Pitta
Definition - What does Pitta mean?
Pitta is one of the three doshas, or the three fundamental energies that, according to Ayurveda, form every human being. Pitta controls the metabolic system, temperature, heat and transformations of the body and mind.
The main qualities of pitta dosha are hot, sharp, intense, light, bitter and spreading. Pitta dosha is a combination of the fire and water elements. People with pitta dominance have usually fiery bodies and minds. They are medium size, both in height and weight. They have good digestion and very strong appetite and thirst.
Pittas are strong willed, dominant, ambitious, determined and decisive. If pitta falls out of balance, they can become irritable, angry, judgmental, critical and even aggressive. They can suffer from an acidic stomach, oversensitive skin, extreme body heat or heartburn.
Yogapedia explains Pitta
For pitta people, it is highly recommended to practice meditation, yoga and breathing exercises. For competitive and driven pittas, meditation is a great tool to slow down, take a break and calm the mind. Cooling breathing exercises such as shitali, or left nostril breathing, sooth the hotness of pitta dosha.
To get pitta back in balance, it is recommended to eat foods that neutralize pitta qualities, which are cooling and grounding foods such as basmati rice, bread, milk, ghee butter, melon or cucumber. Out of balance pitta should avoid spicy foods and heating vegetables such as garlic, onions or hot peppers. It is also recommended to practice yoga asanas, such as moon salutations and cooling breathing exercises.
Although pittas might be drawn to Ashtanga, Power or Hot yoga, they should practice these types in moderation and focus on calming and cooling yoga types, such as Restorative or Yin yoga. Recommended yoga poses include forward bends and twists as these tend to refresh and rejuvenate the lymphatic system and release tension and heat from the body. Calming and cooling physical activities, such as walks in the nature and swimming, are recommended as well.
For pittas, it is important to eat regularly, spend time in the nature and keep their lives in balance. Daily massages using cooling oils are beneficial as well. Pittas should surround themselves with sweet and cooling aromas such as lavender, jasmine or chamomile.
During These Times of Stress and Uncertainty Your Doshas May Be Unbalanced.
To help you bring attention to your doshas and to identify what your predominant dosha is, we created the following quiz.
Try not to stress over every question, but simply answer based off your intuition. After all, you know yourself better than anyone else.
