Saturday, November 28, 2009

pitha

Pitta is a force created by the dynamic interplay of water and fire. These forces represent transformation. They cannot change into each other, but they modulate or control each other and are vitally required for the life processes to occur. (For example, too much fire and too little water will result in the boiling away of the water. Too much water will result in the fire being put out.)

Pitta governs digestion, absorption, assimilation, nutrition, metabolism, body temperature, skin coloration, the luster of the eyes, intelligence, and understanding. Psychologically, pitta arouses anger, hate, and jealousy. The small intestine, stomach, sweat glands, blood, fat, eyes, and skin are the seats of Pitta.

CHARACTERISTICS OF PITTA TYPE

Here are some of the common characteristics of people who have a predominantly Pitta body type.

bulletMedium physique, strong, well-built
bulletSharp mind, good concentration powers
bulletOrderly, focused
bulletAssertive, self-confident, and entrepreneurial at their best; aggressive, demanding, pushy when out of balance
bulletCompetitive, enjoy challenges
bulletPassionate and romantic; sexually have more vigor and endurance than Vatas, but less than Kaphas
bulletStrong digestion, strong appetite; get irritated if they have to miss or wait for a meal
bulletLike to be in command
bulletWhen under stress, Pittas become irritated and angry
bulletSkin fair or reddish, often with freckles; sunburns easily
bulletHair usually fine and straight, tending toward blond or red, typically turns gray early; tendency toward baldness or thinning hair
bulletUncomfortable in sun or hot weather; heat makes them very tired
bulletPerspire a lot
bulletOthers may find them stubborn, pushy, opinionated
bulletGood public speakers; also capable of sharp, sarcastic, cutting speech
bulletGenerally good management and leadership ability, but can become authoritarian
bulletLike to spend money, surround themselves with beautiful objects
bulletSubject to temper tantrums, impatience, and anger
bulletTypical physical problems include rashes or inflammations of the skin, acne, boils, skin cancer, ulcers, heartburn, acid stomach, hot sensations in the stomach or intestines, insomnia, bloodshot or burning eyes and other vision problems, anemia, jaundice.

Physical Features

These people are of medium height, are slender and body frame may be delicate. Their chests are not as flat as those of vata people and they show a medium prominence of veins and muscle tendons. The bones are not as prominent as in the vata individual. Muscle development is moderate.

The pitta complexion may be coppery, yellowish, reddish or fair. The skin is soft, warm and less wrinkled than vata skin. The hair is thin, silky, red or brownish and there is a tendency toward premature graying of hair and hair loss. The eyes may be gray, green or cooper-brown and sharp: the eyeballs will be of medium prominence. The nails are soft. The shape of the nose is sharp and the tip tends to be reddish.

Physiologically, these people have a strong metabolism, good digestion and resulting strong appetites. The person of pitta constitution usually takes large quantities of food and liquid. Pitta types have a natural craving for sweet, bitter and astringent tastes and enjoy cold drinks. Their sleep is of medium duration but uninterrupted. They produce a large volume of urine and the feces are yellowish, liquid, soft and plentiful. There is a tendency toward excessive perspiring. The body temperature may run slightly high and hands and feet will tend to be warm. Pitta people do not tolerate sunlight, heat or hard work well.

Psychologically, pitta people have a good power of comprehension; they are very intelligent and sharp and tend to be good orators. They have emotional tendencies toward hate, anger and jealousy.

They are ambitious people who generally like to be leaders. Pitta people appreciate material prosperity and they tend to be moderately well-off financially. They enjoy exhibiting their wealth and luxurious possessions.

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Signs of Pitta Aggravation

bulletAngry, Irritable
bulletHostile, Enraged, Destructive
bulletImpatient
bulletCritical of self and others
bulletArgumentative, Aggressive
bulletBossy, controlling
bulletFrustrated, Willful, Reckless
bulletAcidity, heartburn, Stomach ulcer
bulletFitful sleep, Disturbing dreams
bulletDiarrhea, Food allergies
bulletBad breath, Sour body odor
bulletVery sensitive to heat, Hot flashes
bulletSkin rashes
bulletBoils
bulletBloodshot eyes
bulletAcne
bulletWeakness due to low blood sugar
bulletFevers, Night sweats


When you experience symptoms such as, excessive body heat, digestive problems, a tendency to be hostile or angry and controlling, impatience, a tendency to exert excessive effort to achieve goals, vision difficulties, and being prone to make errors in judgment because of mental confusion or because passion or emotion blurs powers of intellectual discernment, there is a good possibility that you are suffering from pitta imbalance.

Indications of balanced pitta influences are strong powers of digestion, vitality, goal-setting inclinations, good problem-solving skills, keen powers of intelligence, decisiveness, boldness and courage, and a bright complexion.

General Tips on Health and Wellness For Pitta Persons

Pitta constitutions will be upset by alcohol and cigarettes, as well as by overwork, overexertion, and overheating. When out of balance, they are susceptible to feeling such negative emotions as hostility, hatred, intolerance, and jealousy. Therefore it is very important for Pittas to keep cool (literally and figuratively) and to lead a pure and moderate lifestyle. Choose foods, attitudes, behaviors, personal relationships, and environmental circumstances which can be instrumental in balancing pitta characteristics.

Because sweet, bitter, and astringent tastes decrease pitta influences, include these in your food plan if pitta characteristics are too pronounced. Complex carbohydrates, milk, and some fruits are sweet; some green, leafy vegetables are bitter; beans and some green vegetables are astringent.

