Balancing Pitta Dosha: Ayurvedic Strategies for Summer Heat

April 16, 2024

The foundation of Ayurvedic medicine is the belief that there are five elements in the world: Aakash (space), Jala (water), Prithvi (earth), Teja (fire), and Vayu (air).

Each element when combined results in one of the three doshas: pitta, kapha, and vata and these doshas are in charge of an individual’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

On this page:

Understanding Pitta Dosha

The Pitta Dosha is the body’s hottest Dosha, according to Ayurveda. Pitta in the body is in charge of controlling metabolism and digestion. Pitta is connected to the fire element of the body and is derived from the term “Tapa,” which means heat. It is fluid, nevertheless, because it also contains the element of water.

Pitta dosha imbalances can result in inflammation and a host of other health issues. During summer, due to extremely high temperatures and hot days, it is also called pitta season and hence, it becomes essential to balance the pitta dosha, especially in summer.

Causes And Symptoms Of Pitta Dosha

Pitta imbalance in the body can have several reasons, some of which are listed below:

Consuming strong, acidic, and salty foods
Overindulgence in processed and deep-fried foods
Tension and emotional stress
Inadequate sleep
Consumption of large amounts of caffeine, alcohol, tea, and nicotine
Overexposure to the sun or heat

Symptoms Of Pitta Dosh

During the scorching days of summer, many of us experience heightened pitta aggravation. The intense heat of the season can lead to discomfort, especially for those with a predominant pitta dosha. When pitta is balanced, it fosters qualities like bravery, leadership, and a healthy sense of humour however, when out of balance, it may manifest itself as follows:

Increased thirst and hunger
Early onset of grey hair
Imbalance of hormones
Insomnia and migraines
Sore throat
During menstruation, heavy or severe bleeding occurs
Tenderness in testicles or breasts
Acid reflux and heartburn

How To Control Pitta Dosha?

Pitta Dosha can be controlled by following the simple techniques such as:

To soothe the hot Pitta Dosha, practice relaxation techniques including deep breathing, meditation, and mild exercise.
Remain hydrated to counteract the heat brought on by Pitta Dosha
Since stress can exacerbate Pitta Dosha, practice stress-reduction strategies like yoga, mindfulness, and getting enough sleep
Steer clear of hot and spicy foods as hot, greasy, and spicy aggravate Pitta Dosha.
Choose foods that are bitter, sweet, and have cooling effects, for your diet. Include food such as sweet fruits, raw vegetables, rice, wheat, leafy greens,
Cucumbers, papaya, cabbage and grains such as rice and wheat are pitta balancing in nature.
Limit your exposure to the sun and hot weather since heat aggravates Pitta Dosha

How To Balance Pitta Dosha Through Diet

Summer can be extremely challenging to balance the pitta dosha, however certain pitta-reducing foods can be beneficial.

Try these foods to reduce the pitta dosha in the body.

Eat pitta foods which are bitter, sweet, and astringent in taste as these tastes are proven to reduce pitta.
You can also drink water with a splash of rose water, cucumber, or fresh mint. Aloe juice and coconut water are also excellent substitutes. These drinks’ cooling qualities will put out Pitta’s fires.
Restrict the consumption of greasy, hot, highly salted, and inflammatory meals because their Rajasic qualities will aggravate Pitta and worsen its imbalance.
Fasting for extended periods between meals can lead to acid reflux and irritability, especially for Pitta-predominant individuals. It is advisable to adhere to a consistent meal schedule at predetermined times.

The Takeaway

When there is an excess accumulation of pitta in the body, one may experience generation of heat in the body. Acid reflux, gas, and indigestion are some of the consequences if pitta dosha goes out of balance. Yoga practice and a pitta balancing diet during summer can help in balancing the pitta dosha and keep the body in optimal condition.