Any Fiery types out there? Take the quiz to see and Tips for Cooling the Fire of Pitta

My recent blog on balancing Vata noted that most people in our fast paced world have Vata imbalances, according to the science of Ayurveda.  Keeping the movement and flow of energy balanced in our lives was the focus.

This week’s blog will focus on balancing Pitta - the combination of fire and water as expressed in the mind and body.

My general constitution, according to Ayurveda, since the time of my conception, is predominantly expressed as Pitta.  Vata (air/movement) and Kapha (structure/earth) are expressed in me to a lesser degree.  I tend to have Vata and Pitta imbalances.

Pitta qualities are sharp, penetrating, hot, liquid, fleshy smelling, mobile, and oily. Pitta  is the energetic quality of transformation and digestion - not only digestion of food, but also digestion of information, sounds, sights such as movies, television, daily incidents, nature and anything else that can be ingested through the sense organs.
 
Like increases Like is a fundamental principle of Ayurveda, and anything with qualities of hot, liquid, mobile, sharp, oily and penetrating will increase pitta.  Strong triggers of pitta are the summer season (especially if you live in areas that are particularly hot) - I’m currently in the beautiful, hot and humid Bahamas. 

As I'm in an ashram, the following triggers are easy for me to avoid, such as eating spicy, sour, or salty foods; eating extremely hot foods or processed foods; caffeine, nicotine, and other stimulants; red meat; and alcohol more than the occasional beer or wine.  These may not be as easy for you to avoid in our western culture.

Stress, anger, competition, jealousy and feeling misunderstood are also triggers.   Pitta can be a driving force—often to the point of doing too much and pushing too hard. In the extreme, Pitta is the quintessential workaholic who burns the candles at both ends!  

Luckily I’m not as often extreme since I’ve been at the ashram, but I definitely still have my pitta provoked reactions.  The recent heat and humidity, plus the stresses of self imposed work deadlines and perfectionism have provoked my pitta and unfortunately imbalances yield mental stress, pain and often physical struggle.  

The heat associated with Pitta creates fluidity, irritability, and dilation of blood vessels.  These are some typical symptoms of imbalances in Pitta:

• Headaches 
• Inflammation in body or joints (joints have been quite stiff of late)
• Acid reflux, ulcers, heartburn 
• Nausea or discomfort if meal is missed
• Loose and foul odor stools
• Excessive sweating and body odor 
• Skin challenges - red, inflamed, cold sores and sensitivity to insect bites (this is an issue for me right now - allergic like reaction)
• Sensation of heat (at times, even in air conditioning, I still feel hot)
• Red, inflamed or light sensitive eyes
• Hair Loss
• Easy bruising
• Irritability, anger, or frustration (frustration and irritability comes easily these days)
• Judgment, impatience, criticism, intolerance (most often aimed at myself, but also at others some days)
• Excessive perfectionist tendencies (definitely appearing some days)

Opposite Balances - Another major Ayurvedic principle is to bring balance with the opposite qualities. In the case of elevated pitta, it is best to work with the qualities that are cool, smooth, slow and an overall focus on moderation.

Ayurveda’s approach to bringing balance is simple. Pitta-pacifying suggestions will have a positive impact that will cause a ripple effect throughout your body and mind.

TIPS FOR BALANCING PITTA:
Cooling, soothing, and moderation.  Pitta sometimes wants to do it all, and do it perfectly. That is not the goal in this case.

• Regular routine - too much chaos generates energetic heat
• Yoga or light exercise - avoid the heat of the day (going in the ocean is cooling - lying in the sun to get a tan is heating)
• Nasya oil - medicated nasal oil added to each nostril in the morning, can help relieve headaches or nausea and excessive heat
• Hydrate - Hydration is key, especially is hot climates (remembering to drink enough water is a necessity)
• Drinking coconut water is a great choice to cool and to hydrate the body.
• Do cooling, calming, and relaxing activities and don’t overstimulate or push too hard 
• Focus on quality and getting enough sleep!
• Consciously choose your foods and avoid spicy, sour, salty, excessively hot, deep fried or oily foods. Choose healthy foods that bring in the sweet, bitter, and astringent tastes.
• Use cooling herbs and spices like coriander, cilantro, fennel and cardamom.
• Eat your meals in a peaceful, quiet environment.
• Make use of your breath. Sit in a relaxed posture, roll your tongue (or grin real wide) and take a deep inhalation. Repeat several times and feel the cool air enter your body.
• Try to to release stress, expectations and judgment - surrender to the situation, rather than trying to control it - very difficult, but so, so important for pitta!
• Meditation, even for 10-15 minutes, can be very calming for the mind and nervous system.
• Calm and cool the body with daily massage of coconut or sunflower oil
• Sweet and soothing music, scents, scenery, and calm company.

Dr Claudia Welch and Banyan Botanicals have developed this fun and easy online tool for us to determine quite accurately our constitution and current imbalances.  Of course being brutally honest in taking the quiz is important. 
Ayurvedic Profile™ quiz.  Take the quiz and Banyan sends personalized recommendations!

Our lives change quite regularly, so it’s a good idea to take the Imbalances test every month or so.  There are also other good articles on Pitta on the Banyan website if you would like to learn more.

Namaste,
Loving Life and Living Love,
Mary