Pitta Dosha is the energetic force in the body that is made of both the Fire (Agni) and Water (Apas) elements. Pitta stems from the root word Tapas, which can be translated as heat or as austerity. It is said to be the principle of transformation, whether it is turning food into absorbable nutrients or processing thoughts into feelings and emotions. Born of the elements Fire and Water, the qualities this energy possess include hot, sharp, spreading, oily, light and liquid. Therefore, a person of a predominately Pitta constitution or prakrtti will also show attributes of these qualities, both mentally and physically.
Pitta types are typically seen as driven, ambitious and extremely focused individuals. They tend to be presidents, CEOs or other high positions and can become power driven if they are not cautious. These fiery beings are quite organized, goal driven and perfectionists at times. They will rarely let anything get in their way. In a physical sense, Pitta individuals tend to be of medium height and build. They are often fair skinned with freckles and tend to burn easily in the sun. They may have red or blondish hair and hazel or green eyes.
Pitta types tend to have a fairly strong constitution but have to beware of burning themselves out over time. Their hot and sharp nature makes them hot and sharp emotionally as well. This may manifest as anger, “hot temper,” judgment, criticism, resentment or jealousy. They may even be quite judgmental of themselves. Pitta folks enjoy the company of those who will agree with them often, as they don’t like to hear they are wrong.
In terms of digestion, a Pitta individual tends to have a very strong digestive fire, as that is their nature. However, when this fire becomes too strong, issues can arise, such as heartburn, hyperacidity, hypoglycemia, loose stools or diarrhea. If a Pitta type has waited too long between meals, hunger will be sharp and crankiness will arise. Although Pitta types are able to digest a wide array of food, a cooling and soothing diet will work best. This means healthy dairy, healthy sweets, bitter greens, alkaline foods, lime, cilantro, coconut oil, ghee and other cooling foods should be favored. Heating substances such as nightshades (peppers, eggplant, tomatoes), hot spices (ginger, black pepper, cinnamon), onions, garlic, fermented foods, acidic fruits, drugs, alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine should be avoided.
Common Signs of a Pitta Imbalance
- Excessive anger, hate, criticism or jealousy
- Egotism
- Heartburn
- Acid Indigestion
- Inflammation
- Infection
- Ulceration
- Bleeding disorders
- Perspiration
- Sour, acidic or metallic taste in the mouth
- Tenderness
- Photophobia
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Vertigo
- Anemia
- Nausea
- Fever
What happens if i am none of these three dosha?
Hi Sky,
Thank you for your question! Everyone has all three doshas residing in them, it is just the ratio that will vary. You may be predominant in multiple doshas, so it may seem like you do not fit into any of these paradigms, but everyone will have a specific body type and dosha ratio according to Ayurvedic medicine. If you are confused as to where to begin, I would suggest finding a knowledgeable practitioner in your area to work with and they can assess you more intimately and accurately.
Please let me know if you have any further questions!
Namaste,
Danielle
Very very useful article.
I really love to read the information about our health. I think my dosha is pitta.
Thanks for this valuable information.
Excellent
It’s really hard for me to get started in eating Pitta dosha as I don’t currently eat grains due to my health.. will I gradually be able to eat oats ? Where do I start as I cat consume most things in my diet?
I want to start healing
Thank you
Hi Pat,
Thank you for writing in! If you do not digest grains well, or anything else on this list, then you should continue to avoid it, even if it is said to be suitable for Pitta. All of these lists are general guidelines but the most important factor will always be how you digest the food.
The inability to digest grains and other carbohydrates often stems from a weak digestive fire (Agni) and disturbed metabolism. Some individuals are able to heal their gut and can eat grains again after the healing process is complete. Others may have to avoid them lifelong. It really is different for each individual so I cannot provide a definitive answer.
Working one on one with an Ayurvedic practitioner may be helpful to begin your process and ensure you are one the right track.
I wish you the best on your path toward healing!
Many blessings,
Danielle