A Quick Guide to Pitta

Pitta Fire

 Pitta is made up of the elements Fire and Water and translate as “that which cooks” it is the energy of digestion and metabolism in the body. The qualities of Pitta are oily, sharp, hot, light, moving, liquid, and penetrating.  Pitta provides the body with heat and energy.  It governs all processes related to conversion and transformation throughout the mind and body.  Pitta governs joy, courage, willpower, anger, jealously, mental perception, and intelligence. The balanced Pitta individual is blessed with a joyful disposition, a sharp intellect, tremendous courage and drive.  Pitta individuals are medium built and have developed and proportional musculature.  They are of average weight with little problem gaining or losing weight. Pitta individuals tend to be medium height, and their skin is delicate, oily and tends to be prone to acne and rashes.  Moles and freckles are also common. Pitta types have strong appetites and can become irritable when skipping meals. They are attracted to vigorous exercise and competitive sports.

Qualities of Balanced Pitta Individuals*

  • Highly intelligent, with penetrating ideas

  • Confident

  • Understands new concepts quickly

  • Courageous

  • Willful, determined, and ambitious

  • Funny and joyful

  • Natural Leaders

  • Emotionally observant

  • Organized, great planners

Qualities of Imbalanced Pitta Individuals*

  • Overly Intense

  • Manipulative

  • Stubborn

  • Arrogant

  • Jealous

  • Loud and aggressive

  • Controlling of others

  • Materialistic

  • Overly competitive

Ways Pitta Becomes Imbalanced*

  • Eating Pitta-aggravating foods

  • Eating while angry

  • Over-working

  • Being overly competitive

  • Surrounding oneself with loud, aggressive sensory input (violence on TV)

Common Pitta Disorders*

  • Disorders of the stomach and small intestines

  • Hot flashes

  • Hyperacidity

  • Skin rashes and psoriasis

  • Ulcers

  • Inflammation

  • Heartburn

  • Diarrhea

Ways to Balance Pitta*

  • Eat a Pitta-balancing diet

  • Eat in a peaceful environment

  • Avoid artificial stimulants

  • Meditate daily

  • Take time to rest each day

  • Massage the body daily with cooling oils such as coconut oil

  • Laugh and smile more

*Many of these suggestions can be explained in greater detail during an Ayurvedic consultation; please contact Santosha Living for more information.

The DoshasKattie Codega