Being overweight is generally a kapha-type disturbance. When there is excessive kapha dosha in the body there can be the formation or accumulation of toxins (ama) causing the body to become lethargic. A person with this condition can seem averse to change and need motivation to get moving towards health and shed the extra weight.

Remember that lasting change requires patience, practice and discipline. Do not be too rigid or impractical in your expectations. Set realistic, achievable goals for yourself. It is important to recognize that many people in an unhealthy state can have a distorted perception of their bodies. If this may be true for you, request the help of an Ayurvedic practitioner or other health care provider to determine an ideal weight that is healthy and comfortable for you. Transformation takes time. Allow yourself a reasonable amount of freedom and flexibility to adapt to your new routine.

This is a simple and quick technique to assist the lymphatic system by cleansing the skin so that toxins can be eliminated from the body more efficiently through the skin. If pores are clogged, the elimination from the skin is impaired, and the overworked liver and kidneys wind up having to eliminate the toxins. It is estimated that one third of all impurities leaving the body are eliminated through the skin, more than one pound of waste per day! This is a good reason to keep the skin functioning as an eliminative organ.

Barley is an excellent Kapha reducing grain due to its attributes of lightness and dryness. It is a diuretic and is laxative in action. It pulls water into the body and then pulls it our in an even greater amount. Its cool grounded qualities make if helpful for Pitta. It is serviceable for preventing constipation, especially in those of Pitta and Kapha persuasion. It is the main food to heal urinary diseases. Here is an easy to make introductory recipe using Barley and shiitake mushrooms which add an extra immune boost.