my health was failing, and my Ojas (wellspring of vitality) was non-existent. I had no answers, no other avenues. So I thought why not try hugging a living saint and see where that gets me.
I was ready. I traveled in the early rush hour with 2 friends trying to be the firsts in line. We got there and thousands of people were already lined up. This was pre-phone-app dependency. Just us and four walls of a convention center standing for 10hours.
Amma emanated unconditional love and compassion for each one of us even as she sat way across the room. My friends and I could feel that our determination only sustained our energy partially. We knew intuitively that it was Amma’s Kapha radiance and saintly blessedness that truly sustained our stamina. If I was feeling weak or restless, I could look up and see her benevolent eyes smiling and felt charged up again.
If there ever was a divine soul that symbolized a satvic Kapha Dosha nature, Amma, the ‘hugging saint’ is it.
Before I tell you all about the hugging experience, here is more context around the samskrita words,‘Kapha’ and ‘Dosha’.
The Doshas
Ayurveda sees the world through the 5 elements (earth, water, fire, air, ether). These are the fundamental energies that create the universe. Everything, from your neighbor to your computer, to the trees outside are made up of these elements. Nothing could exist without them.
Ayurveda takes these elements and categorizes them into 3 Doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha:
Vata is made up of Air and Ether element
Pitta made up of Fire and Water element
Kapha made up of Water and Earth element
Together, these three Doshas are the physiological energies of the body that are responsible for all biological and psychological functions. It is the interplay between these Doshas that is responsible for our body type, functionality, and personality.
Kapha Dosha
Kapha is created by the elements of Earth and Water. Kapha governs structure, protection, lubrication, and nourishment to the body and mind. The most common interpretation of Kapha is “that which binds things” or “that which holds things together.” This translates to each of the elements; Earth brings the quality of solidity and stability and Water is the quality of fluidity and cohesion.
Together, Earth and Water are heavy, moist, cool, soft and solid. When Kapha is balanced these qualities are balanced in the mind and body.
Kapha Natural Physical Characteristics
Round face shape
Large, moist eyes
Facial energy is soft and sweet
Lush, thick, course hair
Physique is round, stockier, solid and may have more padding naturally
Skin is pale and smooth
Teeth are large and white
Lips are thick
Fingers are short, thick with a fleshy palm
Speech pattern is thoughtful, deliberate
Stamina is steady and strong
Deep, sound sleeper
Kapha Balanced Emotional Characteristics
Content
Compassionate
Easy going with decision making
Stable mind
Known for forgiveness
Feels deeply
Patient
Emotionally calm
Slower demeanor
Good listener
Takes time to accomplish projects
Thoughtful
Devotional
Signs of Kapha Imbalance
When Kapha qualities have increased in the body and mind, symptoms occur but may not yet be a diagnosed disease:
Sluggish digestion
Nausea
Feeling heavy and/or sleepy after eating
Inertia
Lethargy (have the energy but no motivation)
Greed
Attachment issues
Feeling “stuck in the mud”
Dull mind
Difficulty to initiate
Excess phlegm
Mucus in the stool
Clammy hands and feet
Congestion
Excessive napping
Difficulty waking up
Diseases Caused by Kapha Imbalance
When the Kapha symptoms are not addressed at an earlier stage it can lead to Kapha type diagnosed diseases. Here are some examples:
Edema
Pneumonia
Cysts
Tumors
Obesity
Cataracts
Hypothyroidism
Goiters
Atherosclerosis
Home practices for Balancing Kapha
Ayurveda teaches us that the opposite qualities bring the Dosha back into balance. These remedies are bringing in light, dry, warm, and mobile qualities to balance Kapha.
-Use heated and Invigorating spices, such as cayenne, black pepper, ginger, chile
-Eat foods that are naturally bitter and astringent in taste-Seek stimulation; new sights, sounds, and experiences
-Get regular exercise
-Use warm, stimulating aromas such as Bergamot, Frankincense, Clove, Camphor
-Avoid taking naps during the day
-Stay warm and avoid dampness
-Dry brush before showers
-Use a neti pot daily to relieve congestion
-Declutter your space
-Wear warm and bright colors such as yellow, orange, and red
-Yoga Asana poses: Sun Salutations, back bends, fast pace
Can you see how Amma is a satvic, harmonious, example of Kapha? From her appearance, to her stamina, to her heart of gold, everything embodies Kapha.
Remember, we are made up of ALL the elements. It’s a universal rule. Everything and everyone is made up of air, ether, fire, water and earth. Therefore, even if you are experiencing a predominance of Kapha Dosha (water and earth), you still have Pitta Dosha (fire and water) and Vata Dosha (air and ether).
Ayurveda is the art of balancing your doshas by addressing the root cause, ultimately decreasing the symptoms, and bringing you more harmony and health into your life.
The HUG!
I walked up hesitantly holding my offering of flowers for Amma. Her assistants helped me kneel. I shifted forward, arms wrapped around me, and I found myself traveling through a deep ocean of expansive, unconditional love. My heart was radiant and full of compassion for her, myself, and all. I looked up from her embrace and met the most kind eyes I have ever seen.
Afterward, my life situations did not change, but my heart did.
From that day forth, my internal compass become a trustworthy friend and I knew in my core I could heal from my illness.
Amma gave thousands and thousands of hugs that day. Each one she made divinely special. Now a picture of her lives in my wallet and just by looking into her sweet Kapha, beautiful face I can receive all the benefits of that single embrace. I feel blessed forever.
To learn more about Amma visit:
https://amma.org/
May these words, in some way, support you on your healing journey.
