having a Pitta predominant Constitution (prakriti) means that all the following qualities can express themselves generously throughout your mental, emotional, and physical make up.
The qualities of Pitta
- oily
- sharp
- hot
- light
- fleshy smelling
- spreading
- liquid
Someone with Pitta predominant Constitution can have for example hot temper and sharp tongue.
AND because Ayurveda is built around the basic idea of like increases like Pitta will increase in your body, mind, and spirit by increasing the qualities above. So:
Hot weather, hot food, the hot seasons and hot times of day will increase Pitta.
BUT Pitta in excess can be unhealthy and lead to the following signs or symptoms
on a psychological level:
- irritability
- Aggression
- righteousness
- quarrelsomeness
on a physical level:
- Heat
- Burn
- Sweat
- Inflammations
- ulcers
- Diarrhea
- Hair loss
- Skin redness
- Liver and bile disorders
HOW TO BALANCE (VIKRIT)
When healthy Pitta governs our capacity we experience
- intelligence
- charisma
- courage
- clarity
- and the light of understanding
As mentioned before Ayurveda is built around the basic idea that like increases like and opposites balance.
-> So you balance a dosha by using the opposite.
Qualities opposite to Pitta are those:
- dry
- soft
- cool
- heavy
- sweet smelling
- contained
Everything can be used to restore healthy balance because everything that exists has a quality. This includes but is not limited to: foods, colors, smells, and lifestyles.
Lifestyle
- Surrendering rather than controlling.
- A supportive daily routine with regular times for eating, sleeping and working.
- Avoid exercising during the hot part of the day.
- Keeping your mind and body cool.
- Giving yourself ample time to wind down in the evenings without screens or to-do lists.
Yoga
Pitta-pacifying yoga for cool the body, calm the mind, and help balance excess Pitta.
Clothing, colors, smells & jewellery
- Breathable clothing in cooling, soothing colors and made from natural materials.
- Sweet, cooling scents such as jasmine, rose and sandalwood.
- as well as jewellery made of silver or white gold and stones such as rose quartz, pearls, moonstone, aquamarine, water opal and emerald are ideal for Pitta.
Food
To favor because it decrease Pitta
- Foods that are naturally Sweet (wheat), bitter, and astringen (leafy greens and herbs).
- Cooling foods, both energetically and in temperature.
- A balance of whole, freshly cooked foods and fresh, raw foods.
- Cooling herbs and spices.
- Soothing herbal teas.
- more details about Food for Pitta
To avoid because it increase Pitta
- Foods that are Pungent,(chili pepper) sour(pickles), and salty (salt).
- Warming foods, both energetically and in temperature.
- Spicy foods like chili and cayenne peppers.
- Highly processed foods (like canned or frozen foods, TV dinners, or pastries).
- Eating fresh fruit or drinking fruit juice in combination with other foods.
- Caffeine, nicotine, and other stimulants. If you are a coffee lover, add milk or almond milk to balance its effects.
- Red meat.
- Deep fried foods.
- Alcohol, except for an occasional beer or white wine.