having a Pitta-Kapha 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
The qualities of Kapha
- unctuous
- cool
- heavy
- slow
- smooth
- soft
- stable
- dense
- cloudy
- viscous
Someone with Pitta-Kapha predominant Constitution can have for example hot temper, sharp tongue, slow reaction and a cloudy mind.
AND because Ayurveda is built around the basic idea of like increases like Pitta and Kapha 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.
Cold weather, heavy foods or wet seasons tend to increase Kapha.
BUT Pitta in excess can be unhealthy and lead to the following signs or symptoms
BUT Kapha in excess can be unhealthy and lead to the following signs or symptoms
on a psychological level:
- irritability
- Aggression
- righteousness
- quarrelsomeness
on a psychological level:
- mental sluggishness, slowness
- Weak drive
- Melancholy
on a physical level:
- Heat
- Burn
- Sweat
- Inflammations
- ulcers
- Diarrhea
- Hair loss
- Skin redness
- Liver and bile disorders
on a physical level:
- Feeling of heaviness
- Obesity
- Water accumulation
- Excessive mucus formation
- Susceptibility to colds
- Allergies
HOW TO BALANCE (VIKRIT)
When healthy Pitta governs our capacity we experience
- intelligence
- charisma
- courage
- clarity
- and the light of understanding
When healthy Kapha governs our capacity we experience
- nourishment
- growth
- stamina
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
Qualities opposite to Kapha are those
- warm
- dry
- light
- active
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.
- Stimulating your body and mind on a daily basis with a routine.
- Keeping your body warm and dry, no matter what the weather.
- Trying new things, taking risks, and being spotaneous.
- Lively and invigorating music, experiences, and company.
Yoga
Pitta-pacifying yoga for cool the body, calm the mind, and help balance excess Pitta.
Kapha-pacifying yoga to warm your body, uplift your spirits.
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.
- Clothing with stimulating colors and breathable materials.
- jewellery fiery red ruby, red coral or garnet and as metal as possible pure gold.
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 favor because it decrease Kapha
- Foods that are pungent, bitter, or astringent in taste.
- Warm foods, both energetically and in temperature.
- Whole, freshly cooked foods.
- Light, dry, and warm foods.
- Only room temperature or warm drinks and herbal teas.
- Lots of veggies. Favor warm cooked veggies as much as possible.
- Enjoy coffee and caffeine only in moderation.
- more details about Food for Kapha
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.
To avoid because it increase Kapha
- Foods that are sweet, sour, and/or salty.
- Cooling foods, both energetically and in temperature.
- Heavy and oily foods, such as cheese, French fries, nuts, or pastries.
- Highly processed foods (e.g. canned or frozen foods, “TV” dinners or pastries).
- Cold, iced, or carbonated drinks.
- Overeating or eating heavy meals.
- Eating fresh fruit or drinking fruit juice within 1/2 hour of any other food.
- Excessive red meat.
- Foods or drinks that contain refined sugar or corn syrup.
- Deep fried foods.
- Alcohol, except for an occasional glass of dry red or white wine.