Next are pitta people, those who are born with hotter constitutions, containing more of the fire element.
A pitta person is generally active, good looking, perfectionist, dynamic, intelligent and also short tempered. They may have leadership qualities, a moderate build, a smart personality, a sharp nose, and their eyes will also be sharp, sometimes offset with a slight pinkish tint. Due to the unfortunate ease with which a pitta person gets imbalanced, hair loss and early greying are common. They are generally slightly warm to the touch with rosy lips and pink nails with a slight curve.
Though a combination of fire and water, it is more dominant with fire element. It is intensified during summers. The seat of pitta in the body is small intestine, stomach, liver, spleen, gallbladder, blood, sweat glands, sub-cutaneous fat, eyes, and skin.
It is responsible for stability in the body and mind. It regulates body heat, digestion, lightens the appetite, absorption, assimilation, gives vitality, and the ability to understand. It nourishes the body by carrying amino acids and enzymes which are important for digestion of food. It also keeps neurotransmitters and neuropeptides which are responsible for thinking.
It augments understanding and intelligence, if in balance. If out of balance, it gives room for host of negative emotions.
Signs of Pitta Imbalance:
- Excessive heat marked by desire for cold things
- Yellow coloration of the skin
- Giddiness
- Weakness
- Reduced sleep
- Increased anger and agitation
- Burning sensation
- Excessive thirst and hunger
- Increased tendency of being a perfectionist
- Bitter taste in the mouth
- Bad breath
- Hot flashes
Diseases Due to Pitta Imbalance:
- Peptic ulcers, inflammation of the stomach or esophagus, if the imbalance is allowed to persist for too long
- Skin disorders like eczema, psoriasis
- Fatigue
- Migraine
- Acid Reflux Tendonitis
- Herpes
- Jaundice
- Bad breath
- Conjunctivitis
- Pharyngitis
- Dissatisfaction
- Stomatitis
- Fibromyalgia
- Redness of the skin
- Low blood sugar
Remedies for Balancing Pitta:
- Maintain a daily routine with regular times for eating, sleeping, and working (dinacharya)
- Use ghee, or clarified butter, in your cooking.
- Drink 4 – 5 litres of warm or room temperature water every day
- Keep company with people who are happy and positive
- Meditation is the key to the happy mind. It helps controlling emotions like anger, irritability, among others. A few minutes meditation twice a day is recommended. Sahaj Samadhi meditation of the Art of Living helps significantly in managing Pitta aggravation.
- Moderately difficult yogasanas can pacify Pitta by increasing the blood circulation and detoxifying the body.
- Spend time in nature – be with plants, walk on the grass, walk by the lakeside, and moon gaze to bring peace to the mind.
