Pitta Dosha

Pitta dosha is an important dosha or bioenergy for highly sensitive people to learn about and understand because it relates to digestion of food as well as emotions and experiences.  Since HSPs become easily overloaded, they can have trouble digesting all that they take in.  Managing Vata stresses and Pitta digestion can help HSPs achieve a more stable quality of life.

Every single person has each of the three doshas in different combinations to one another creating the unique makeup of each individual. This understanding demonstrates how we are alike in that we each have all three doshas, and yet we are all different, because each person has a slightly different dosha signature.

Each of the doshas has a primary vital function that serves the entire human system and each dosha also has five subdoshas that reflect the role of the dosha for various parts of the body and spirit. It is important to note that health and spirit are not separate; they are interdependent. A person in a spirit damaging situation over a period of time will suffer health effects. A person who has ill will have difficulty maintaining a healthy life affirming spirit.  Healing one heals the other.

The Importance of the Pitta Dosha

Pitta dosha is the dosha representing digestion. Digestion, the process of breaking down food to be assimilated in the body, involves both heat and moisture. Pitta is a hot dosha and also associated with sharpness, which includes a sharp mind, and eyesight. Because Pitta is considered both hot and moist it is balanced by coolness and dryness.

For highly sensitive people, the Pitta dosha is extremely important. Stress can throw digestion off, and result in imbalances not only to Vata dosha but also imbalance Pitta dosha as well.  The result is a double whammy of imbalances.

Pitta also controls emotional disturbances which HSPs are susceptible to because of their sensitivity and compassionate natures.

Pitta Dosha: Pitta Subdoshas and Their Importance

Pitta has five subdoshas. They are:

1. Pachaka Pachaka Pitta is located in the stomach and small intestines. It regulated the speed and intensity of digestion which assures an efficient metabolism. It also regulates the separation of nutrients and wastes.
2. Ranjaka. Ranjaka Pitta is located in the liver, spleen and red blood cells. It is the subdosha that regulates blood chemistry and the creation of red blood cells. Because of its role with blood, it is also involved in the movement of nutrients throughout the system, which is a blood function.
3. Sadhaka. Sadhaka Pitta is located in the heart. It governs emotional balance, and the digestion of thoughts. It affects memory, intelligence, creativity and the ability to pursue goals.
4. Alochaka. Alochaka Pitta is located in the eyes and governs vision and the digestion of what we see, meaning our contentment
5. Bhrajaka. Bhrajaka Pitta is located in the skin, the organ of the body which most interacts with the exterior world. It regulates all the biochemical processes of the skin and displays our sensitivity to the world, including rashes, sunburn and blushing.

As a science of self healing, Ayurveda encompasses diet and nutrition, lifestyle, exercise, rest and relaxation, meditation, breathing exercises, and medicinal herbs, along with cleansing and rejuvenation programs for healing mind, body and spirit.

Vasant Lad, BAMS, MASc The Complete Book of Ayurvedic Home Remedies, p.1

The Predominantly Pitta Dosha Person

People with a predominant Pitta dosha are competitive, ambitious, focused, organized and efficient. They tend to have a medium build and are fairly muscular. They can be good athletes, although they do not thrive in hot and humid weather, since anything hot is inflaming for the Pitta person and they perspire easily.

Pittas often have ruddy complexions, and hair that balds or turns gray early. They are susceptible to sunburn and rashes and irritations of the skin.  They have strong digestions. Spicy food does not agree with pitta people; they are more likely to seek out ice cream for cooling.

When in balance, the Pitta person pursues goals in a natural way.  When out of balance the same person will become impatient, stubborn, and angry.  Pittas have sharp minds and may not always be tolerant of people who have a different point of view; however cultivating alternative points of view can be enriching for a Pitta person.