That which ‘heats up’ or produces heat in the body is called Pitta.
PITTA is made up of FIRE + WATER Mahabhuta.
The primary location of Pitta Dosha is between the chest and the Umbilicus.
Pitta dosha predominantly act between 10 am – 2 pm and 10 pm – 2 am
Pitta tends to aggravate especially during the Rainy season and in hot weathers.
Let’s see about the Nature, qualities, functions, types, and factors that cause the increase and decrease of Pitta dosha and their treatment.
Qualities of Pitta Dosha
Hot: Pitta is characterized by its warm nature, influencing body temperature and metabolism.
Sharp: It provides sharpness in intellect, perception, and digestion.
Light: Pitta is associated with a lighter quality, influencing both physical and mental agility.
Oily: It has a slightly oily or moist quality, which aids in digestion and nutrient absorption.
Foul Smelling: Pitta has a peculiar smell that can be felt through the smell of blood, sweat, or any bodily discharge.
Fluid: Pitta has a fluid nature, related to the movement of bile and digestive juices.
Pungent: It often has a sharp, pungent taste and is associated with fiery emotions and assertiveness.
Predominant location of Pitta dosha – Between chest and umbilicus
Stomach
Sweat glands
Blood
Lymph
Eyes
Skin
Functions of Pitta Dosha
Digestion: Pitta governs the digestive fire (Agni), which is essential for breaking down food and absorbing nutrients.
Metabolism: It regulates metabolism and the conversion of food into energy.
Intelligence and Understanding: Pitta influences mental clarity, intellect, and analytical abilities.
Body Temperature Regulation: The fiery nature of Pitta ensures the production of heat necessary for various bodily functions, especially during physical activity. It is also responsible for Thermal Sensitivity, and sweat production, which is the body’s primary mechanism for cooling itself.
Skin and Color: Pitta contributes to skin health and complexion, often linked to the clarity and brightness of the skin.
Vision: Pitta is responsible for the clarity of vision, Color Perception, and cognitive functions related to vision, supporting the health of the eyes, maintaining moisture, preventing dryness, and ensuring overall ocular comfort.
Psychological: Pitta can manifest as passion, courage, and ambition but can also lead to irritability and anger when imbalanced.
Factors that aggravate Pitta Dosha
Dietary pattern
Spicy Foods: Hot spices like chili, black pepper, and mustard can increase heat in the body.
Sour Foods: Foods with sour flavors, such as citrus fruits and fermented items, can also aggravate Pitta.
Oily and Fried Foods: Excessive oily or fried foods can contribute to digestive disturbances.
Alcohol & Caffeinated Beverages: Alcohol, Coffee, and certain teas can elevate heat and stimulate Pitta due to its hot and penetrative qualities.
Lifestyle Factors
High-Intensity Exercise: Excessive or intense physical activity can raise body temperature and aggravate Pitta.
Overexposure to Heat: Spending too much time in hot environments, such as saunas or direct sunlight, can lead to overheating.
Stress and Anger: High stress levels and intense emotions like anger or frustration can exacerbate Pitta.
Environmental Factors
Hot Weather: Living in or spending time in hot, humid climates can trigger Pitta imbalances.
Excessive Sun Exposure: Prolonged exposure to the sun can increase internal heat.
Mental and Emotional Factors
Competitive Environments: High-stakes situations that encourage competition can provoke Pitta’s fiery nature.
Overthinking: Intense mental activity or excessive planning can create mental heat, further aggravating Pitta.
Reactive personality, Argumentative situations: Sudden outbursts of energy that involve verbal, and physical argumentative situations increase Pitta.
Sleep Disruptions
Lack of Sleep: Inadequate rest can lead to irritability and increased heat in the body.
Irregular Sleep Patterns: Disrupted circadian rhythms can affect the balance of Pitta.
Seasonal Factors
Summer Season: The natural heat of summer can amplify Pitta dosha, especially if one is already predisposed to excess Pitta.
Rainy season or Monsoon: Due to increased environmental humidity, Pitta gets aggravated.
