Balancing Pitta
- Soma Yoga Pilates
- Jun 10
- 2 min read
According to Ayurveda, Pitta Dosha is comprised of the elements of Fire and Water. Pitta Dosha is responsible for digestion, metabolism, and transformation in the body. When in balance, Pitta enhances intelligence, courage, and good digestion. However, when Pitta is out of balance (too much Pitta in the system), it can lead to irritability, inflammation, and digestive issues.
Here are some top tips for balancing Pitta dosha:
1. Eat Cooling Foods
Pitta is hot by nature, so it's important to incorporate cooling foods into your diet to maintain balance.
Fruits: Enjoy sweet, juicy fruits such as melons, pears, grapes, and cherries.
Vegetables: Opt for leafy greens, cucumbers, and courgette, which have a cooling effect.
Dairy: Include milk, ghee, and unsalted butter, which are naturally cooling.
Spices: Use cooling spices like coriander, fennel, and mint while avoiding hot spices like chilli and cayenne.
2. Stay Hydrated
Hydration is essential for keeping Pitta in balance. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, ideally at room temperature or cooler. Herbal teas, especially those made with peppermint or chamomile, can also be very beneficial.
3. Practice Soothing Activities
People with an abundance of Pitta in their constitution are naturally strong and competitive, which can lead to burnout if not managed properly.
Yoga and Meditation: Practice calming styles of yoga and meditation to reduce stress and maintain balance. Here is a link to two cooling breathing practices:
Leisure Activities: Participate in soothing activities, such as walking in nature, reading, or listening to music.
4. Maintain a Regular Routine
A Pitta dosha thrives on routine and regularity, so a stable routine helps to keep Pitta in balance.
Sleep Schedule: Establish a consistent sleep schedule, aiming for 7-9 hours of restful sleep.
Meal Times: Eat meals at the same time each day to support digestion and metabolism.
5. Avoid Overheating
Since pitta is associated with heat, it's important to keep your body cool.
Environment: Stay in cool environments and avoid excessive sun exposure.
Clothing: Wear light, natural, breathable fabrics in lighter colours to help stay cool. If you haven’t heard of Rapanui, take a look at their website for affordable and sustainable clothing:
6. Cultivate Patience and Compassion
Pitta types can be quick to anger and be impatient. Practising patience and compassion can help to balance emotional extremes.
Mindful Breathing: Practice deep, belly breathing exercises to calm the mind.
Positive Affirmations: Use affirmations to cultivate a positive mindset.
Keeping Pitta Dosha in balance is particularly important as we head into the summer months and the climate becomes warmer. Whilst we all have varying amounts of Pitta within our Prakriti (consitution), levels can rise with the seasonal changes throwing us out of balance with our natural state.
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