How to Balance Pitta Dosha Naturally?

Ayurvedic ideologies consider the human body of 5 Panch tatavas, i.e: agni, jala, vayu, prithvi, and akasha. Also, there is an existence of Trisdosha in every living being that governs these 5 Panch bhoota (body elements) and keeps the body healthy, and in a state of well-being.

On the one hand, a healthy balance of this Tridosha helps maintain optimal health, but its imbalance can lead to multiple diseases. That’s why we at Dr. Sharda Ayurveda always encourage our patients to be cautious about their diet, and lifestyle so that all the Tridoshas santulan (balance) can be attained.

The blog particularly manifests insights about Pitta Dosha the controller of Fire and Water in the body. To know about the other 2 central doshas, you may read: Know Vata Dosha and Know Kapha Dosha.

Understanding Pitta Dosha

Pitta Dosha meaning can be described as an Ayurvedic body element consisting and controlling tejas (fire) and áp- (water) elements. Physically it strengthens our digestion, and in the cognitive aspect, it tells us what is right and what is wrong. 

Summer is considered the season of Pitta where excessive temperature aggravates the heat levels in the body, eventually causing complications, especially if you are already of Pitta prakriti. 

Gunas of Pitta Dosha (Qualities)

Subdoshas of Pitta: It is mainly categorized into 5 sub-doshas, namely; 

1/5. Alochaka Pitta: Located in the eyes, this sub-dosha is responsible for vision (eyesight). Whereas in Ayurvedic texts it has been said it helps an individual determine what is right and what is wrong. 

2/5. Bhrajaka Pitta: Residing and controlling the largest organ of the body- the skin, this sub dosha is responsible for touch, sensation, and exhibiting complexion. 

3/5. Sadhaka Pitta: Hridya (heart) is the area of governance falling under this type of Pitta. Besides the heart, it also aids the functioning of the brain and guides the way to emotions.

4/5. Ranjaka Pitta: The areas where this dosha is mainly found in amashaya (stomach), yakruth (liver), and pheeha (spleen). It absorbs the useful nutrients from the food to produce blood and boost metabolism. 

5/5. Pachaka Pitta: Located between Amashaya (stomach) and Pakvashaya (large intestine), this is the most crucial dosha of Pitta that looks after the overall digestion, followed by digestive fire- jatharagni.

Pitta Dosha Characteristics

Physical:

• Slight oily hair
• Active metabolism and strong digestion
• Average weight and can gain/lose weight easily
• Sweat a lot with a strong odor
• Intolerance to heat
• Pink, and soft nails

Mental: 

• High-self confident
• Short-tempered and aggressive 
• Quick learner, with a sharp memory
• Authoritative and bossy
• Structured, organized, and goal-oriented
• Ambitious, passionate, and Eloquent

Imbalance of Pitta Dosha

Often when tejas (fire) in the body exceed the normal levels, then it may give rise to countless health concerns. Beyond making the body prone to physical complications, an imbalance of Pitta dosha may also support psyche issues like easy irritability, emotion bursting out, and restlessness. 

Causes of Pitta Imbalance:

1. Eating foods that are pungent, sour, salty, or spicy
2. Taking deep-fried, oily, fermented, and processed food
3. Excessive dairy or animal-based products
4. Frequent intake of caffeine or alcoholic drinks
5. Too much exposure to the sun
6. Going for incompatible food combinations (Viruddha ahara)
7. Hot and humid environment/weather
8. Spending hours in front of screens
9. Emotional traumas or distress

Symptoms of Pitta Imbalance: 

If the tejas and áp- in your body are not in a harmonious stage, then there are likely chances that you may experience the below-stated Imbalanced Pitta Dosha symptoms:

1. Vision problems
2. Impulsiveness
3. Rigidity in behavior
4. Urge to seek power
5. Sensitivity to the sun
6. Anger, irritability, jealousy
7. Excessive thirst and hair
8. Skin discoloration and gray hair

Diseases related to Pitta Imbalance:

An imbalance of fire element (Pitta) in the body may result in both physical and mental concerns such as:

1. Diarrhea and indigestion
2. Skin rashes and hives
3. Kidney or gallbladder stones
4. Ulcers or acidity
5. Fatty liver
6. Hypertension
7. Migraine
8. Fever
9. Hyperthyroidism
10. Irregular menstruation
11. Hemorrhoids
12. Jaundice

This is just a brief depending upon the severity of imbalance, and if integrated with other 2 dosha imbalances, a vast list of diseases may manifest.

Ways to balance Pitta Imbalance:

In the realm of Ayurvedic wisdom, the Vaidya’s and Ayurveda gurus, practitioners, and doctors have outlined countless natural ways to balance pitta dosha, such as:

Usage of Pitta-pacifying herbs

As you know pitta denotes fire, that’s why to calm the aggravated pitta the usage of those herbs is advised that have soothing, and cooling effects. For thousands of years, it has been helping us, the normal folk to get rid of health complications, and to attain a healthy mind, body, and soul.