Symptoms due to aggravate pitta :
Increased appetite
Yellowish discoloration of eyes, skin, urine, and feces.
Burning sensation
Headache
Abnormal Weight loss
Symptoms due to decreased Pitta:
Loss of appetite, taste
Weak digestion
Loss of luster or complexion
Feeling coldness
Diseases caused due to imbalanced Pitta dosha
Diseases due to imbalance Pitta dosha :
1. Digestive Disorders :
Acid Reflux (GERD): Excess heat can lead to increased acidity.
Gastritis: Inflammation of the stomach lining caused by high Pitta.
Diarrhea: Pitta imbalance can lead to loose stools, often with a burning sensation.
2. Skin Conditions :
Eczema: Inflammatory skin conditions that may present with redness and itching.
Psoriasis: Characterized by dry, red patches, often exacerbated by heat.
Acne: Increased oil production and inflammation can lead to breakouts.
3. Eye Disorders :
Conjunctivitis: Inflammation of the eyes due to excess heat.
Dry Eyes: Imbalance can lead to decreased moisture in the eyes.
4. Inflammatory Conditions :
Arthritis: Pitta imbalance can result in inflammation and pain in the joints.
Pitta-Type Fever: High fevers accompanied by inflammation.
5. Mental Health Issues :
Irritability and Anger: Increased Pitta can lead to mood swings and irritability.
Insomnia: Difficulty sleeping due to an overactive mind or increased heat.
6. Hormonal Imbalances :
Hyperthyroidism: An overactive thyroid can be linked to elevated Pitta.
7. Heat-Related Conditions :
Heat Exhaustion: Symptoms include excessive sweating, fatigue, and dizziness.
Heat Stroke: A severe form of overheating, requiring immediate medical attention.
8. Respiratory Issues :
Bronchitis: Inflammation of the bronchial tubes, often aggravated by heat and mucus.
General Management of imbalanced Pitta dosha :
Dietary Adjustments :
Cooling Foods: Incorporate foods that are soothing and cooling, such as cucumbers, melons, leafy greens, and dairy products.
Avoid Pitta-Aggravating Foods: Steer clear of spicy, sour, and oily foods, as well as caffeinated and alcoholic beverages.
Hydration: Drink plenty of water and cool herbal teas, such as peppermint or chamomile.
Lifestyle Modifications
Cool Environment: Stay in cool and shaded areas, especially during hot weather.
Gentle Exercise: Engage in moderate, calming exercises such as yoga or swimming rather than high-intensity workouts.
Adequate Rest: Ensure you get enough sleep and relaxation to help the body restore balance.
External anointments: Application of a paste of sandalwood with rose water, and wearing a garland of flowers like jasmine, lotus, and sphatika (quartz crystal) will help to pacify the excess Pitta.
Stress Management
Meditation and Mindfulness: Practice meditation, deep breathing, and mindfulness techniques to reduce stress and promote emotional balance.
Relaxation Techniques: Incorporate activities such as gentle yoga, meditation, listening to soothing music, or spending time in nature.
Balancing Emotions: Work on managing emotions such as anger or frustration through counseling or therapeutic practices.
Herbal Remedies
Cooling Herbs: Use herbs like aloe vera, mint, and coriander to help soothe Pitta.
Bitter and Astringent Taste: Incorporate herbs that are bitter or astringent, as they help to balance Pitta. Examples include turmeric and neem.
Environmental modifications
Staying near water bodies like riverfalls and exposing them to cool breezes will help in balancing Pitta dosha.
Summarization
Composition: FIRE + WATER. Pachaka pitta is the only FIRE element.
Principle: Principle of Transformation. It governs digestion, metabolism, Thermo regulation, Vision, Pigmentation, Complexion, maintaining skin health, perspiration, intellect, courage, passion, and hormonal balance.
Causes of imbalance: Pitta gets aggravated when we indulge in similar qualities (Food – Hot, spicy, sour food), Mental (anger, irritability), and Seasons (hot and humid weather).
Treatment principle: It can be balanced with opposing qualities that are antagonist to Pitta-like substances that have cold potency to ensure proper metabolism and overall balance.