Understanding Pitta Energy, the one that transforms and digests!

Pitta is hot, this is the main characteristic.  In modern words that are being used often, we could call say that it produces “inflammation”. 

When dealing with Pitta energy we have to look at our inner heat and also we need to modernize Ayurveda and see that diet these days is not the same as it was 50 years ago, now imagine compared to 2000 years ago. 

In these modern times, food is very processed, with agrochemicals, colorants, strange ingredients, and much more in it.  All these things create that inflammation, basically, because the body has to process it, the liver has to work hard and gets more toxic, and our blood gets more toxic as well.

All the different substances that are applied to the skin also toxify the liver.  One needs to pay strong attention to the liver in an easy way.  This is kind of paradoxical, but for Pitta people maintaining the liver cooled down in an easy way is already a way to keep it cool. This is because perfectionism and control are Pitta imbalances that increase the heat of the person and their livers. 

In order to assist the liver on a regular basis. Fasting can be more than enough. 

This heat of Pitta is also reflected in the body as a LACK of digestive fire, you might ask yourself about this paradox of excessive heat and not digestive fire.  In Ayurveda if the digestive fire is low (due to wrong eating) then the heat that was going to be used to digest the food (Pitta is like gasoline and if the digestive fire is low, then the gasoline is not used to burn/transform the food) is not used, then it stays in the body and starts creating more heat within. 

This heat as well as any other version of energy (dryness, wetness, coldness, heat, etc), accumulates and moves deeper into the tissues of the person. 

In this case, a little bit of intermittent fasting can work, maybe a whole day of not eating. Observing the controlling energy and the perfectionism is a good quality in Pitta people. 

Their main challenge is to be compassionate with others and with themselves. Pitta people have the tendency to judge others a lot, this creates too much noise in their minds. Judgment is the number one reason why humans overthink. 

A balanced Pitta Dosha is exhibited with excellent stamina, good physique, immunity to diseases, and a stable emotional state.

Balanced pitta has good levels of comprehension, passion, compassion, and mental clarity. A balanced pitta individual usually takes up leadership roles within an organization or social circle. They act as the change-makers and motivate the lot behind them. 

Pitta Dosha’s essential characteristics are metabolism and transformation. It is marked by good digestion level, optimum hunger, and absence of addiction or cravings. 

Regular one to two  bowel movements with smooth stool elimination. Regular menstruation with 3 – 5 days of menstrual cycle and normal bleeding.

Balanced hormones, enzyme secretions, and neurotransmitter levels. Good stamina and endurance. Ability to undergo moderate level physical activity and extreme mental challenges without much health impact. 

Radiant skin, bright shiny eyes, and lustrous hair.

What causes a Pitta imbalance?

A Pitta imbalance results from a build-up of hot, dry, fiery, sharp, spreading, subtle and clear qualities. This can happen if you’re participating in activities that aggravate Pitta, like:

• Eating Pitta aggravating foods (hot, light, spicy, pungent, salty, sour foods)
• Getting too much sun
• Consuming stimulants, like coffee and alcohol
• Emotional stress
• Pushing yourself too hard

If you’re naturally dominated by the Pitta dosha, you’re more likely to build up Pitta qualities. However, it’s important to note that Vata and Kapha types can also succumb to a Pitta imbalance, especially during Pitta season.

A Pitta imbalance can cause a number of unwanted side effects. A person with an imbalanced Pitta may experience physical, mental and emotional health issues.Physical Symptoms

• Skin conditions such as acne, hives, rashes, dermatitis, or eczema
• Digestion issues like intense hunger, excessive thirst, heartburn, acid reflux, ulcers, loose stools or diarrhea, gastritis
• Hot flashes, fevers, and excessive sweating
• Strong body odor
• Early graying of the hair (or falling out)
• Eye conditions and extreme sensitivity to light
• Inflammation, redness, infections, puffiness, and swelling
• Burnout from excessive work, dissatisfaction, and lack of content.
• Low pitta can also lead one to stay caught in their own imaginary perfect world and stage of denial. It leads to a lack of decisiveness and action.

Mental Symptoms

• Overly critical
• Argumentative
• Judgmental
• Jealousy
• Perfectionism
• Controlling
• Opinionated

Emotional Symptoms

• Anger
• Irritability
• Impatience
• Frustration
• Aggression
• Resentment
• Hatred
• Hostility
• Jealousy

Health Issues of Pitta Imbalance in Women

• Inflammation, burning sensation, and pain in the reproductive organs.
• Endometriosis, excessive bleeding during menstruation, heavy and prolonged periods, and spotting in between the periods.
• Hyperthyroidism
• Leucorrhea with foul-smelling vaginal discharge that is often persistent and yellowish in color.
• Hot Flashes, Migraine, extreme irritability, and angry outbursts may be observed during life stages of transition such as Menopause, Menstruation, and Pregnancy.
• Vaginitis and frequent urinary tract infections.
• Tenderness and pain in the breasts.
• Heart palpitations, hypertension, and increased risk of heart stroke.

An individual with Pitta Dosha Imbalance suffers from an overactive digestive system and very high digestive fire. 

This leads to unusual levels of hunger, excessive thirst, acidity, and incomplete digestion of the foods.