Below is the list containing names of the best herbs to balance pitta dosha:

1. Amalaki: Commonly called “Indian Gooseberry”, Amla, or Amalaki is yet a potent herb that is helpful for all 3 doshas balance but Pitta Dosha prominently. When consumed in an ideal quantity, it works as a Vrishya (strengthing agent) to boost body stamina, making it capable of fighting against infections. 

2. Mint: As you already know how cooling are the effects of Mint. That’s why physicians and doctors often suggest it’s consumption in summer to control heat levels in the body. By stimulating agni, it governs and keeps a proper check on the digestive, skin, and respiratory health. 

3. Shatavari: The nature of this herb is sita (cooling), which makes it best for Vata Dosha treatment. If you are dealing with hormonal imbalances, skin acne, or menstruation concerns, often seen when pitta is out of balance, then you can surely rely upon this wonderful herb. 

4. Coriander seeds: Loaded with huge potency, these tiny seeds also contain immense power when it comes to balancing pitta dosha naturally. Through their soothing traits, on one side, these seeds combat heartburn and acidity, and on the other hand, they also cool down the body’s temperature.

5. Fennel: One can find these seeds quite easily in their kitchen. When taken as per the physician's guidance and own body prakriti, it will work as an amazing remedy to pacify Pitta. The best part is that it strengthens the digestive fire without exacerbating Pitta dosha. 

6. Bhringraj: The choice of this wonderful herb can also be a good option when you are looking for the best herbs to balance pitta dosha. It has a huge power through which it can stimulate jatharagni, boost metabolism, and nurture the skin in a natural way.

7. Triphala: The 3 super-herbs, Haritaki, Bibhitaki, and Amalaki together form a powerful integration, that we call Triphala. Routine and moderate intake of this herbal integration keeps pitta under control by regulating bowel movements, and liver-kidney problems miles away.

8. Jatamansi: To attain Tridosha balance, this herb can also show wonderful results. Through purifying blood, improving hair health, and removing skin dryness it contributes its level best to keep Pitta dosha balanced. 

9. Aloe-vera: Beyond beauty purposes, the soothing nature of “Kumari” also called aloe-vera, can also be used for balancing Pitta levels in the body. The oral application of its gel will keep skin issues at bay and if you consume it in a moderate quantity, it will keep your digestive health well. 

10. Nag Kesar: The herb can work marvelously during the condition of bleeding disorders accompanied by Pitta Dosha. The patient with bleeding piles, epistaxis, metrorrhagia, etc can trust this herb in order to attain relief. 

11.  Brahmi: It is highly beneficial for the whole nervous system, a governing branch of Pitta dosha. Its sita-ropan (cold & healing) nature relaxes your muscles, and prevents hair loss, premature aging, epilepsy, and so on. 

12.  Gudduchi: That’s yet another rejuvenating herb that has been proven best for Pitta dosha pacification. It aims to eliminate the harmful toxins accumulated inside your body which is also a basic need for rest two dosha balance, Vata and Kapha.
    
    

Pitta friendly diet

The diet you consume works as the fuel that stimulates the agni in the body. To keep the jwala (agni) under control, the exclusion of Pitta-vardhak diet is recommended. Try adding soothing, cool, and pitta-calming food items to your diet.

The foods with “thandi taasir” are a good option for individuals who are having aggravated Pitta. Remember, here foods with cooling effects do not mean frozen items, or freezing soda-based drinks at all. An ideal pitta dosha diet mainly includes the following:

Have it:

• Fresh fruits and vegetables such as avocado, wheatgrass, bitter gourd, melons, papaya, or any other seasonal fruits
• 1 glass of unfiltered buttermilk
• Cow’s ghee + Mishri 
• Black kishmish 
• Coconut water, or lemon water
• Juices of amla, aloe vera, white ash gourd, or any other seasonal fruit or veggie

Avoid it:

• Eggs, fish, chicken, and all other types of animal products
• Tea, coffee, and alcohol
• Red-green chilies, Garlic, eggplant, tomatoes, and raw onions
• Everything that is spicy, oily, and processed
• Buckwheat millet, corn, and muesli

Yoga asanas for Vata balance

You are totally wrong if you think yoga is just for the physical wellness of the body. The scope of yoga is much wider and more significant than you just simply assume.

There are a number of yoga asanas that you can perform to keep these 3 Ayurveda doshas in balance. But yes, if we talk particularly about the asanas that help pacify Pitta dosha, then these include:

1. Bhujangasana: In English, we call it “Cobra pose” due to its snake-mimicking posture. Performing this asana can help a lot to pacify aggravated pitta dosha in the body.

Routine performance of this asana helps both mental and physcial health by strengthening the spine, improving blood circulation, alleviating stress, and so on. 

How to do it?

