Pitta

PITTA DOSHA CHARACTERISTICS, DIET, BALANCING, AND RECIPES

Do you often feel hot, irritable, or “hangry?” Is your skin sensitive or prone to breakouts, rashes, and irritation? Do you sometimes have excess stomach acid or trouble falling asleep at night? If some of these things sound familiar, you might have a Pitta dosha imbalance—or, you might be a fiery, passionate Pitta dosha mind-body type.

What’s a Dosha?

According to Ayurveda, the five natural elements (ether, air, fire, water, and earth) are present in your mind and body, too—in form of the doshas: Vata (ether, air), Pitta (fire, water), and Kapha (water, earth). These elemental energies influence everything from your physical shape and digestion to the way you process thoughts and emotions. 

Everyone has all three doshas present in their mind and body, but most of us tend to have one or two doshas predominating.

WHAT IS PITTA DOSHA?

Pitta dosha is the Ayurvedic mind-body element associated with fire and water. 

HOW TO BALANCE PITTA DOSHA—EASY LIFESTYLE TIPS

One of the foundational principles of Ayurveda is that “like increases like,” and opposites balance. Therefore, because Pitta dosha is hot, sharp, and oily in nature, it benefits from things that are cooling and soothing. Some of the easiest ways to restore balance to Pitta: engaging in cooling activities like swimming, strolling in nature (but not under the hot sun), and doing light-hearted things like spending time with loved-ones and children. Fiery, intense Pitta benefits by being more playful in life! 

People with Pitta body types tend to work long hours and expect a great deal of themselves and others. Remember: you can still be a perfectionist and have fun along the way.

Here are some other easy ways to pacify Pitta dosha:

  • Follow a Pitta dosha-balancing diet, favoring cooling, heavy, dry foods and sweet, bitter, and astringent tastes. Avoid or reduce foods that are hot, sour, salty, and spicy.

  • Keep cool. Avoid hot temperatures and food and spicy meals.

  • Remember: everything in moderation. Try to avoid overworking and bring balance to your daily routine.

  • Allow for uplifting leisure time every day.

  • Don’t skip meals (which inevitably leads to “hanger” for Pitta types). Eat three satisfying meals per day, at about the same time each day.

  • Ensure your largest meal of the day takes place at noon, when your digestive fire is strongest.

  • Give yourself a self-massage with warm oil each day before bathing, using a cooling oil such as coconut.

  • Reduce mental stress with meditation.