What is Pitta Dosha? What are the qualities and functions of Pitta Dosha? What happens when Pitta gets imbalanced?

Do you get angry easily? Do you feel hot all the time? Do you find yourself asking this question, “why can’t they just do it the way I told them to!” You are very focused and yet everyone else is just not at your standards.

I guess it must be frustrating.

Have you ever wondered why anger has become your first instinct? And there must be a reason why you get all that hot flushes.

Well, maybe your Pitta is too high! 

Pitta Dosha is one of the three doshas in the Tri-Dosha Concept of Ayurveda.

According to Ayurveda, the body is sustained and maintained by three main fundamental elements. Which are Dosha, tissues (dhatu), and waste products (malas).

Dosha is a Sanskrit word that means “subtle elements” or it can also mean “subtle energy”. There are three doshas namely, Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. All of the doshas have certain qualities that correspond to their elemental makeup.

And the quantity of each dosha varies inside the body. This combination determines our unique constitution. And the dominant dosha highlights your identity. Although all three have specific functions, they collectively sustain and maintain the life process.

Now, let’s talk about the Pitta Dosha.

What is Pitta Dosha?

Pitta dosha has elements of fire and water. Isn’t it interesting to have those two opposing elements in you? It sure is! But with fire and water together, fire always dominates which is why a Pitta person posses fiery qualities.

 

Qualities of Pitta Dosha

 Pitta dosha, carries heat. Therefore, being hot, sharp, oily, and having a strong odour are some of its distinct qualities.

Having these qualities, a Pitta dominant person often experiences hot flushes, hot skin and as a result, they sweat a lot.

Appearance

In terms of appearance, a Pitta person appears to be medium build with sharp-looking eyes. Their face is mostly symmetrical with a rounded nose and red lips.

Their skin is oily or shiny. They like to look neat and tidy all the time.

Physiologically

Pitta people have a regular appetite and their metabolism is quick. Their body is able to absorb nutrients well. But despite this, they have the tendency to produce too much acid in their bodies, which would then sabotage their digestion making it too quickly that the body can’t even keep up.

People who have lactose intolerance and those who have frequent loose stools are mostly imbalanced Pitta.

Mentally and Emotionally

Pitta people have focused minds which makes them the most productive and efficient kinds. They have a sharp memory and have a high IQs. They like to operate through logic.

However, their tolerance to stress is quite low. And they are not the patient kind.

When it comes to emotional state, Pitta can easily get angry because the external heated environment can aggravate the already heated internal environment of a Pitta person. Where there is heat something might ignite!

They are very private people who like to set goals and meet them with their focus and strong will power.

Functions of Pitta

Like the other two doshas the Pitta dosha has an important role in the physiological functions of the body. Pitta is primarily responsible for digestion and all metabolic processes in the body. It also regulates body temperature and is responsible for the health of our skin.

Pitta also influences intelligence and comprehension.

Pitta dosha is the engine of the body that powers bodily processes.

Imbalances of Pitta Dosha

When Pitta becomes imbalanced, disturbances of the mind and body can occur. And this is due to too much heat in the body.

Some examples of Pitta imbalances are:

• Quick temper and frustrations
• Uncontrolled jealousy
• Migraine
• Eczema
• Urine Infection
• Hyperacidity
• Chronic fatigue
• Mouth ulcers
• Excessive sweating
• Acne, pimples
• Inflammatory disorders

To balance Pitta, internal heat must be reduced. Avoiding acidic food is a good start!