This dosha represents the fire principle & is composed of fire and water. These two principle elements in combination can bring about transformation. It is a dynamic force which is responsible for all kinds of bio-transformations occurring inside the body; all the metabolic processes. Because of this, it is present everywhere at the cellular level. The attributes of pitta dosha are light, hot, sharp, unctuous, burning, liquid, spreading nature having sour and bitter taste.
Pitta provides heat and energy to the body helps maintain the body temperature responsible for manifestation of hunger and thirst, provides odour, texture and lustre to the skin.
Umbilicus, abdomen, sweat, lymph, blood and eyes are the seats for pitta dosha. Abdomen is the main amongst all of them.
Pitta can be classified into five types namely
Alochaka pitta- Resides in the eyes and governs the function of vision.
Bhrajaka pitta- Residing in the skin, gives it its colour, glow and texture. Helps maintain the body temperature by excreting out sweat.
Ranjaka pitta- Resides in the lives & spleen. It governs distribution of nutrients through blood, keeps it healthy and free from toxins.
Pachaka pitta- Resides in the small intestine and deodenum and it is responsible for the digestion, assimilation, absorption and overall metabolism. This controls the other types of pitta hence a proper functioning of this pitta is essential.
Sadhaka pitta seated in the heart and brain it governs memory, intelligence and emotional activities.
An unbalanced pitta dosha leads to improper digestion, burning sensation, irritation, ulcers, skin disorders, haemorrhages, eye problems, acidity, metabolic disorders and loss of appetite /excessive hunger & thirst.
Measure to balance the pitta dosha
-Avoid hot, spicy, sour food stuff and fasting
-Limited salt, fried, oily and fast food intake.
-Avoid excess exposure, to sun, hot weather, chemicals, steam and strenuous exercises
-Avoid excess intake of acidic foods, alcohol, meat.
-Mental factors like jealousy, greed, cruelty, competition etc. also can lead to an imbalance in pitta dosha.
