Piita is a Sanskrit word means illumination often associated with the brilliance, which radiates from fire. The elements fire and water combine to form Pitta dosha. It is the principle of transformation energy. It governs heat, digestion, and metabolism.
Ayurvedic Pitta types
The five types of Pitta include,
Pachaka Pitta governs digestion, stimulates digestive enzymes and separates nutrients & waste products. In unbalances, its pathological manifestations are anorexia, rise of body temperature, burning sensation, indigestion, hyperacidity, ulcers, nausea & vomiting, low appetite, poor digestion, bloating, constipation, etc. The most effective ways balancing this pitta is the use of mild purgatives consists of bitter and cooling herbs such as Rhubarb and Amalaki.
Ranjaka Pitta is a Sanskrit word means giving color. It is present in the liver and spleen involved in the production and maintenance of blood through the process called erthyogenesis. The spleen acts as a filter and blood reservoir. If imbalance occurs, its pathological manifestation is anemia, jaundice, hepatitis, and abnormal skin pigmentation.
Sadhaka Pitta is responsible for intelligence and memory. Sadhaka Pitta is present in both the brain and heart. It regulates aspects of the hypothalamus ultimately to maintain balance and homeostasis of the whole body. It can look upon as neurochemistry involving certain neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin responsible for cognition and understanding. Consider Sadhaka pitta as the brilliance, able to make sense from digested incoming information. This pitta accomplishes dynamic transformation of thoughts into feelings and feelings into emotions. The pathological manifestations are lack of concentration, dullness of mind, sleep deprivation, etc.
Alochaka Pitta governs optical perception required for vision. It gives luster to the eyes, responsible for dilation and contraction of pupil associated with clarity and clear perception. The pathological manifestations are pertaining to eye and vision; conjunctivitis, blepharitis, styes, etc. Herb rose petals helps balance this pitta.
Bharajaka Pitta governs luster and body complexion, heat, and skin pigmentation. It helps with the biochemical reactions within the skin and production of Vitamin D and melatonin. The pathological manifestations are pertaining to skin problems such as skin discoloration, eczema, psoriasis, acne, skin cancer and other skin diseases. Sweet and bitter herbs such as Aloe Vera help balancing this pitta.
What is Pitta, what it performs?
Pitta is composed of fire and water. Pitta energy is responsible for digestion, metabolizes food through enzymes and intestinal secretions and converts into blood, bones, muscles, etc. Pitta maintains body temperature and hormonal levels; trigger hunger and thirst; provides complexion to the skin; sharpens the intellect and memory; enhance daring, courage and will.
Pitta energy in the mind is considering as mental fire necessary for will power, decision-making, courage, ambitions, optimism, intelligence and creativity.
Factor that disturb Pitta balance
An excessive intake of food such as hot, spicy, sour, fried, oily, fermented, stale, fast foods, incompatible combinations, artificial colors & flavors, sour-unripe fruits, and alcoholic drinks will prevent pitta dosha from performing its normal functions.
Lifestyle factors that aggravate pitta include excess sun exposure, hot weather, fasting, chemicals, and strenuous exercises. Additionally, too much of mental tensions, economical burden, and competition can lead to pitta unbalanced.
Unbalanced pitta manifest psychological problems such as low will power, indecisive, depressed, lack of interest in life, anxiety, pessimism and mental dullness. Unbalanced pitta manifest physical problems such as digestion problems, elevated/drop in body temperature, burning sensations, ulcers, irritation, redness, skin disorders, hemorrhages, piles, acidity, disturbed sleep, eye problems, loss of confidence, malnourishment, appetite loss/excessive hunger, skin discolorations, and reduced/excessive secretions of hormones & enzymes. Ultimately, the body becomes weak and cold.
How do we reestablish pitta balance?
We can pacify pitta and bring back harmony by various means; they are, taking herbs, taking & avoiding certain foods, and making certain lifestyle change.
Below are the tips to harmonize pitta:
- Pitta pacifying herbs and spices like coriander, cilantro, fennel and cardamom.
- Enjoy foods that are sweet, bitter and astringent. Take foods that are cool both in energy and in temperature. Avoid drinking mild with the meal; instead, take it before or after at least an hour of food. Enjoy your food in a peaceful mind; if not, postpone your mealtime until your mind cool down.
- Avoid foods that are pungent, sour and salty. Avoid foods that are hot both in energy (such as chili and cayenne peppers) and in temperature. Avoid highly processed foods, deep fried foods, red meat, alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, and other stimulants.