In Ayurveda, Pitta type of digestion is called Tikshna Agni
Incomplete digestion leads to nutritional deficiencies and related health problems even if a person is consuming healthy foods.
Hence, it is important to balance the digestive fire first, before one dives into good foods or bad foods for Pitta Dosha balance.

The primary causes for Pitta Imbalance
Pitta Dosha aggravation can happen in anybody, whether they are primarily Pitta-Dosha and also in case Vata or Kapha Dosha is their prime governing energies.
The basic principle of Dosha governance is that like increases like. It means that there are high chances for pitta aggravation if one is exposed to excessively hot temperatures on a prolonged basis, or intakes excessive hot-natured, spicy, and fried foods. 

Some other triggers to increase Pitta are:

• summer season
• they are more common in the middle age group. 
• extended periods of mental stress and exposure to chemicals lead to pitta imbalance in younger and older age groups as well.
• Also, During the day, Pitta Dosha is active from 10 AM to 2 PM and from 10 PM to 2 AM. This is the time when Pitta health disorders will show their symptoms slightly stronger.
• Regular consumption of hot, spicy, and fried food items. 
• Excessive consumption of salty, sour, and fermented foods. 
• Holding off hunger for prolonged periods. 
• Inability to slow down and consumption of food while performing other activities such as work, entertainment, driving, or walking.
• Sudden, excessive, or prolonged exposure to hot temperature and damp environment.
• A stressful environment, excessive work, and tight timelines.
• Excessive physical or mental activity that leads to burnout.
• Excessive screen time during the day, inability to take breaks or relax, and prolonged work hours till sleeping.
• Bright lights and exposure to excessively hot and bright sun.
• High level of competition and a tendency to always push the limits.
• Excessively pressing timelines and activities when conducted on regular basis.
• Excessive stress due to work or relationships.
• Multi-tasking or multiple pressing projects.

Let’s bring Pitta Dosha to Balance

To maintain balance, a Pitta type needs to eat a Pitta balancing diet and engage in activities that embody the qualities opposite of their dosha. This means that they want to embrace a lifestyle that features cool, heavy, dense, slow, dull, and static qualities. This will prevent Pitta from going into excess. However, even if you are not a Pitta type, you should embrace these qualities if you suspect a potential Pitta imbalance.  Also, it is very important to be aware that there is a time during the year in which this energy is stronger, obviously it is when it is hot and damp. (Pitta is made of water and fire).

• Leave the perfectionist attitude. Be willing to make mistakes yourself.
• Regular meditation with a focus on breathing to calm down the mind.
• To balance Pitta Dosha, once should practice a lifestyle that would relax, cool down, and calm both mental and physical body system. 
• Pitta Diet and Lifestyle involves moderation, surrender, and relaxation are most effective for Pitta balance.
• Include a variety of fresh vegetables in both raw and cooked form. Go for Astringent, Sweet, and Bitter tastes.
• Eat in a calm and relaxed setting. Do not work while eating and do not rush through the meals.
• Prefer cooling Ayurvedic Herbs and spices such as Rose, Cardamom, Cinnamon, Lemon Grass, and Coriander to eliminate excess pitta.
• Oils to prefer are Ghee, Olive Oil, and Coconut Oil.
• Take salads in moderation during lunch time or in the morning.
• Prefer cooling and normal temperature beverages such as coconut water, still water, and herbal teas.
• One should not skip meals or avoid food when hungry.
• Do not overeat! Do not take food when you are not hungry.
• Eliminate foods with a hot potency and hot temperatures such as chili and cayenne pepper.
• Remove and avoid caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine.
• Amongst the Lifestyle Practices that could benefit try for sure:
• Self-massage or Abhyanga with cooling and heavy oils such as Coconut Oil, Olive oil, or Ghee is cooling, relaxing, and grounding for pitta. Apply oil to your scalp and soles on daily basis. Perform full-body massage on weekly basis.
• Slow down, enjoy, and relax. Be in the moment and do things for the sole purpose of joy rather than productivity.
• Avoid intense heat, hot temperatures, and excessive exposure to the hot midday Sun.
• Pitta usually has a high level of motivation and competitive spirit. Hence, pitta individuals and pitta imbalance should always try to push the limits and do everything in excess
• Pitta benefits the most through regular, relaxing, calming, and cooling physical activity.
• Exercise at least 3 – 5 days a week through stabilizing workout routines such as in recreational and non-competitive sports, traditional dances, swimming, hiking, running or brisk walking in nature or near water, yoga, Tai Chi, or Cycling. 
• Pitta imbalance benefits from yoga sequences that involve flexibility, slow easy movement, and stillness.
• Physical activity should be avoided in warm temperatures as it will aggravate pitta. Prefer cooling temperatures in the early morning or late evening.
• Avoid over-exertion and excessive stretch. It aggravates Pitta and leaves no room to recharge or calm down. As a golden rule, exercise up to 80-90% of your body’s capacity.
• Learn new skills or sports.

I am sure all this information will help you put everything together even better. 

Remember that it is essential to calm Vata by letting go and allowing life to flow in front of you, learning to become a witness and participant of your life as it manifests for you. 

Many blessings in everything, 

Leo Cordero

References
Textbook fo Ayurveda – Part 1 by Vasant Lad
Yoga for your body type by Dr. David Frawley and Sandra Summerfield Kozak