Pitta Body Type

The Pitta Body Type

According to Ayurveda, Pitta body types have a primary influence of the element of fire. The attributes of fire are: hot, sharp and rough. These attributes play a big part in Pitta type characteristics.

Pitta's Physical Characteristics

Hair early thinning or balding

Skin sunburns easily

Lips medium, reddish

Teeth medium & even

Frame medium

Appetite strong

Endurance strong

Pitta personality Traits - organized thinkers, caring, courageous leaders, ambitious

Pitta's must Guard Against - tendency towards anger, inflammatory disorders, irritability, oiliness and sensitivity to heat

What aggravates Pitta? - The influence of the fire element gives Pitta types the need to be cool and calm. Time pressure, excessive activity, sun exposure and intense competition have the capacity to aggravate this body type. Pitta's must guard against imbalance by avoiding or reducing such activities.

How do I know if I have a Pitta imbalance? - You don't have to be a Pitta body type to have a Pitta imbalance. Pitta imbalance is characterized by inflammatory conditions of the skin such as rashes, acne, fever blisters or cold sores. Burning digestive disorders like acid reflux, heartburn, acid indigestion or ulcers and loose stools are also signs of excess Pitta in the body. Feelings of frustration, anger or irritability are typical of a Pitta imbalance. Heat sensitivity, feeling uncomfortably hot and excessive sweating are symptoms of a Pitta related imbalance.

Pitta imbalance in our Society - The stressful competitive nature of our society creates the perfect environment for Pitta imbalance. The competitive "dog eat dog" philosophy whether seen in Corporate America, sports teams and even certain reality TV shows reveal Pitta excess in our society. The sex and violence we are accustomed to seeing as entertainment through movies, video games, and the internet are Pitta increasing.

Thankfully, Ayurveda offers its own remedies to balance out the excess Pitta in our internal and external world.

What balances Pitta? - Pittas are motivated, driven people so it does them good to take time to relax and "smell the roses". They should avoid hot activities like saunas, hot tubs and sun bathing. Physical activities are important to Pittas, but they do better in non-competitive sports like hiking, surfing, mountain biking or snow boarding. Team sports are OK as long as they promote cooperation and team spirit. Moon bathing is an excellent pass time to cool Pitta types as well as massaging coconut oil on the head before bed. Pitta body types prefer cooler climates like Colorado.

Living the Balanced Pitta Life - a quick guide to balanced living as a Pitta body type.

Pitta's Healing Home - Comfortable, peaceful, open spaces with room for recreation are wondeful for Pittas. Fresh flowers are a nice addition to a Pitta person's home.

Morning Activities - Meditation, swimming, walks in the cool morning air are a great way to start the day. A light breakfast of fresh fruit, smoothie or liver flush work well for Pittas. It's best to avoid coffee and other stimulants.

Meals - Balanced meals three times a day for Pittas. Follow a diet of cooling foods and beverages.

Personal Style - Pittas do best with cooler colors like blue, green and soft purple. They resonate well with gemstones like sapphire, aquamarine, azurite and other blue stones. Silver, white gold and platinum are Pittas preferred metals.

Occupation - Pitta's thrive in work environments that require management and delegation. Pittas make excellent directors, managers, consultants, computer experts, public speakers and presenters.

Bedtime - Moon bathing, cooling teas, head massages with coconut oil are perfect to cool and relax Pittas. Pittas should be sure not to "burn the midnight oil" and keep projects going into the night hours.

Eating the Right Foods - Proper diet is essential for all body types. Pittas require foods that are sweet, bitter and astringent. Cooling foods and spices help keep a Pitta body balanced. Hearty grains, cooling fruits and green vegetables are best. Avoid hot, spicy foods that increase Pitta. Alcohol and fermented foods should also be avoided.

Ayurvedic Therapies to Lower Pitta

Massage - Manual therapy to soften muscle tissue and improve well-being. Massage enables the stressed Pitta mind-body to relax.

Shirodhara - A focused stream of warm oil poured onto the forehead to produce a state of peace and calm for the over-analyzing Pitta mind.

Yoga - A calming mind-body fitness regimen that integrates breath with stretching and postures to align the spine, focus the mind and improve visceral function.

Mantra Therapy - Vocal vibrational healing, sound therapy that opens the chakras and improves well being. Facilitates internal focus, mental clarity and calming of emotions.

Pancha Karma - Holistic detoxification and rejuvenation program for deep transformation.