Kapha: Orange You Glad
Spring is a time for decongesting and revitalizing.
Closer looks at each dosha in our Dosha Dressing series focuses on Kapha for Spring.
They are loyal, kind and nurturing. Kapha energy also induces undesirable patterns like sedentariness, depressiveness and possessiveness.
Sometimes we do not have time for a personal training or therapy session to address the latter. Simplified methods like choosing the right ootd can act as a stand-in.
Dosha Dressing in combination with beauty and lifestyle modifications can help amplify positive and ameliorate negative attributes. Orange, in color, scent and taste, improves the sensory system that congestion-prone Kapha needs during this transitional season.
The strategy of doing the opposite is not to deny our natural energy, but rather to nourish it with balancing energies from the other doshas. This method supports homeostasis, minimizes disease, and prevents overindulgence.
Disease- obesity, diabetes
Overindulgence- sleeping in, mindless eating
Mind- calm, nurturing, creative
Loveable Kapha’s tendency to become depressed can be counteracted with bright colors and environments. If bright colored clothing is an absolute no-go, then add a colorful brooch to your lapel, scarf around your neck or hair, or flowers to your space.
Dress Code
A bright pink and orange dress is lovely for warmer seasons, adds pep, and supports artistry. The Pierre hardy mule kitten heels above are also a perfect splash if a monochromatic beige look can’t escape your wardrobe.
Dress Example: Marimekko x Uniqlo pink and orange sleeveless A-line dress. This color combination is perfect to release the congestion built up from the dark cold months. It is also perfect for walks that beat sedentary proclivities because it is not restricting.
This Marimekko dress for their Uniqlo collaboration is perfect for bringing energy to mundane days. (Image: AKJAM Publishing)
Beauty Add-Ons
In addition to the color orange, the smell of orange is enlivening. Bergamot, a member of the citrus family, is also a mood booster when applied to the pulse points, inhaled or used in an abhyanga massage. It relieves depression but is also fresh to release congested minds. Pair the dress with a spritz of bergamot perfume like Bergamote 22 by Le Labo. Paired with orange nails, Kapha is ready to go.
Bergamote 22 by Le Labo is intoxicating without being overwhelming to the senses. (Image: AKJAM Publishing)
A hint of orange on the tips is an easy add-on for those who are bright shy. (Image: AKJAM Publishing)
Lifestyle Tips
Placing fresh eucalyptus branches in the shower and bedroom stimulates Kapha in the hard-to-rise mornings. Say no to sugary and binge-watching indulgences, each of which increased depression and related mood conditions. Research has shown that the combination of orange juice and exercise decreases congested areas like heart tissues and fat cells, and decreases obesity. Take time to peel an orange, indulge in its aromatic spritz, and the sweetness of its juice. Kapha’s overly helpful style at work can be a burden. This is counterproductive to lightening up in order to decongest and energize. Learn to delegate tasks, and voice your opinions and concerns. Add flowers to your desk after it is decluttered from a Spring-cleaning session. One of these orange lovelies can also be add as a boutonnière to your work blazer or cardigan.
I’ll be honest, I don’t buy flowers. They are bought for me, for which I am grateful. A bouquet of bright flowers brightens the mood and energy of a room. (Image: AKJAM Publishing)