Ayurvedic medicine, the 5,000+ year old traditional healing system of India views all of life, including how our bodies work, through the qualities of the five elements and three doshas.

The doshas – Vata, Pitta and Kapha, are comprised of the five elements and govern all functions within nature from human physiology (such as circulation, metabolism and digestion) to the cycles of the day and the seasons of the year.

When a particular dosha accumulates in excess in the body and aggravates the tissues and bodily systems, that’s when you see signs of imbalance. According to the science of Ayurveda, if a dosha is left in a state of accumulation and aggravation, disease will eventually show up in one form or another.

This is why you want to pacify a dosha by adjusting your diet and lifestyle when you notice signs of excess.

The elements of fire and water make up pitta dosha. So if you consider the qualities of fire and water, you will understand the qualities of pitta dosha.

Remember, there are individuals with a pitta-dominant constitution (mind-body type), and then there are those who may have a pitta-imbalance. An imbalance of excess pitta can affect any constitutional type.

Signs of Excess Pitta

• Burning indigestion
• Soft, loose stools / prone to diarrhea
• Redness in the skin
• Sensitive skin and/or skin rashes
• Tendency towards anger
• Overly critical of others
• Workaholic tendencies

Pitta-Balancing Lifestyle

• Wake up and go to bed at the same time each day
• Eat in a calm environment, seated at the table without the TV or devices
• Massage yourself with warm coconut or sunflower oil 3-4 times a week before showering
• Practice moderate exercise, such as slow flow or gentle yoga, walking, or swimming
• Avoid pitta-driven exercise such as running, hot yoga and other intense exercie
• Meditate daily for 5-20 minutes
• Spend time outdoor in nature (but avoid the mid-day hot sun)

Pitta-Balancing Diet

• Eat plenty of green vegetables, particularly dark leafy greens
• Avoid heating foods, such as coffee, alcohol and hot spices
• Eat healthy fats in moderation, such as avocado, ghee (clarified butter), coconut oil and extra-virgin olive oil (these are also vata-pacifying fats)
• Drink 8 cups of room-temperature water each day
• Use cooling spices in your cooking, such as cumin, coriander, cardamom, fresh cilantro

Ready to Go Deeper?

Now that you have the highlights, go deeper. Consider getting a comprehensive Ayurvedic consultation and assessment.

While online dosha quizzes provide insight into your constitution and possible doshic imbalances, receiving a complete assessment by a trained Ayurvedic practitioner can provide more clarity and deeper understanding that online quizzes cannot.

My consultations include customized food, lifestyle, herbal and other therapeutic recommendations along with education and coaching to help you overcome obstacles that get in the way of you achieving your best health.