According to Ayurveda, the human body has three main doshas — Vata, Kapha, And Pitta. These doshas are responsible for the emotional and physical wellbeing of a person. They define the Ayurvedic composition in an individual and help in determining their behaviour. Vata is based on air and earth, Kapha on earth and water, and Pitta on water and fire. And an imbalance of the doshas can lead to several health issues. So, it is important to keep all three in the right ratios and cleanse the body whenever there is an imbalance. Here’s everything you need to know about Pitta dosha, its symptoms, causes, and how you can balance it naturally.
What is Pitta dosha?
Pitta dosha governs heat and temperature and is responsible for the digestive functions of the body. It is in charge of the energy, metabolism, and immunity in a person. An imbalance of Pitta dosha can be quite uncomfortable, both physically and emotionally. It can be caused due to a number of factors including your lifestyle choices and diet.
Causes of Pitta dosha
The fieriness of the Pitta dosha can lead to physical and emotional discomfort. Since pitta harnesses the heat in the body, it is important to balance it. But if you are wondering what causes the imbalance, here are a few things to look out for.
1. Improper diet
Your diet is one of the biggest factors that can cause this imbalance, especially if you are consuming spicy, salty, fried, or sour food on a regular basis.
2. Spending too much time outdoors
Spending too much time in the sun can lead to excess heat in the body and can cause an imbalance. One should avoid direct exposure to the sun for a prolonged period of time.
3. Working around the clock
Not giving your body enough time to rest and reset is another one of the reasons for an imbalance. Working around the clock can lead to excess pitta and lead to frequent burnouts.
4. Stress
Working in a high-pressure environment can lead to a lot of stress, tension, and anxiety. This isn’t healthy for your body and can cause a Pitta imbalance.
5. Consuming excess of stimulants
Having excess coffee, tea, other caffeinated beverages, nicotine, and alcohol result in an imbalance. This throws your body into a loop and disturbs the ratios of doshas in it.
Symptoms of Pitta dosha imbalance
Now that you know the causes, here are the symptoms of Pitta dosha imbalance to look out for. These will help you determine when it’s time for a cleanse.
1. Increased heat in the body
Feeling hot, getting inflammation, heartburns, and heat strokes are all Pitta dosha symptoms. So, whenever you feel that the heat in your body is increasing, it indicates you have an imbalance.
2. Problem in digestive activities
Digestive activities suffer when there is an imbalance because the Pitta governs the digestive system. So, if you are experiencing acid reflux, diarrhoea, constipation, or weak digestion, it is time for a detox.
3. Feeling emotionally drained and irritated
If you’re feeling angry, agitated, frustrated, or emotionally drained, you are facing a Pitta imbalance. This is caused due to a lot of stress and pressure which increases mental heat.
4. Facing physical discomfort
Headaches, throat infections, flashes, tender genitals, or breasts are all Pitta dosha symptoms in the body. Even excess sweating or too much body odour can be caused by a Pitta dosha imbalance.
5. Changes in diet
Feeling excessively hungry or thirsty on a frequent basis can mess up your diet and is one of the biggest symptoms to look for. This will throw off your eating habits and make you indulge in all sorts of foods and drinks which aren’t healthy for your body.
Balancing Pitta dosha naturally
If you feel that your Pitta imbalance is out of your hands, you must consult your doctor immediately. But there are some ways to balance it naturally that you can try at home. Practising these tips will help in maintaining the dosha ratio and lead to a happy and healthy body.
1. Take a break
When you feel you’ve been overworking or under a lot of stress, it is better to take a break rather than push even harder. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance and creating boundaries can help you in dealing with a Pitta dosha imbalance.
2. Sip on some coolers
When you are feeling too hot or fiery, you should try to cool things down. Having some cold water, iced tea, or sipping your favourite cold beverage can get things back in control.
3. Manage the temperature at home
Crank up the air conditioning or take a dip in the pool when you feel the heat coming on. Allowing your body to cool down will help in bringing the Pitta back in balance. So, manage the temperature around your home and avoid going out in the sun or heat.
4. Practise meditation and yoga
Taking a break from your routine and practising meditation and yoga is a great way to deal with a Pitta imbalance. There are specific yoga practices that you can try at home that help in getting the doshas back in the right ratio.
5. Eat Pitta pacifying foods
Foods that calm your body down are a great way to balance the Pitta dosha. These include dairy, sweet foods, soothing spices, fresh fruits, vegetables, and lighter foods. Increasing your intake of water, juices, and smoothies also brings down the heat in the body.
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