Do things that cool the mind, emotions, and body. Avoid conflicts. Cultivate the virtues of honesty, morality, kindness, generosity, and self-control.

A Food Plan to Balance Pitta Dosha

These guidelines can be used for pitta mind-body constitutions, to maintain dosha balance and to restore balance if necessary regardless of the basic constitution. Pitta influences digestion and metabolism, body temperature, and biological transformations.

Favor

bulletCool or warm but not steaming hot foods
bulletBitter, sweet, and astringent tastes
bulletAs far as practical use less butter and added fat. Consume food with moderately heavy textures.
bulletSince Pittas have strong efficient digestion, they can generally eat just about everything. Most Pittas get into trouble by continued use of too much salt, overuse of sour and spicy food and overeating.
bulletTake cool, refreshing food in summer. Reduce the consumption of salt, oil, and spices, all of which are "heating" to the body. Salads are good, so is milk and ice cream.
bulletAvoid pickles, yogurt, sour cream, and cheese. Avoid vinegar in salad dressing; use lemon juice instead. Alcoholic and fermented foods should be avoided. Their sour Rasa aggravates Pitta. Coffee is also pitta aggravating due to the acid in coffee. Herb tea is good. Prefer mint, licorice root or other pitta pacifying tea.
bulletBreakfast: Cold cereals, cinnamon toast, and apple tea is a good breakfast for Pitta. Avoid coffee, orange juice and doughnuts - they aggravate pitta.
bulletThe vegetarian foods are the best for pitta. Consuming red meat tend to heat the body from the fat. Consume abundant amounts of milk, grains and vegetables.
bulletAvoid oily, hot, salty, and heavy foods such as fried food. Instead consume starchy foods such as vegetables, grains and beans. Avoid the tendency to overeat under stress.
bulletAvoid processed and fast foods as they tend to be heavy on salt and sour tastes. Japanese and Chinese food are good choices. Avoid highly spicy food such as is found in Mexican restaurants.
bulletTo bring down aggravated Pitta, take two teaspoons of ghee (clarified butter) in a glass of warm milk. (Avoid taking the ghee if you have problem with high cholesterol).

Summary

Avoid egg yolks, nuts, hot spices, honey, and hot drinks. Cool foods and drinks are better. Add sweet, bitter, and astringent tastes. Reduce use of sour tastes. Spices: black pepper, coriander, and cardamom.

Food Classified By Group

Vegetables | Fruits | Grains | Dairy | Meat | Beans | Oils | Sweeteners | Nuts and Seeds | Herbs and Spices

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Vegetables
FavorReduce or Avoid
Sweet and bitter vegetables:
Asparagus
Broccoli
Brussels sprouts
Cabbage
Cauliflower
Celery
Cucumber
Green beans
Green (sweet) peppers
Leafy green vegetables
Lettuce
Mushrooms
Okra
Parsley
Peas
Potatoes
Sprouts
Squash
Sweet potatoes
Zucchini
Beets
Carrots
Eggplant
Garlic
Hot peppers
Onions
Radishes
Spinach
Tomatoes
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Fruits
FavorReduce or Avoid
Sweet Fruits:
Apples
Avocados
Cherries
Coconut
Figs
Dark grapes
Mangoes
Melons
Oranges
Pears
Pineapples
Plums
Prunes
Raisins

Note: Fruits should be sweet and ripe.

Apricots
Bananas
Berries
Cherries (sour)
Cranberries
Grapefruit
Papayas
Peaches
Persimmons

Avoid fruits that come to market sour or unripe. Also avoid fruits such as green grapes, oranges, pineapple and plum unless they are sweet and ripe.

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Grains
FavorReduce or Avoid
Barley
Oats
Wheat
White rice (prefer basmati rice)
Brown rice
Corn
Millet
Rye
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Dairy
FavorReduce or Avoid
Butter
Egg whites
Ghee (clarified butter )- unless you are watching cholesterol
Ice cream
Milk
Buttermilk
Cheese
Egg yolks
Sour cream
Yogurt
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Meat
FavorReduce or Avoid
Chicken
Shrimp
Turkey
(All in small amounts)
Red meat and sea food in general
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Beans
FavorReduce or Avoid
Chickpeas
Mung beans
Tofu and other soybean products
Lentils
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Oils
FavorReduce or Avoid
Coconut
Olive
Soy
Sunflower
Almond
Corn
Safflower
Sesame
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Nuts and Seeds
FavorReduce or Avoid
Coconut
Pumpkin seeds
Sunflower seeds
All, except as noted
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Sweeteners
FavorReduce or Avoid
All are acceptable except honey and molassesHoney and
Molasses
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Herbs and Spices
FavorReduce or Avoid
Spices are generally avoided as too heating. In small amounts, the following sweet and astringent spices are OK

Cardamom
Cilantro(green coriander)
Cinnamon
Coriander seed
Dill
Fennel
Mint
Saffron
Turmeric

Plus small amounts of cumin and black pepper

All pungent herbs and spices, except as noted. Take only the minimal amounts of the following:

Barbecue sauce
Catsup
Mustard
Pickles
Salt
Sour salad dressings
Spicy condiments
Vinegar

If your basic constitution is mixed (pitta-vata or pitta-kapha), to maintain balance, include smaller portions for the second dosha.

Pitta dosha is aggravated and increased during summer. During hot, dry seasons, all mind-body types can choose some of the above foods and decrease others.

Mental and emotional peace and constructive lifestyle routines are important to restoring and maintaining balance.


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