Signs and causes of Pitta Dosha Imbalance

As we have seen in previous articles, the Pitta dosha is composed of the elements fire and water (https://www.iam-yam.com/post/pitta-dosha-energy-of-transformation). A person with a Pitta constitution is of average height and weight with symmetrical features. Mentally, they are passionate, rigorous, and critical (https://www.iam-yam.com/post/pitta-prakriti).

However, sometimes the Pitta dosha can become unbalanced. Indeed, our diet, our activities, and our environment can unbalance the Pitta dosha within us. This is called Vikriti, a state of imbalance.

What are the signs of excess Pitta dosha ?

An excess of Pitta dosha results in overpowering fire. On the digestive level, this can lead to burning sensations, diarrhea or ulcers.

Sleep duration may be shortened and hunger and thirst may be excessive. The skin, nails and stools may be yellow or reddish in color. This excess heat can also present in the form of fever or infection.

Emotionally, a person with excess Pitta will be irritable and experience heated emotions such as anger and hate.

What causes Pitta dosha to become unbalanced ?

Pitta dosha isn’t unbalanced without reason. There is a principle in Ayurveda that states that like increases like and opposites balance . Thus, all activities and foods with the same qualities as Pitta dosha (hot, penetrating, light, slightly greasy, liquid, smelly, and laxative) will increase it.

Diet

Consuming hot (ginger), sour (tomato), salty, and hot foods significantly increases Pitta.

Overall, all foods that cause burning sensations during digestion (chili peppers) increase fire. Stimulants, alcohol, fasting, and deprivation of food also increase Pitta.

Environment

Prolonged exposure to sunlight and artificial UV rays, summer, and hot, humid climates increase Pitta.

Psychologically, anger (as well as holding in anger) and exhaustion increase Pitta.

Finally, intense physical activity increases Pitta, as does hyperactivity.

Ayurveda invites us, above all, to know and understand ourselves better, so try this exercise of observing your body and how it functions. Do you recognize signs of aggravation of Pitta dosha in you? Do you have habits in your daily life that could aggravate Pitta?