The Doshas
The science of Ayurveda describes the three doshas (vata, pitta, and kapha) as the physiological manifestations of the five elements, present in everyone and everything. From an Ayurvedic perspective, the doshas are also considered the causative factors in all disease processes. Some of the meanings of the word dosha are “fault,” “impurity,” and “mistake.” The doshas allow us to function in physical form, but when out of balance they will show up as the signs and symptoms of disease processes, and if left unchecked will ultimately lead to pathological conditions. When we learn how to identify the signs and symptoms of doshic imbalance, we can redirect our behaviors and activities to bring the doshas back into a normal state, thereby preventing innumerable problems.
In a previous article we discussed vata dosha, the physical manifestation of the ether and air elements. Where vata dosha is responsible for all movement in the body, pitta dosha handles all of the metabolizing in the body.
Qualities of Pitta Dosha
Pitta dosha is made up of the fire and water elements. These elements come together to create the liquid heat responsible for everything from our digestion (think hydrochloric acid in the stomach) to our ability to interpret and analyze information.
Whereas vata dosha is cold and dry, pitta dosha is hot and oily. The qualities, or gunas, of pitta are light, hot, sharp, liquid, and spreading. Pitta is also commonly referred to as being vishram, a word that means “fleshy smelling.” Because of its hot, humid nature, pitta tends to produce a strong smell from the body.
Sites of Pitta in the Body
The main site of pitta in the body is the small intestine, where the sharp, discerning quality of pitta in the microvilli separates the food stuff and sends nutrients where they are needed. Secondary sites of pitta in the body are the eyes, liver, grey matter in the brain, and the skin. Blood is a tissue high in pitta dosha, and many people with high pitta have a reddish hue to their skin and hair. Psychologically pitta dosha gives courage, a strong intellect, and enthusiasm.
Pitta Imbalances
Because of its hot nature, when out of balance pitta can show up as “hot” skin conditions like rashes or acne, sensitivity to light or heat, anger, irritability, and loose stools. The burning sensation in general is a symptom of a pitta dosha imbalance. Hot spicy foods will aggravate pitta dosha, as will hot humid weather, overexposure to the sun, and very competitive environments. Anything that is high in pitta qualities (hot, sharp, light, intense, etc) will raise pitta dosha – this includes the attitudes of those around us and the content we consume via the media.
Balancing Pitta
Pitta (as with all the doshas) is balanced by the application of opposites. Since one of the predominant qualities of pitta is heat, it is well balanced by the use of cooling foods and herbs such as cucumber, milk, fennel, and coriander. Since it is oily and hot in nature, foods and herbs that are astringent (drying), sweet (cooling), and bitter (very cooling) will be good at balancing pitta. Apples, pomegranates, leafy greens, and herbs like neem all have qualities that are cooling and astringent and are good for excess pitta. Pitta dosha is most easily aggravated in the summer season and under the hot sun, so if you know your pitta is high, take extra precaution in the summer and try to avoid over exposure to the sun and very hot environments. Taking care to cover and cool the head and shield the eyes from intense heat and sun will help to protect pitta dosha.
Since pitta can also show up as excess pride and self importance, being of service to others and practicing humility are good practices for soothing pitta. Sweetness also soothes pitta, so if someone in your life has high pitta, try being a little sweeter to them and see if that helps to cool them down.
Pitta: Bright, Brilliant, and Bold
Pitta dosha enables us to transform food into energy and experiences into wisdom. It is the dosha which embodies the qualities of light and heat that bring warmth, enthusiasm, and transformation into our lives. When pitta is out of balance in the body, it can show up as burning sensations, bleeding disorders, acidic conditions, and even a sharp, judgemental attitude.
As with all the doshas, pitta must be in balance, or sama, in order to yield all its wonderful qualities. To be a good friend to your pitta dosha, pay attention to it. How is your appetite, your metabolism, your eyesight, your intellect, your attitude? Do you need to kindle the fire of pitta within your cells or cool it? Ayurveda is the art of living in balance. By identifying the three doshas in our bodies and how they are showing up presently, we can make changes that balance their qualities, and keep our bodies and minds in a healthy state. When the doshas within us are in balance, our bodies and minds are in balance, and life becomes harmonious and blissful.
Article written by Rosa Harper
References
Lad, Vasant. “Textbook of Ayurveda, Vol. 1.” (2002).
*Medical disclaimer:
This content is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical care.