• First of all, lie on your stomach with your legs extended and touch the floor with your toes.
• Gently, place your hands on the floor near your ribs, palms on the floor, and fingers spread. 
• Now, with a deep breath, add pressure on your palms and lift your upper chest. 
• You can bend your elbows a bit, but make sure you gaze upward. 
• Stay still for the next 10-15 seconds with normal breathing. 
• Now, exhale gently release the posture, and come back to the normal posture. 

2. Dhanurasana: Bow pose is the English name of this amazing asana. It is mainly called bow, or dhanura due to its identical posture. When practiced on a routine basis, it helps a lot to balance Pitta dosha.

Firstly, it will enhance your lung capacity, boost spine strength, and alleviate stress and anxiety, all necessary for keeping Pitta in balance. .

How to do it?

• The first step is easy peasy- life down on your stomach.
• Now, bend your knees up to the back side and use your hands to hold the ankles.
• Take a deep breath and lift your upper body while gazing at the front.
• Now you are in a bow position, hold this posture for around 10-15 seconds.
• After that gently release the posture and come back to the initial position- lying on the stomach.

3.Matsyasana: In Sanskrit, matsya means fish and this yoga posture portrays the same. This yoga posture mainly aims to balance the tejas and áp- in the body, so that the body remains at an ideal temperature.

The individuals who have performed this asana show multiple positive results such as a better digestive system, enhanced joint health, and mental harmony. 

How to do it?

• Firstly lie in a supine position while placing your palms on the floor. 
• Now, lift your lower back a bit and place your hands below to the body. 
• Make sure your feet are together. 
• Now take a breath, and lift your head and upper chest.  
• By doing so have a look at your feet, and then slowly down your crown so that it can touch the floor. 
• In this condition, your hands would be below your body, your upper chest lifted, and your crown touching the ground. 

That’s the simple Matsyasana pose. If you are a pro, then you can also try advanced variations of this asana which integrates padmasana and simple Matsyasana posture. Read about this asana at How to do Matsyasana?

4. Balasana: That’s another wonderful yoga posture that is known as the child’s pose in English. It tries to establish a peaceful balance between mental and physical health.

By keeping cardiovascular health at an ideal stage, lowering blood pressure levels, treating sciatica pain, and improving sleep quality, it always works wonders whenever Pitta dosha is out of balance. 

How to do it?

• Kneel down and place your palms on the floor to make a dog posture. 
• Spread your knees while making sure your big toes touch to each other, to create a kind of triangle shape. 
• Now, down your torse and let your buttocks rest on the calf muscles while your belly will be relaxing between your thighs. 
• Now head down and touch the floor with your forehead.
• Now, it's up to you whether you want to keep your arms the same way extended, or else, you can bend them next to your feet. 
• Hold the posture for 4-5 breaths and then softly release it.

5. Pranayama: Well, pranayama is a breathing practice that constitutes an important component of yoga. In Sanskrit “pran” means life energy, whereas “yama” stands for control.

For patients with aggravated pitta prakriti, routine performance of Sheetali pranayama is highly beneficial. When you exhale, the heat through your mouth and nostrils will be out, which will eventually contribute to pitta dosha balance. 

How to do it?

• Firstly, sit in padmasana, or any other position in which you find comfort.
• Place the dorsal of your wrist on your knees, and join your index finger to your thumb to create a Dhyaan Mudra.
• Now curl your tongue from the sides to create a tube shape.
• Inhale through this tube-shaped tongue to fill the maximum of your lung capacity.
• Now close your mouth, and exhale slowly. 
• Repeat the same process couple a of times for the next 5-7 minutes.

Besides the aforementioned yoga asanas, you can also try Adho Mukha savasana, Garbhasana, Janu sirsasana, Viparita shalabhasana, Ustarasana, Paschimottansana, and Supta Virasana.

Panchakarma

It is a restorative therapy that solely aims to cleanse your body system inside and out. By expelling the ama (harmful toxins) it awakens a renewed energy that helps your body stay healthy and disease-free. It mainly involves the adoption of 5 healing KARMAs, namely:

1. Vamana
2. Virechana
3. Basti
4. Nasya
5. Raktamokshana

Best for Pitta: To eliminate the excessive heat and balance Pitta dosha the Virechana Karma is believed to be the best. The process mainly involves the use of herbal ointment and natural laxatives for 3-7 days. Virechana further can be of 4 sub-types:

1. Anulomana (Involves the use of carminatives)
2. Sansarjana (Use of laxatives for better bowel movements)
3. Bhedana (Mainly involves drastic purgatives)
4. Rechana (Focusing on ghee rich diet and natural laxatives)

Takeaway

Well just balancing the Pitta dosha is not enough, you have to be careful about the rest two doshas too, namely: Vata and Kapha. Because it is the harmonious balance of Tridosha that constitutes and supports a well-grown and healthy body. But yes! If you are a Pitta prakriti individual and dealing with any imbalances, then this blog is totally for you.