Pitta Dosha: How To Identify & Tame It

August 8, 2015

According to Ayurveda, the human body is composed of five elements—space, air, fire, water and earth. Although all these elements are present in our bodies at all times, every individual has certain elements that are more dominant than others. The three doshas—vata, pitta and kapha—form the principles of Ayurveda.

Ayurveda says that every person has all the three doshas, but usually one dominates. The proportions in which each dosha is present determines one’s personality and other behavioral traits and can also determine the body’s resistance to a particular disease.

Pitta is derived from the elements of fire and water and is the energy that controls hormones and the digestive system.

People with a dominant pitta dosha have a moderately well-developed physique, muscular limbs, a stable gait and walk at a moderate pace.
They are intellectual, alert, have a focused mind, articulate and have a keen sense of responsibility. Their excellent memory means they are quick learners and debaters.

What Happens When You Have An Imbalance Of Pitta

Aggravated Pitta
A pitta imbalance can make one irritable, jealous, angry and aggressive. It can cause inflammation of the joints, tissues and organs. Excessive heat in the body can lead to liver problems, hamper circulation, impair digestion and cause gallstones. As the heat increases and rises, it can even trigger migraines, fever, neck and spinal stiffness. These problems can be avoided by refraining from eating hot food and red meat, avoiding alcohol, and excessive physical and mental activity. Meditation and drinking lots of fluids can benefit people with aggravated pitta.
Depleted Pitta
Depleted pitta can lead to a weak digestive system, lack of warmth (feeling cold), dull skin and decreased mental ability. To balance pitta, do not eat while you are angry, reduce your competitiveness and avoid artificial stimulants.

Ayurvedic Treatment For Pitta Imbalance
The nature of treatment for a particular individual is best decided by an Ayurvedic practitioner. Most individuals are a combination of three doshas and none are usually of one type alone. Also, during one’s lifetime, a specific doshacould be predominant and the other two will be suppressed.

Every individual’s prakriti (body composition) is complex and requires detailed assessment by a practitioner. The Ayurvedic practitioner will ask questions regarding the individual’s lifestyle and examine them clinically in order to determine their predominant dosha. Once the dosha is identified, treating the person’s illness becomes easier.

1) Ghee Consumption (Clarified Butter)
Regular consumption of clarified ghee improves digestion and helps relieve excessive pitta.

2) Svadu, Sheeta Virechna (Purgation Treatment)
In this therapy, the patient is given medicine to induce loose motions to clear pitta doshas. Pitta dosha is concentrated in the small intestine and purgation helps relieve it. Sweet tasting and cooling medicines such as dry grapes are part of the treatment as it negates pitta effects.

3) Inhalation Of Herbal Fumes
Inhaling the fumes from herbs that have pleasant smell are useful in headaches that are caused by excessive pitta.

4) Application Of Herbs
The cooling nature of sandalwood paste and camphor when applied to the body reduces burning sensation and swelling caused by a pitta imbalance.

5) Consumption Of Milk
Hyperacidity can be caused by excessive pitta. Cow milk being a natural coolant and a source of calcium helps decrease pitta, thus relieving acidity.

Ayurvedic Centers In The United States Can Be Found In

1. Carlsbad, California
The Chopra Center for Wellbeing

2. Chicago, Illinois
Santhigram Wellness

3. New York City
Rudra Ayurveda

4. Sedona, Arizona
Authentic Ayurveda Holistic Health Center & Spa

5. Asheville, North Carolina
Blue Lotus Ayurveda: Natural Health & Rejuvenation

Want to know which dosha you belong to? Click here to find out.
Also, to read more about the kapha dosha click here and about the vata dosha click here.

Image Source: Shutterstock

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