BALANCING PITTA Working with the elements of Fire and Water
Pitta energy is sharp, hot, penetrating, liquid, light, oily, and mobile. Pitta is element of transformation.
Pitta
Pitta meaning ‘what cooks’ in Sanskrit is transformational energy.
Fire and Water elements can make Pitta individuals fiery, determined and highly focused, but when out of balance, they can get bossy, dictatorial and can be angered easily.
They can grasp things easily, are extremely intelligent, driven and focused and are generally in control of things. They can be excellent leaders and change makers. They tend to have a medium frame and are often considered to be precise, sharp-witted, direct, and often outspoken.
Signs and Symptoms of Pitta Imbalance include:
• Inflammation in the body, skin or joints
• Acid reflux, gastric or peptic ulcers, heartburn
• Nausea or discomfort upon missing meals
• Loose stools
• Frustration, anger, irritability
• Impatience, criticism, intolerance
• Excessive perfectionist tendencies
To pacify Pitta, Ayurveda recommends strategies for self care through:
Cooling – including cool foods into the diet and taking time out to relax, not just work
Surrendering – Often easier said than done but much can be gained by learning to let go and to give yourself permission to relax
Moderation – in all areas of life, try to step back from perfectionism and instead take the moderate path
Your results might show a balance between Pitta and Vata or Pitta and Kapha. This means that your energy type is dual dosha and will show a blend of these two constitutions. Here we can take a seasonal approach to creating balance.
Pitta-Vata
Pitta meaning ‘what cooks’ in Sanskrit is transformational energy.
Vata meaning ‘what moves’ in Sanskrit is the energy of movement.
For you, being focused and ‘on task’ comes naturally. You will stop at nothing to complete a project or goal, and will often feel frustrated with others who are less focused, and who are slower then you. Even though ‘you know best’ - try and develop compassion for those who are not as quick thinking as you.
You have good muscle tone and generally rely upon your body to get you through life’s stress. Your immense drive however, will push you ahead when perhaps you should be slowing down. If you do not listen to your body, it may force you to – when it breaks down.
Signs and Symptoms of Pitta-Vata Imbalance include:
• Anxiety
• Dry or chapped skin
• Constipation or loose stools
• Restlessness
• Light interrupted sleep
• Inflammation in the body, skin or joints
• Acid reflux, gastric or peptic ulcers, heartburn
• Frustration, anger, irritability
It is usually best to manage a dual dosha according to the season. In general, as a Vata-Pitta, follow a Pitta balancing routine during the late spring and summer seasons especially when the weather is hot. Follow a Vata balancing routine during the cooler times of year like autumn, winter and early spring and especially when the weather is cool and damp.
To pacify Pitta, Ayurveda recommends strategies for self care through:
Cooling – including cool foods into the diet and taking time out to relax, not just work
Surrendering – Often easier said than done but much can be gained by learning to let go and to give yourself permission to relax
Moderation – in all areas of life, try to step back from perfectionism and instead take the moderate path
To pacify Vata, Ayurveda recommends strategies for self care through:
Routine – Having a daily routine with common times for eating and sleeping
Warmth – Including warming herbs and spices in our diet and massage and trying to stay physically warm, whatever the weather!
Serenity – Starting or maintaining a peaceful relaxation routine such as gentle yoga or meditation
Nourishment – Spending time to nurture yourself with warming foods at regular meal times
Pitta-Kapha
Pitta meaning ‘what cooks’ in Sanskrit is transformational energy
Kapha meaning ‘to embrace’ in Sanskrit is binding energy.
When balanced Pitta-Kapha individuals have a powerful intellect, are calm with steady disposition and bucket loads of stamina and endurance. They are resourceful in a crisis, mentally well-balanced, robust and have a healthy appetite for food, exercise and sex!
When out of balance they can be over confident, a bit on the smug side and angry when stressed out.
Signs and Symptoms of Pitta-Kapha Imbalance include:
• Excess mucus/phlegm
• Oily skin and hair
• Nausea or discomfort upon missing meals
• Prone to respiratory infections and skin infections
• Can carry extra bodyweight
• Impatience, criticism, intolerance
• Loose stools or sluggish digestion
It is usually best to manage a dual dosha according to the season. In general, as a Pitta-Kapha, follow a Pitta balancing routine during the late spring and summer seasons especially when the weather is hot. Follow a Kapha balancing routine during the cooler times of year like autumn, winter and early spring and especially when the weather is cool and damp.
To pacify pitta, Ayurveda recommends strategies for self care through:
Cooling – including cool foods into the diet and taking time out to relax, not just work
Surrendering – Often easier said than done but much can be gained by learning to let go and to give yourself permission to relax
Moderation – in all areas of life, try to step back from perfectionism and instead take the moderate path
To pacify Kapha, Ayurveda recommends strategies for self care through:
Stimulation- keeping the mind alive and interested is always a great way to wake up Kapha
Exercise- regular vigorous exercise
Lightening- lighter meals that are easy to digest, you can even bring more light into your home by clearing way clutter
Warming- Eating three warm meals a day, utilising warming herbs and spices and massage using warmed oils are all beneficial to Kapha
Drying- Kaphas are particularly sensitive to cold, damp conditions and benefit from heat. Use dry heat if you are congested—a common Kapha complaint.
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