Pitta dosha

Pitta dosha is one of the 3 doshas in Ayurveda. It is made up of Fire and Water mahabhutas or elements.

Pitta is responsible for all transformative processes in the human body. All metabolic activities involving enzymes and chemicals in the body and mind are under the control of pitta. Some specific areas where pitta plays a vital role are in our digestive process, in our vision, in our liver functions to name a few.

Individuals with a pitta dominant prakruti or body type will have the qualities of pitta in them. So, what are the qualities of pitta? Pitta is hot, quick, intense, easily inflamed. A pitta person will be warm to touch with bright eyes and strong digestion. They have a medium body frame with athletic build. Skin is light with freckles and may have a red tinge. Hair is straight and may also have reddish tints. They are very intelligent with a logical mind and good memory and are good learners. The quest for knowledge is very strong and they are strong willed and disciplined. They tend to be outspoken and want to be the decision making person in a group or in a relationship. They make good leaders and are competitive by nature.

When pitta goes out of balance, it can lead to many issues based on the organs involved. On the skin they can have oily skin that tends to erupt, acne, hives etc. In their digestive system they can have heartburn, acidity issues and loose stools. In women, they can also have heavy periods with clots. In general, they can have inflammation in any part of the body. When pitta goes out of balance in the mind, they can show excessive irritability, become overly competitive, short tempered and controlling.

Some of the reasons for pitta aggravation are excessive exposure to pitta provoking factors. These include intake of excessive spicy, sour, and salty foods, intake of oily, fried foods. Also, exposure to hot environments for prolonged periods of time like hiking in hot summer weather can aggravate pitta if not cooled down in a timely manner. Emotional triggers such as anger and pushing oneself too hard and competing without taking the time to balance it can also cause pitta excess. Taking time to relax and “cool off” can help pitta individuals stay in balance. Exercise has to be gentle in nature without turning into a competition. Swimming, relaxing walks in nature are some good activities for pitta individuals.

Some of the common pitta disorders are acid reflux disease, ulcers and inflammatory bowels disorders, inflamed eyes, liver, joints etc.

Adopting a diet and lifestyle suitable for a pitta person will keep them functioning optimally ensuring that they stay healthy and driven. Pitta individuals love knowledge and have discipline. Due to this, once they understand about their dosha and how to keep their pitta in balance, they adopt those practices and stick to them fairly easily.