Are you a natural-born leader with a clear vision? Do you love sports and challenges? Is “hangry” your middle name? Welcome to the world of Pitta!
In this post, we’ll dive into the fiery Pitta Dosha. You’ll learn how to identify Pitta traits, understand the functions of this Dosha, and see how it manifests physically and mentally. You’ll also find out how to recognize when you’ve accumulated too much fire within you.
What defines Pitta?
Pitta is composed of the elements of fire and a bit of water. It represents the transformative principle and is responsible for our metabolism. Pitta governs digestion, heat regulation, appetite, vision, and energy production. It is characterized by the following qualities:
hot, slightly oily, sour, penetrating, sharp, liquid, and mobile like a fluid.
Another feature of Pitta is that it can appear very suddenly and intensely.
The importance for body and mind
Pitta types are often of medium height and have a sporty build. Their skin tends to be reddish with freckles. Hair is usually light to reddish and may thin early or turn gray prematurely. Pitta individuals don’t tolerate heat well and tend to sweat a lot and easily. They have a strong appetite and need to eat regularly; otherwise, they quickly become “hangry.”
Pitta people are highly temperamental, assertive, and well-organized. They express themselves convincingly and tend to be argumentative, which is why many Pitta types find themselves in leadership roles. Given their natural heat, they can become impatient and angry quickly.
When Pitta gets out of balance
Pitta-dominated individuals are very driven, ambitious, and love competition. They find it harder to take breaks from everyday life and to simply do nothing. Because of these traits, they are more prone to burnout than other Doshas.
When Pitta is out of balance, it often shows up in the following symptoms:
inflammations, acne, hyperacidity, heartburn, diarrhea, fever, liver or gallbladder disorders, vision problems, aggression, and a tendency to argue...
This list is, of course, not exhaustive. Many of these symptoms arise from excessive heat and acidity. Often, Vata is involved, too, fueling Pitta with its airy qualities.
Cool down, Pitta!
If you feel your fiery temperament getting the better of you, it’s time to cool down and relax! To bring Pitta back into balance, we need cooling remedies. Vegetables and spices with cooling qualities are particularly effective. Skipping meals is not a good idea for Pitta. Activities should not be too challenging; it’s better to schedule exercise in the morning or evening. Cooling breathwork can also work wonders.
Do you recognize Pitta traits in yourself? Or perhaps Vata traits? On the other hand, if ambition is foreign to you and you go through life in a more relaxed manner, that points to Kapha.
Do you regularly struggle with heartburn and acidity? Then feel free to contact me, and we’ll work together to find ways to cool down your Pitta in your daily life. Let’s connect on Instagram where you’ll find more information and tips on Ayurveda and nutrition.