PITTA

• Hot
• Penetrating
• Fluid
• Sour
• Pungent
• Slightly oily
• Spreading

• Heat - Pitta people generally have good appetite and strong digestion. Their body temperature is higher than normal and they dislike heat.
• Oiliness - Pitta people generally have soft, oily skin and hair.
• Fluidity  - Prone to excess sweating, passing of urine, loose stools and excess thirst.
• Sourness - Pitta people are prone to acidity. They may have sensitive teeth, excess salivation and sour eructation.
• Sharpness - Accurate memory, sharp teeth, sharp facial features and penetrating eyes.
• Pungency - Burning sensation on the skin, including eyes, throat, stomach. Imbalanced state elicits feelings of anger and hatred.
• Spreading - Prone to skin rashes and acne.

People with Pitta dominant constitution have medium frames with medium shoulders and hips and normal joints. Their fingers and toes are medium in length. Their body frame and height are generally proportional and balanced. Generally Pitta people have soft, lustrous and warm skin. They may have many freckles and moles. The hair is soft and silky with a tendency towards early greying and premature balding. Their face is usually angular with a medium sized mouth.

Pitta people are strong and forceful in their dealings. they are dedicated to the practical side of life. When permitted, they are domineering. They are inherently ambitious, courageous and intelligent. They have a tendency towards feelings of anger and jealousy and can be cruel and hurtful towards others. They make friends easily, especially if they perceive them useful. Their innate arrogance and cleverness can make them intolerant and impatient with others. Pitta people are very good at decision making as well as planning and organising. They tend to be good leaders.

A balance of pitta in the body brings a healthy appetite and thirst, balanced production of hormones and enzymes, intelligence, courage, flexibility, a glowing complexion and strong eyesight.

Signs of an increase in pitta include an aversion to heat, a sour or bitter taste in the mouth, and reddish discolouration in the eyes and skin. You may also have heartburn, high blood pressure, a fever, skin rashes, and hot flushes.

Too little pitta brings more vata and kapha into the body, as well as poor digestion, pallor and coldness. Emotionally imbalanced pitta types can suffer anger, frustration and irritation.

• Sour foods
• Meat
• Fermented foods
• Irregular eating
• Smoking
• Alcohol
• Exposure to sun
• Hot humid weather
• Sour, spice, salty tastes
• Sauna and/pr steam rooms
• Excess sports
• Extreme deadlines
• Aggression
• Competition
• Summer

• Hot flashes
• Burning sensation
• Strong hunger
• Fever
• Inflammations
• Hives
• Rashes
• Anger
• Frustration
• Impatience
• Viral, bacterial, fungal infections
• Migraines
• Diarrhoea
• Acne
• Skin allergies
• Heart burns and ulcers
• Judgement, envy, irritation
• Jaundice

Enjoy:

• Foods that are naturally sweet, bitter, and astringent
• Cooling foods, both energetically and in temperature
• A balance of whole, freshly cooked foods and fresh, raw foods
• Cooling herbs and spices like coriander, cilantro, fennel and cardamom
• Dairy, if you digest it well, but avoid drinking milk with your meals. It is best to have it at least an hour before or after other food
• A moderate amount of high-quality olive, sunflower and coconut oils or ghee in your daily diet
• Routine times for your meals
• Eating your meal in a peaceful environment

Avoid:

• Foods that are pungent, sour, and salty
• Warming foods, both energetically and in temperature
• Chilli and cayenne peppers
• Highly processed foods (like canned or frozen foods, “TV” dinners or pastries)
• Eating fresh fruit or drinking fruit juice within ½ hour of any other food
• Caffeine, nicotine, and other stimulants
• Red meat
• Deep fried foods
• Alcohol, except for an occasional beer or white wine

• Surrendering rather than controlling
• A regular, daily routine with regular times for eating, sleeping, working, etc. Make sure you have time to play and to relax as well as to work
• A 10–20 minute self-massage daily with ½ cup warm sunflower or coconut oil before bathing
• A moderate exercise routine that includes a challenging form of yoga, swimming or biking, about five times per week. Avoid exercising during the hot part of the day
• Keeping yourself cool, mind and body
• Sweet and soothing music, smells, scenes, and company
• Favour cooler colours in your clothing and environment such as blues, greens, and silver
• Favour aromas that are cooling and sweet. Sandalwood, rose, jasmine, mint, lavender, fennel, and chamomile are recommended