Ayurveda, the ancient system of holistic healing and healthcare clearly stresses on the balance of mind, body, and spirit which results in an overall improved, and optimal health of self.
Important to the foundations of Ayurveda are the different Ayurvedic doshas—three primary regulatory principles, or energies that govern our physical and mental well-being.
In this blog, we delve deeper into gaining an understanding of one of the three Ayurvedic dosha types – pitta dosha. We shall explore its nature, imbalances related to its improper amounts in the body and a few tips that help maintain the right quantity of pitta dosha to establish and keep the equilibrium for the overall well-being of the mind and body.
Ayurveda doshas are all indicative of the condition of the body. Pitta dosha, identified by the fire and water elements, embodies qualities of transformation. Digestion and metabolism are two definitive factors affected by pitta in the human body.
Pitta assists in governing our body’s metabolic processes, including the digestion of food, as well as the absorption, and assimilation of nutrients for the body.
As discussed earlier, the energy associated with the metabolism of the body is referred to as pitta. Individuals with pitta body type have a fiery and dominant disposition. They exhibit ambitious qualities. They tend to have determined personalities, and a sharp intellect.
While pitta dosha is central to the functioning of various bodily mechanisms, excessive or imbalanced amounts of pitta dosha in the body are best avoided. An imbalance in pitta dosha can lead to significant mental, and physical health problems.
An increase in the amount of pitta in the human body, beyond the expected- healthy limit manifests in ways that deter the natural working of bodily functions. Such an increase in pitta dosha is harmful to the body.
Several factors contributing to pitta imbalance in the body are mentioned ahead. Keep reading.
Consumption of excess refined food is a leading cause of pitta imbalance. Continuous ingestion of spicy, oily, fried, sugary and acidic foods can increase pitta in body. By generating an unprecedented quantity of heat in the body such foods overwhelm your body’s natural cooling mechanism.
Skipping meals or rarely eating meals in a timely manner exacerbates pitta dosha. Bad eating habits that disrupt the body’s digestive ability, and metabolism lead to ineffective digestion and an accumulation of toxins (ama) in the body which increases pitta beyond desirable amounts.
Intense emotions such as anger, frustration, and resentment can contribute to pitta imbalance. Elevated stress levels can lead to increased heat and inflammation within the body.
Highly competitive attitudes with a constant need of finding validation in wins sometimes lead to a heightened pressure environment which builds up high pitta energies in the body. Such a compulsion to just keep striving is not considered good for pitta dosha in body.
This will come as no surprise to you that excessive consumption of alcohol and caffeine leads to pitta energy increase. Copious amounts of both these foods overstimulate the nervous system, thereby affecting the mental and physical well-being of the upper body.
Irregular or insufficient sleep which disturbs the body’s natural rhythms, leads to an accumulation of excess heat causing pitta imbalance.
Additionally, an overworked individual who works long hours without getting adequate rest usually ends up having mental and physical burnout, which increases pitta dosha in the body.
Unmindful routines, which are not regulated well may very well result in an imbalanced pitta energy, and as such cause health issues.
Exposure to the sun’s rays without any protection has been known to contribute to overheating of the body and, leading to pitta dosha aggravation.
Prolonged exposure to heat, for instance during the summer season, may result in the rise of pitta energies in the body. The body’s natural response to heat leads to overheating, which in turn causes irritability and disrupts the balance pitta in human body.
There are a few other contributing factors to pitta imbalance in the body, such as inflammatory conditions, etc. which you can read about more. However, these are some leading factors that result in pitta dosha imbalance in the body.
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It is quite easy to spot signs of pitta imbalance, which show up in many noticeable forms physically, and emotionally.
A few of the signs may include:
Unexpected rashes, irritable skin conditions, or persistent redness of skin may occur.
High amounts of acids in the stomach cause an unpleasant, somewhat burning sensation in the chest and throat.
Monitoring yourself for these indicators, and the like (angry outbursts, exceeding impatience) prepare you to identify pitta imbalance in your body.
Seeing early signs, and addressing them promptly may help avoid extreme health conditions.
Therefore, it is wise to look out for the above indicators before pitta dosha in your body, further aggravates.
To reduce pitta dosha, you must embrace clean and nourishing eating habits. A good combination of relaxing, and healing practices like meditation, deep breathing, and healthy eating help reduce the pitta dosha.
Involve yourself in calming, and slow activities that engage your body physically. Enjoy the soothing effect of slow but intentionally lived life full of discipline. Eating mindfully- a diet rich in nutrients and containing minimum grease, and devoid of refined foods as well as sugar is best to reduce pitta in the human body.
Pitta dosha treatment as some may call it, involves maintaining a healthy, and uplifting lifestyle. A pedantry routine should be done away with first and foremost.
Get a good night’s rest- adequate sleep, daily exercise, and forming and sustaining a routine contribute largely to restoring pitta imbalance, and maintaining it.
With the use of some special herbs Ayurveda doshas as referred to in ancient ayurvedic texts can be maintained and reduced if needed.
Ayurveda offers an abundance of herbs that help balance pitta dosha. A few such herbs mentioned in Ayurveda include- Aloe Vera, Brahmi, Neem, Shatavari, and Turmeric. Additionally, use skincare products like aloe vera and saffron gel and day cream with turmeric for healthy skin.
Most of these herbs possess an inherently soothing/healing, and cooling property that makes them well-suited to help pacify the I’ll -effects of increased pitta dosha. The use of these herbs results in overall improved health.
Ayurvedic principles and their age-old glory simply cannot be denied. The special relevance of pitta dosha, in our daily lives is today irrefutable even by science.
The basic understanding of pitta in the body and incorporating pitta balancing practices can lead to profound health benefits.
Realising the potential of dosha energies for the body, namely – Vata, pitta and kapha can help enhance your health, regulate body functions, and maintain youth and vitality.
By making a few changes, and fruitful adjustments to your daily eating habits you can positively impact your body’s pitta dosha. Such improvements will lead to a better digestive system, and eventually help your body build a more efficient immune system.
The three doshas expounded in Ayurveda, like the pitta dosha that we’ve discussed extensively in this article, are very influential in establishing good health in all aspects, be it physical, mental, or emotional.
Regulating your body energies- doshas have a significant effect on your body’s welfare. Embrace the power of simple Ayurvedic techniques to observe profound favourable results in your body.
Use of herbal remedies when required, implementing daily mindful practices, as well as eating healthy food that aligns with your body’s needs is a sure-shot way to ensure the maintenance of your body’s pitta dosha.
