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Pitta Ayurvedic Body Type
Pitta controls digestion, metabolism, and energy production. The primary function of Pitta is that of transformation. Those with predominantly Pitta dosha have a fiery nature that manifests in both body and mind. Qualities of Pitta: Fire -- hot, light, intense, penetrating, pungent, sharp, acidic. Physical Characteristics: Pittas are usually of medium size and weight, and athletic build. You have excellent digestion, which sometimes leads you to believe you can eat anything. You have a warm body temperature, and can overheat easily. You sleep soundly and have a strong sex drive. When in balance, Pittas have a lustrous complexion, perfect digestion, abundant energy, and a strong appetite. When out of balance, Pittas may suffer from skin rashes, loose stool and digestive issues, sweating, burning sensations, peptic ulcers, excessive body heat, heartburn, cravings, and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
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Emotional Characteristics: Pittas have a powerful intellect and a strong ability to concentrate. When you’re in balance, you are sassy, a good decision maker, an excellent teacher and speaker. Balanced pittas are productive, organized, precise, sharp-witted, direct, and often outspoken. Out-of-balance Pittas can be short-tempered, argumentative, easily stressed, irritable, moody, overly competitive, controlling, and Type A. When you are overstressed, your typical response is “What did you do wrong?” ! Pitta Balancing Lifestyle Recommendations:" • Balance rest and activity, allowing some free time everyday. Be careful not to create unnecessary time pressures for yourself, or to over-schedule yourself. • Be certain not to skip meals and do not wait until you are famished to eat. Eat 3 meals a day, with a focus on lunch. • Regularly spend time in nature. Take walks in the woods and along natural bodies of water. Keep plants and fresh flowers in your home and office. Walk in the moonlight. • Perform a daily oil massage using cooler oils such as coconut or olive. • Perform regular calming exercise like yoga and pilates, and use light weights. Avoid the urge to compete excessively. • Laugh each day! • Surround yourself with aromas that are cooling and sweet: Sandalwood, rose, jasmine, mint, lavender, fennel, and chamomile are recommended.
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Pitta Balancing Dietary Recommendations:" • Favor foods that are sweet, bitter and astringent. Favor cooling foods such as cucumbers, greens, sweet fruits and melons. • Avoid excessive sugar, especially molasses and honey, which are very heating. • Olive, sunflower, and coconut oils are the best oils for Pitta. Use less sesame, almond, and corn oil, which are more heating. • Avoid spicy foods as much as possible and red meat entirely. • Pitta types need to use seasonings that are soothing and cooling. These include coriander, cilantro, cardamom, saffron, and fennel. Hotter spices such as ginger, cumin, black pepper, fenugreek, clove, salt, and mustard seed should be used sparingly. Very hot seasonings such as chili peppers, and cayenne are best avoided. Chew on fennel seeds or drink peppermint tea after meals to cool down acid in the stomach. • Stick to lighter proteins like beans, fish, and chicken. Eggs are ok in moderation. Avoid all beef.