Ayurveda is one of the oldest healing sciences known to man. Today we’re going to tell you about the Pitta dosha.
In Sanskrit, the term Ayurveda means: ”The Science of Life”. For those willing to learn from the teachings of Ayurvedic doctrine, the results can be better physical, mental, and spiritual health.
Ayurveda body types refer to the unique balance of three different Dosha (life forces) in the human body.
Vata, Kapha, and Pitta combine in a unique recipe to give you the unique constitution you have today. Your Ayurvedic body type is an innate part of who you are.
If you’re in perfect balance your dosha doesn’t change from adolescence and you can learn how to leverage it to the best of your ability. When you have an imbalance at any given time, you might diverge from your original constitution. If you want to now about Ayurveda in general, see our article here.
So, what is Pitta Dosha?
What does Pitta mean? The Ayurvedic body type
Pitta Dosha is one of the three central life forces within the human body.
The Pitta body type focuses heavily on the properties of fire, and water, with the former being far more pronounced.
If you’re a Pitta body type, this indicates that your Pitta Dosha is more dominant in you than the other two forces. You’re likely to be a fiery, motivated, and passionate person.
The Pitta lifeforce is said to influence all metabolic and hormonal processes in the body, including our body temperature, thirst, and hunger. Pitta is also strongly linked to intelligence.
People with a prominent Pitta Dosha have all the qualities of fire. They’re warm, sharp witted, and constantly ignited with new ideas. However, Pitta personalities can also be very short-tempered and fierce.
What is Pitta in the human body? Pitta Dosha signs
The Pitta body type is often one of medium build and height, with coppery or ruddy skin. These people frequently have freckles or moles, and their skin is usually warm, and clear.
This Ayurvedic body type usually has silky softy hair, though they might experience premature hair loss or greying.
The nose of someone with a strong Pitta Dosha is sharp, with a reddish tip, eyes are often of a medium size, and they may be red-headed.
A strong Pitta Dosha may indicate that you’re well-structured and organized as a person, capable of concentrating well, and managing projects.
You’ll spend money prudently and systematically, and you’re fantastic at teaching others, thanks to your logical thought processes.
Pitta Dosha types benefit from spending a lot of time outdoors. They love competing with others, and are attracted to bright warm colors.
What is Pitta in the Blood?
Pitta in the blood indicates that you have a Pitta dominant constitution.
Usually, people with the Pitta Dosha have strong metabolisms, good digestion, and a great appetite.
These people love their foods and liquids and appreciate cold drinks and hot spices.
However, you may also have a wide palate, and appreciate various bitter and sweet tastes.
Those of the Pitta body type generally sleep quite well, but they have a lower tolerance for heat, sunlight, and hard work, as they perspire easily.
The Pitta type may thrive better in an environment that uses their intellectual abilities, as they are often alert, and excellent at problem solving. Pitta people like to be leaders, and they often seek wealth.
Unfortunately, the Pitta body type can be more predisposed to fiery ailments, such as inflammatory diseases, ulcerations, infections, and fevers. They may also be more predisposed to prickly heat, and sunburn.
What foods should Pitta avoid?
Understanding Pitta nutrition is an excellent way to avoid an imbalance in your Dosha. That said, if you are in complete balance, your constitution should be able to digest anything you fancy.
Since Pitta people are hot, light, and oily, an excess of these substances can lead to aggravations. Avoid spicy, salty, and sour foods.
Many experts believe that vegetarianism is ideal for Pitta people, as they should often refrain from eating to many eggs and meat.
Try and avoid or minimize:
- Stimulating foods: Foods that are pungent, hot(chili), sour, or salty
- Sour fruits: Lemons, Lime, Grapefruit, dried fruits
- Certain vegetables: Eggplant, radishes, garlic, onions, and tomatoes
- Animal foods: Seafood, red meats
- Oily nuts and seeds: Cashews, peanuts
- Fats: Some heavy or pungent oils
Heavy amounts of spices and stimulating herbs aren’t a good idea for Pitta nutrition, as they’re fiery enough all over.
Try to stay away from alcohol, tobacco, and coffee as they can ignite that intense workaholic.
What foods should Pitta eat?
Generally all the Doshas should eat locally produced, organic foods. Eat what is indigenous to your country or region.
As a Pitta try and stick to cooling, non-spicy foods without too much oil or heat.
Sweet dairy products might be a good way to cool things down, like boiled milk or unsalted and clarified butter. Most Ayurvedic experts consider Ghee to be the best thing for a Pitta.
Try cooking your vegetables in Ghee or adding it to your calming evening tea with milk.
Most legumes, other than red and yellow lentils, are also excellent for Pitta types in small amounts.
It is beneficial to provide a Pitta person with bitter, astringent and sweet foods. It calms them down, as well as lots of cooling tastes and foods.
Some experts say that the occasional beer might be a relaxing break for a Pitta body type. As long as they are not working whilst drinking it!
What is a Pitta imbalance?
All Dosha in the body may suffer from imbalance, in the form of an exaggerated or diminished Dosha.
Pitta is one of the most common Dosha to become imbalanced, because of its chaotic nature. A desire for spicy and sour foods can aggravate issues with a Pitta constitution.
What’s more, because Pitta controls the metabolism and body transformation, and imbalance can cause various ailments.
People who suffer from a Pitta imbalance may experience:
- Gastrointestinal and digestion problems
- Fever and hot flashes
- Rashes and infections
- Excessive periods of anger or frustration
- Demanding or critical attitudes
- Irritable or impatient behavior
- Premature hair thinning or greying
- Bouts of acne
- Difficulty sleeping
To rebalance a Pitta body type, it’s important to balance rest and activity. Or in other words, work-life balance.
Pitta types can’t be completely inactive, but they need to adjust their levels of activity, so they don’t burn out. A great deal of laughter when observing comedy or the like, is healing for a Pitta.
Pitta types don’t do well skipping meals, as they have a very strong digestion and will be too hungry.
Do choose your foods carefully when coming out of a Pitta imbalance.
If you can find a good mix of cooling foods like fresh cruciferous vegetables, cucumbers and mint, you’ll quickly feel better. Coconut oil is cooling in quality too.
Pitta people benefit from time in nature, with natural bodies of water and fresh plants. You might benefit from adding cooler colors to your environment, like green and blue, or using daily massage as a tool for relaxation.
Scents like rose, sandalwood and jasmine can calm the Pitta mind.
What are the benefits of a Pitta body type?
Every person contains a mixture of all three Doshas in their own unique blend. There’s no bad or good Dosha type – just balance or imbalance.
If you’re a Pitta Dosha type, then you know you’re also a determined, passionate, and committed person.
You’ll make a great leader, and know how to inspire the people around you.
Pitta people can perform well under pressure, and you know how to get things done.
Pitta people can concentrate on tough challenges, and they use their powers of intellect to overcome obstacles.
As a Pitta, you may be able to absorb new ideas faster than most, and have an excellent memory.
You could also have more attention to detail than most people, and you’ll be a fierce and loving friend for anyone who is close to you.
Your joyful and passionate nature is sure to attract others.
The Pitta Dosha type is articulate, bold, and confident. You’ll have plenty of energy and stamina to help you reach your goals.
Also see our other articles on the 2 other interesting Dosha: Vata and Kapha.
