Managing Pitta Dosha Through Ayurveda

 

Pitta is one of the three doshas present in the human body. According to Ayurveda, an imbalance in any of the doshas could lead to health issues. So it is vital to keep the doshas at optimum levels. Pitta dosha, which controls digestion, metabolism, and body transformation, is linked to fire and water. Variation in pitta dosha results in excess pitta, thus giving rise to diseases. However, there are ayurvedic treatments and tips to restore pitta balance as well as treat conditions due to excess pitta. Before getting to know how to balance pitta, it is significant to understand the symptoms and causes of excess pitta.

Excess Pitta or Pitta Imbalance

Some of the common indications and causes of excess pitta are as follows.

Indications

• Increased body heat, sweating, body odour.
• Improper digestion, acid reflux, constipation, and diarrhoea.
• Inflammation resulting in joint pain.
• Anger and frustration.
• Hot flushes and sore throat.

Causes

• Consuming foods that increase pitta.
• Increased consumption of coffee and alcohol.
• Stress and anxiety.
• Prolonged exposure to sunlight or chemicals.
• Overworking and lack of rest.

Reducing Excess Pitta

Here we will be discussing three ways to reduce or balance pitta, which includes dietary modifications, herbal remedies, and physical activities like yoga.

Diet

Controlling pitta depends on your diet to a great extent. And here is a list of what to eat and what to avoid.

• Incorporate pitta pacifying foods in your diet, which are generally bitter, sweet, and astringent.
• Include apples, cucumber, leafy greens, cabbage, papaya, milk, etc in your diet.
• Consume grains and legumes.
• Stay hydrated and avoid foods like honey, walnuts, cashews, chicken, corn, tamarind, tomatoes, etc.
• Add spices like coriander and turmeric while cooking.

Herbs

Herbs can be administered as home remedies for balancing pitta dosha. Some of the herbs are listed below.

• Amla gets rid of pitta from the digestive system.
• Consuming jeera water after lunch helps reduce excess pitta.
• Neem is another herb capable of controlling pitta dosha.
• Spices like cardamom are efficient in pacifying pitta.
• Ghee helps in reducing body heat and thus relieves excess pitta.
• Triphala is considered effective in managing pitta dosha as well.

Yoga

Furthermore, Ayurveda recommends certain yoga poses that pacify pitta. A few of them are Marjariasana, Jathara Parivartanasana, Bhujangasana, and Balasana. Besides, Pranayama or breathing exercises too are suggested. Apart from diet, herbs, and yoga, it is necessary to have good sleeping habits to balance the doshas.

To sum it all up, pitta imbalance results in conditions affecting mental health, appetite, and skin. Ayurveda, with its holistic approach, assists in balancing pitta and treating related ailments. Yet, to get the most out of it, it is advised to make an appointment with a certified ayurvedic practitioner at your nearest ayurvedic clinic. Moreover, an one-on-one consultation makes it easier to identify your body type and prescribe ayurvedic treatments or medications accordingly. While undergoing an ayurvedic treatment, avoid foods that are to be avoided and eat foods that are to be eaten. After all, following an ayurvedic lifestyle contributes to healthy living.