Ayurveda

What is Pitta Dosha? 7 Tips for Balance and Health of the Pitta Dosha

By Volunteer Writer | Posted: November 30, 2018

Pitta is derived from the root word ‘tapa’ which means ‘to heat’. It comprises basic elements of both heat (fire) and moisture (water). Its fluid nature renders it mobile.

The seven qualities of pitta are described as slightly oily, penetrating, hot, light, odorous, free-flowing, and liquid.

Pitta drives metabolism or transformation. It also governs digestion, maintenance of body temperature, visual perception, colour and complexion of the skin, intellect and emotions.

An imbalance in the pitta dosha gives rise to unhealthy physical and emotional patterns as shown in the following lists:

**Symptoms of pitta imbalance**

Physical

Increased hunger and/or thirst
Infection
Greying and/or loss of hair
Hormonal imbalance
Giddiness and/or migraines
Hot flashes and want for substances that have a cooling effect on the body
Bad breath/body odour
Sore throat
Nausea upon missing meals
Insomnia
Tenderness in breasts/testicles
Heavy or painful menstrual bleeding

Behavioral

Impatience
Frustration
Inflated Ego
Overly goal/result oriented
Resentment
Jealousy
Judgemental
Sense of instability
Perfectionist tendencies

**Diseases caused by pitta dosha imbalance**

Heartburn
Sunburns, eczema, dermatitis, acne
Acid reflux, peptic ulcers
Fever
Blood clots and strokes
Kidney infections
Hyperthyroidism
Jaundice
Acute inflammation in joints (arthritis)
Diarrhea
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Poor vision or blindness
Autoimmune disorders
Obsessive-compulsive disorders/depression

A balanced pitta dosha fosters the ability to pursue intentions and goals, as well as increase focus, problem-solving abilities, and confidence.

**What causes an imbalance in the pitta dosha?**

Eating pitta aggravating foods (pungent, sour, salty, very spicy, deep fried, processed, red meat)
Consuming caffeine (coffee), black tea, nicotine (smoking), alcohol and other stimulants
Too much exposure to the sun (can turn the campfire into a forest fire)
Emotional stress
Overworking and/or under resting

**Balancing pitta dosha naturally**

Tend to your diet:
Consume pitta pacifying foods (bitter, astringent, sweet tasting food). Milk, ghee, butter are good pitta pacifiers. Prefer sweet fruits over the sour ones. All the sweeteners except honey and molasses can be consumed
Choose a middle path:
Balance activity and rest. Neither indulge too much in activity nor indulge too much in rest.
Enjoy the good things:
Take regular meals and spend some time with nature and in good company.
Meditate and be grateful:
Give a break to the ever hovering pitta mind by meditating. Also make a list of all the things you have received as gifts and be grateful.
Yoga:
The following yoga postures help in pacifying a pitta imbalance:

Ayurvedic medicines

Following are some ayurvedic medicines which can restore pitta balance. Please note that all of these medicines should be taken after the consulting with a trained Ayurvedic doctor:

Amlapittari vati (for hyperacidity)
Avipattikar churna (digestive problems, hyperacidity)
Yashtimadhu (for acid peptic diseases)
Nishamalaki (anti-allergic)

The solution to feeling jealous or frustrated and conditions like chronic fatigue, acid reflux and heartburn is the same: putting your pitta dosha in balance! You can have therapies that balance your pitta dosha at Shankara Ayurveda Spa in Boone, North Carolina, or at Sri Sri Ayurveda Hospital or Panchakarma Center in India.

This article first appeared on www.artofliving.org