What are the 5 types of Pitta Dosha in Ayurveda? Learn about Pitta Dosha symptoms and how to reduce & control Pitta Dosha in Ayurveda.
Pitta
In Ayurveda, Pitta governs all heat and metabolism & transformation related to heat factor {across the mind and body}. Pitta controls how we digest foods and it very much influences out metabolism and sensory perceptions.
It is characterized by heat, moistness, liquidity, and sharpness and sourness. Its chief quality is heat. It is the energy principle which uses bile to direct digestion and enhance metabolism.
Pitta Dosha
A Dosha is one of three substances that are present in a person’s body according to Ayurveda. Doshas are the forces that create the physical body. They determine conditions of growth, aging, health and disease. Typically, one of the three Doshas predominates and determines one’s constitution or mind-body type. By understanding individual habits, emotional responses, and body type, practitioners can adapt their yoga practice accordingly.
Pitta Dosha controls your digestion, metabolism (how well you break down foods), and certain hormones that are linked to your appetite. Pitta Dosha or unbalanced Pitta is primarily characterized by body heat or a burning sensation and redness.
Things that can disrupt it are eating sour or spicy foods and spending too much time in the sun. Summer season is the season of Pitta.
There Are 5 Types Of Pitta Dosha
- Pachaka Pitta – Governs digestion of food which is broken down into nutrients and waste. Located in the lower stomach and small intestine.
- Ranjaka Pitta – Governs formation of red blood cells. Gives colour to blood and stools. Located in the liver, gallbladder and spleen.
- Alochaka Pitta – Governs visual perception. Located in the eyes.
- Sadhaka Pitta – Governs emotions such as contentment, memory, intelligence and digestion of thoughts. Located in the heart.
- Bharajaka Pitta – Governs complexion, temperature and pigmentation of the skin. Located in the skin.
Pitta Rules
- Alochaka Pitta: Functioning of the eyes.
- Bhrajaka Pitta: Healthy glow of the skin.
- Sadhaka Pitta: Desire, drive, decisiveness, spirituality.
- Pachaka Pitta: Digestion, assimilation, metabolism for healthy nutrients and tissues.
- Ranjaka Pitta: Healthy, toxin-free blood.
Pitta Dosha
- Alochaka Pitta: Bloodshot eyes, poor vision.
- Bhrajaka Pitta: Skin rashes, acne.
- Sadhaka Pitta: Demanding, perfectionist, workaholic.
- Pachaka Pitta: Acid stomach.
- Ranjaka Pitta: Early graying, anger, toxins in blood.
Symptoms of Pitta Dosha
The physical symptoms of Pittaa Dosha varies from person to person, but in general it has severe effects on an individual. For example, excess Pitta may result the skin color to red or yellow. An imabalnce of Pitta can cause fever, and mild sensations of burning or itching. Sudden excessive sweating with strong body odor have also been observed in people suffering from Pittaa Dosha.
The behavioural and mental symptoms of Pitta Dosha can cause remarkable changes in the mental state of an individual. It can cause uncontrolled sense of anger, impatience and jealousy. Excess Pitta also lead to rage, anger, and obsessive-compulsive behavior. Pitta Dosha has also been associated with depression.
Physical Symptoms of Pitta Dosha
- Increased hunger
- Change in skin colour
- Loss of hair
- Body odour
- Sore throat and nausea
- Sudden fever
- Sensations of burning or itching
- Painful menstrual bleeding in women
Mental & Behavioural Symptoms of Pitta Dosha
- Impatience and unnecessary frustration
- Jealousy
- Overly rage and anger
- Resentment and ego issues
- Obsessive-compulsive behavior
- Depression
How to Reduce Pitta Dosha
To balance Pitta Dosha {to reduce Pitta Dosha}, one must know about what causes Pitta Dosha in the body {very important}. There are a lot of factors that causes Pitta Dosha and known these can help to immediately reduce Pitta Dosha.
- Eat Pitta-pacifying diet.
- Abhyanga Snan {ayurvedic oil massage} proves magical.
- Keep cool and always avoid hot temperatures environments.
- Avoid too-much hot and spicy food.
- Include cool, dry foods and sweet {taste} food.
- Avoid too-much of salt and oily foods.
- Don’t overwork {physical}.
- Relax and rejuvenate yourself. Allow some leisure time for self.
- Don’t skip meals. Regular mealtimes is necessary.
To balance excess Pittaa, one must take break from their intense work schedule. Such people should always surround themselves with nature and they must listen to soft music (flute and devotional songs) which calms their mind.