By Setareh Kiumarsi
In Ayurveda, to explain the five fundamental elements in the body and mind, specific categories are used called “doshas”: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.
Pitta – The Second Dosha
The second dosha is Pitta, dominated by the elements of fire and water. It is hot, sharp, penetrating, flowing, and oily. Pitta governs metabolism in the body and plays a key role in the digestion and absorption of food by the cells. Stomach acid, bile, digestive enzymes, blood, and muscles are Pitta’s representatives in the body.
In some individuals, Pitta dosha is genetically dominant and is the prevailing dosha in their Prakriti (genetic constitution). In others, Pitta becomes imbalanced due to poor lifestyle and dietary habits. In Ayurveda, when we talk about a dosha becoming imbalanced, it means that the dosha (and its dominant elements and qualities) has increased in the body and mind. A person with excess Pitta has an overabundance of fire and water elements (and thus the quality of heat) in their body and mind. Compared to Vata and Kapha, Pitta is more prone to going out of balance.
Physical Characteristics of Pitta-Type People
- Pitta types have a medium build and bone structure. Their weight is moderate—not very thin nor overweight. They have a tendency to gain weight, but with some diet and exercise, they can lose weight and maintain it.
- Their height is average—not very tall or very short.
- Their skin is oily, soft, sensitive, and flushed. They are highly prone to rashes, eczema, and skin issues.
- Their face is average in shape with yellowish or rosy cheeks. Their facial skin is prone to acne.
- Their hair is thin, straight, and fine.
- Their eyes are average in size, with a sharp, piercing, and bright gaze. The whites of their eyes may be yellow or red, and they are prone to eye irritation, acidic tears, and light sensitivity.
- Their nose is medium-sized with a slightly sharp tip. They are prone to nasal sores and nosebleeds.
- Their tongue is average in size with red edges, a sharp tip, and a yellowish coating.
- Their nails are pink, soft, shiny, and flexible.
- Their hands and feet are generally warm, and they often complain of excessive sweating. Their sweat has a strong, sharp odor.
- They dislike heat, prefer cold climates, and enjoy spending time in cool environments.
- An overabundance of fire and water elements makes their digestive tract strong. When fire increases, their metabolism speeds up and they often experience intense hunger and thirst.
- Their sleep is moderate. Falling asleep may be a bit difficult, but once they do, they sleep well.
Mental Characteristics of Pitta-Type People
- Pitta individuals are intelligent with a sharp and quick mind. They have a good ability to learn and a high level of concentration.
- They are energetic and active, with strong self-confidence. Logic plays an important role in their life and decision-making. They make quick, decisive choices and act on them swiftly.
- They are brave and fearless, love competition, and are highly risk-tolerant. They enjoy being seen, being the center of attention, and have a strong desire to lead.
- They speak with impact, clearly and directly. Their words can sometimes cut like a blade; sharp, judgmental, and sarcastic.
Common Imbalances in Pitta-Type People
- Heartburn, acid reflux, and stomach burning
- Bitter taste in the mouth
- Diarrhea and loose stools
- Headaches
- Warmth and sweating in hands and feet
- Sensations of heat and burning in the body
- Excessive sweating and foul-smelling sweat
- Skin problems: rashes, acne, eczema
- Anger, irritability, and moodiness
- Impatience, extreme perfectionism, constant need to be seen and praised
- Jealousy, selfishness, ambition, excessive self-criticism and criticism of others
Key Solutions to Bring Pitta Back into Balance
The dominant quality of Pitta dosha is heat. If Pitta is genetically dominant in someone’s Prakriti, or if it has become excessive due to improper diet or lifestyle, one should reduce heating qualities in their diet and lifestyle and expose themselves to coolness.
Diet
If Pitta is your dominant dosha or if you are experiencing a Pitta imbalance, reduce foods that generate excessive heat in your digestive tract and learn how to consume them properly. What foods are excessively hot?
- Spicy foods. Minimize consumption of spicy foods (like black pepper, red pepper, masala, curry, cayenne, chili, mustard, raw garlic, raw onion, green onions, raw tarragon, radish, turnip, etc.).
- Eliminate eggplant from your diet.
- Reduce consumption of very sour foods and fruits. Use lemon juice instead of vinegar or verjuice.
- In general, avoid spicy (like red pepper), sour (like fruit rolls), and salty (like puffed snacks) flavors.
- Do not overconsume nuts, especially walnuts, peanuts, and cashews.
- Minimize fermented foods (like cheese, yogurt, whey, kombucha, pickles, etc.).
- Eat less meat, and avoid beef, veal, pork, cured meats, sausages, and deli meats.
- Stimulants and energy-boosting substances like caffeine, energy drinks, cigarettes, marijuana, alcohol, and drugs are very heating and drying. They lead to deep Pitta imbalance. Eliminate these substances; especially caffeine, and experience life without them.
- Include cooling vegetables like zucchini, celery, cilantro, asparagus, okra, cauliflower, broccoli, and mung bean sprouts, cooked and spiced with mild seasonings (such as fennel, rosemary, cardamom, turmeric, and coriander seed).
- Don’t miss out on the magic of cooked apples—include them in breakfast and snacks throughout the day to help bring Pitta into balance.
- Increase sweet (like berries and raisins), bitter (like malt drinks), and astringent (like quince) tastes in your diet.
Lifestyle
- Avoid heat exposure. Stay out of the sun, don’t stare at sunlight, fire, or artificial lights for long, and wear a hat and sunglasses on sunny days.
- Keep your body hydrated. On hot days, drink a glass of lukewarm water every hour with a few drops of lemon juice and a pinch of salt.
- Never go overly hungry. Pitta types are prone to blood sugar drops. Always keep healthy snacks like sweet nuts with you and eat them when extremely hungry.
- Avoid intense, strenuous workouts, especially in hot weather. Exercises like swimming, skiing, and walking under moonlight are ideal for Pitta individuals.
- Take lukewarm showers and massage your body with cooling oils like coconut or olive oil.
- Spend time in lush, green nature. Looking at and touching green plants plays an effective role in bringing Pitta back into balance.
- Consciously avoid competitive environments. Let go of excessive criticism and go easy on yourself and others. Instead, watch comedies and invite yourself to wholehearted laughter.
- And most importantly, don’t forget to meditate.
Please be sure to credit the author, Setareh Kiumarsi, when sharing or republishing this article, which was written with love and the hope of well-being for all.
