Pitta Dosha

The bASICS

PITTA, “that which transforms” is the combined energy of the fire and water elements. It is the energy of transformation, and as such governs digestion, absorption, assimilation, metabolism of food, as well as of mental experiences.

• Pitta qualities: hot, sharp, oily, soft, spreading, light

• Pitta time of day 10am-2pm, 10pm-2am

• Pitta season: summer

• Pitta season of one’s life: 25-55 years old

• Seat of pitta in the body Small intestine, liver, blood, heart, eyes.

The pitta mind-body type

Pitta constitutions usually have a medium build, with sinewy musculature. Their digestion is strong, and so is their appetite. Their eyes are often blue/green, their hair color tends toward red, blonde or light brown. Pitta’s skin is sensitive to the sun, freckles and moles are very common.

Psychologically, the pitta mind is sharp, focused, meticulous. Their high-functioning intellect and power of concentration allow them to easily grasp new concepts, and transform information into knowledge, into wisdom. This mind can master any subject it chooses to focus on. Pitta types are entrepreneurial and make charismatic leaders.

Spiritually, the pitta type will expand by following a path of self inquiry, asking the question “who am I?”, without seeking to answer it, and instead allowing the answer to be revealed in due time. The path of Jnana yoga or the yoga of knowledge is particularly suited for this type, whose intellect will love to study ancient texts, and investigate the nature of life.

What imbalances Pitta

Too much work, and not enough play exacerbate the driven tendency of pitta, and causes them to lose sight of the big picture. Pitta pay the price when they let their desire for success override their heart’s wisdom, and compassionate nature. Intense work, intense exercise, exposure to overheated environments, literally and metaphorically, all exacerbate pitta’s fieriness. Too much spicy, sour and salty food, coffee, and alcohol, also imbalance this energy

When out of balance, the pitta-aggravated person becomes rigid, controlling and even domineering. Under stress, the pitta person can be very resistant to change, instead attempting to micro-manage, themselves and others, which only creates more internal heat.

Common pitta disorders are high blood pressure, as well as inflammatory disorders, skin rashes, acid reflux, loose stools. Emotionally, too much fire causes one to feel short-tempered, easily irritated, cutting, and hyper-critical. Anger, jealousy, a tendency towards perfectionism, and obsessiveness are not unusual.

BALANCED Pitta

The pitta person needs to cool and soften their body-mind. Cultivating acceptance of what is, a sense of humor and perspective will help. To stay balance they must remember to schedule down-time, spend quality time with their friends and family, time in nature, and do fun things without a goal in mind.

Other things that balance the pitta energy and pitta-aggravated person:

• A good, sweaty workout to release stress, and chill out.

• A cool shower, a dip in a lake or the ocean, walking barefoot in the morning grass.

• Rose water to cool the face, eyes, and mind.

• Slow flow yoga, or any form of movement that invites a softer energy to balance the sharpness of pitta.

• Nurturing your inner-child, laughter!

• Shades of blues, greens, whites.

• The sweet, bitter and astringent tastes, all cooling tastes.

• Vegetarian foods, with a light amount of fat, eaten at room-temperature in a quiet environment (not at your desk!)

• Taking the time to do things just for the sake of doing them, such as walking barefoot in the grass, staring at the full moon, sitting outside watching people go by, reading a novel.

• Aromatherapy: lavender, rose, ylang-ylang, lemon, geranium