Pitta Qualities
Pitta derives from the elements of Fire and Water and translates as “that which cooks.”
It is the energy of digestion and metabolism in the body that functions through carrier substances such as organic acids, hormones, enzymes, and bile. While Pitta is most closely related to the element of Fire, it is the liquid nature of these substances that accounts for the element of Water in Pitta’s make-up.
Pitta contains the properties of the fire and water element, but the former is more pronounced. Thus, Pitta regulates all metabolic processes in the body as well as body temperature and our hormonal balance. Hunger, thirst, and even intelligence is associated with Pitta.
Qualities of Pitta
The qualities of Pitta are oily, sharp, hot, light, moving, liquid, and acidic. A Pitta individual will display physical and mental characteristics that reflect these qualities in both a balanced and imbalanced state.
Location of Pitta in The Body
The main locations of Pitta in the body are the small intestine, stomach, liver, spleen, pancreas, blood, eyes, and sweat.
Character of the Pitta Type
Pitta types can be well-structured, manage projects, and concentrate exceptionally well. They want to do something and are practically predisposed. They are a pleasure as teachers because their lessons are logically organized, and everyone can follow their clear manner of expression. The Pitta type spends money more systematically and prudently.
Physical Characteristics of the Pitta Type
The first thing you notice with Pitta-dominant people is their clarity and radiance. They are of average stature, have medium-sized eyes and a piercing glance; they are muscular and have a thirst for action. Their skin is rather bright and sensitive, and the hair is often reddish. Their gums tend to bleed, and their teeth are more yellowish than white. Their memory is precise.
Balanced Pitta
The balanced Pitta individual is blessed with a joyful disposition, a sharp intellect, and tremendous courage and drive. As the fire of the mind and body becomes unruly, however, the laughing Pitta quickly becomes the yelling Pitta. Anger, rage, and ego replace Pitta’s positive attributes, leaving an individual who is bitter with life and overbearing towards others. Pitta imbalances commonly manifest in the body as infection, inflammation, rashes, ulcers, heartburn, and fever.
Typical Pitta Disorders
If their fire gets the better of them, Pitta people can be inclined to have fits of anger or rage, especially when they are hungry. After prolonged, concentrated work, the Pitta type has a difficult time relaxing, and sleep disorders can occur. If the Pitta type derails, inflammation in the body may occur. For example, the following illnesses could develop gastritis, stomach and intestinal ulcers, acne, eczema and other skin diseases such as furuncles and abscesses, as well as liver infections.
Health Tips for Pitta Types
For people with very pronounced Pitta, it is especially important to avoid extremes. Exercise is good for the Pitta type to blow off steam, but the best activities are those of moderate exertion such as jogging, dancing, or cycling. The same applies to food; here, above all, large portions should be avoided. Otherwise, it helps to stay away from sources of heat and instead look for a cool, well-ventilated environment.
The Best Diet for Pitta Types
The Pitta person can be soothed by a predominantly vegetarian diet, bitter vegetables are preferable. The food should not be too spicy, salty, or sour.
Ways to Balance Pitta
Key Words to Remember: Cooling, Calming, Moderation
Eat a Pitta-balancing diet.
Eat in a peaceful environment.
Avoid artificial stimulants.
Engage in calming activities, like spending time in nature.
Meditate daily.
Do calming physical exercise, such as yoga, swimming, tai chi, or walking.
Ways Pitta Becomes Imbalanced
Eating Pitta-aggravating food
Eating while angry
Drinking coffee, black tea, or alcohol
Smoking cigarettes
Over-working
Being overly competitive
Fruits
Sweet Fruits: Apples Avocados Cherries Coconut Fresh Figs Dark Grapes Mangoes Melons Oranges Pears Pineapples Plums Prunes Raisins Note: Fruits should be sweet and ripe.
Vegetables Cooling, Sweet & Bitter Vegetables
Asparagus Beets Beet Greens Bitter Melon Broccoli Brussels Sprouts Cabbage Carrots Cauliflower Celery Chard Cucumber Dandelion Greens Endive Green Beans Green (Sweet) Peppers Jerusalem Artichokes Kale Leafy Green Vegetables Lettuce Mushrooms Okra Parsley Peas Sprouts Squash Sweet Potatoes Tomatoes Turnips Watercress Zucchini
Nuts, Seeds, Oils
All Nuts & Seeds should Be Soaked: Almonds Coconuts Olive Seeds: Pumpkin seeds Sesame seeds Sunflower seeds Tahini *all are acceptable in small amounts Sprouted Whole Grains Barley Buckwheat Corn Kamut Millet Spelt Oat Groats Wheat Brown Basmati Rice Wild Rice
Culinary Spices
Herbs and Spices: Basil Cardamom Cinnamon Cilantro (Green Coriander) Coriander Seeds Cumin Dill Fennel Marjoram Miso Saffron Tarragon Thyme Turmeric Savoury (a leaf and similar to sage) Vanilla Plus small amounts of both cumin and black pepper Note: Spices should generally be avoided as they are too eating. In small amounts, the listed sweet and astringent spices are good. Also be aware that spices can really help pitta disturbances, so using moderately can have a good effect to balance pitta.
Herbal Teas Cooling & Refreshing Teas
Alfalfa Burdock Blackberry Catnip Chamomile Chicory Corn silk Dandelion Elder flower Fennel Hibiscus Hops Honeysuckle Lemon Balm Liquorice Root Lemongrass Nettle Oat straw Peppermint red Clover Sarsaparilla Spearmint Violet Wintergreen
Exercise 40 minutes, 4 times per week: Outdoor Activities Gardening Walking Hiking Yoga Swimming Water Skiing Snow Skiing Running Biking Tennis Calming Meditation