Introduction
Pitta dosha is one of the key doshas in Ayurveda. Pitta basically translate as fire, but not fire in the literal sense but more to do with heat energy in the body with digestion and transformation. Balancing pitta dosha is important to maintain a good metabolism, clarity, charisma and intelligence because when there is a pitta imbalanced it can cause irritated skin, excess heat and difficulty in sleeping.
What is Ayurveda?
Ayurveda promotes a sophisticated balance or connection between the mind and the body. It is said to be the oldest healing science, originating in India over 5,000 years ago. From its origins as an oral tradition taught from masters to their disciplines, today Ayurveda has gained momentum in the modern world as a means to natural healing and wellbeing.
What are the doshas and how does it relate to Ayurveda?
Each dosha has a unique set of characteristics and whichever is dominant determines the person’s physical and emotional attributes.
The 3 Ayurvedic doshas:
Kapha – Strongly influenced by earth and water elements which makes them innately stable, compassionate and loyal.
Vata – Strongly influenced the element of air which can cause their energy, mood and appetite to dramatically fluctuate.
Pitta – Strongly influenced by the fire element which makes them intense, innately strong and natural leaders and quick learners
Why is it important to identify and balance these doshas?
Doshas are basically the three main humours found in the body which according to ayurveda are responsible for a person’s physiological, mental and emotional health so balancing the doshas is very important for wellbeing.
The Pitta Dosha
Pitta is a combination of fire and water and so people with this constitution are brimming with energy and strength and thrive on a good challenge. They generally enjoy strong digestion and can tolerate practically any type of food.
Signs of imbalance Pitta
- Excess generation of heat in the body.
- Acid reflux, gas, indigestion.
- Inflammation of the joints.
- Anger and irritability
- Nausea, diarrhoea or constipation.
- Bad breath.
- Excessive sweating
- Body odour
What happens when pitta is out of balance?
Further on top of the physical symptoms a person may also experience excess qualities of their normal physiological and psychological states
How do you balance the pitta dosha?
Suitable diet
A diet that includes pitta pacifying foods will help calm and decrease the internal heat and prevent inflammation enabling pitta dosha types regain balance. Sweet mild spices like dill, mint and cinnamon are good additions to help pitta digest food. Add a small quantity of good quality coconut oil to your cooking. Consume sweet fruits and astringent fresh fruits either half hour before meals or one hour after. A pitta pacifying diet should also include fresh fruits and vegetables that are somewhat sweet or bitter or astringent. Including these element reduces pitta and helps decrease the internal heat.
Daily Routine
Following a simple and manageable daily routine works wonders to reduce excess pitta as the familiarity of the routine balances the pitta in the body. Some easy to adopt routines include:
- Establishing proper meal times and eating with purpose and mindfully
- Establishing a bedtime so that you body adjusts and starts preparing for sleep. This will help you achieve a good night’s sleep.
- Setting aside a few minutes in the morning to simply breath and concentrate on your breathing, preferably early morning before the day gets hectic.
- Brush teeth, empty bowels and drink warm water.
- Take a few minutes to stretch
Oil Massages
Aromatic herbal oil massages at least once a week are a really good way to reduce pitta in the body by eliminating the excess heat and removing the tension pitta creates. It basically cleanses the body for relief from excess pitta.
Exercise and Yoga
Yoga is brilliant to ease a pitta imbalance because it focusses on cooling systematic breathing releasing heat from the body. Similarly, regular high intensity workouts such as cycling, running or gym exercise can reduce accumulated pitta heat.
Conclusion
If you are feeling a pitta imbalance in your system then use these Ayurveda techniques to regain balance in your life for a transition to overall health and wellbeing.