What is Pitta dosha? This articles aims to give you some understanding of Pitta dosha so you can better manage a Pitta constitution or pitta imbalances.

What is pitta dosha?

To understand what is pitta dosha, we first need to understand Ayurveda’s 5 elements theory.

According to Ayurveda the human body is a small replica of the universe. Whatever elements make up the macrocosm exist in the microcosm.

This means that the water, fire, air, earth and space primordial elements – exist in everything that is part of the universe including us, human beings.

Every one of us, holds all of these elements in various proportions. This is what makes us unique, this is our DNA.

Ayurveda categorises elements as:

• Pitta (water and fire)
• Vata (air and space)
• Kapha (earth and water)

What are the characteristics of pitta dosha?

Pitta dosha, holds the same qualities (gunas) as the water and fire elements. This is how you can recognise pitta in your body and Nature.

• Oily (Sasneha)
• Hot (Ushna)
• Sharp (Tikshna)
• Light (Laghu)
• Sour odour (Visram)
• Mobile (Sara)
• Liquid (Drava)

What is the function of pitta dosha?

Pitta dosha stands for the energy of transformation – metabolism.

Pitta carries the meaning of “that which digests”. Therefore the most important function of pitta in the body is digestion or the transformation of food.

Food is here considered in its large sense, both material and immaterial. Food is all that we take in or experience through our senses e.g. meals but also smells, sights, thoughts…all that is information that needs to be digested and assimilated by the body.

Pitta is associated to the “fire” in the body which relates to our digestive enzymes, our blood and therefore life, our intellect etc.

What functions does pitta govern in the body?

• • Assimilation
  • Nutrition
  • Hunger/thirst/appetite
  • Absorption
  • Body Temperature
  • Skin colour and complexion
  • Lustre of the eyes, vision
  • Anger, hate and jealousy
  • Intelligence, decisiveness and passion

Where is pitta located in the body?

What are pitta characteristics?

Pitta body type

• • Medium height
  • Moderate muscle development
  • Prominent veins and muscle tendons
  • Moles or freckles
  • Light coloured eyes
  • Sharp or prominent nose
  • Red moist lips
  • Pink soft nails
  • Yellowish tint to the teeth
  • Brown, blond or reddish hair
  • Oily hair and skin
  • Premature greying of hair or hair loss
  • Strong metabolism
  • Good digestion
  • Body temperature tends to be high

Pitta mind characteristics

• Intelligent, quick and sharp
• Great orators and tend to hold leadership roles in their environment
• Passion, strong ambition and power of conviction
• Very logical, practical and rational
• Perfectionists
• Hot tempered
• Appreciate material prosperity, strive for recognition and status
• Enjoy exhibiting their wealth and luxurious possessions

Further reading on pitta dosha:

• What are the signs and symptoms of pitta imbalance?

• What are the causes of pitta imbalance?
• How to balance pitta dosha and recommended treatments

Elena Beurdeley-Kuerten
Ayurvedic Consultant – DipALN, DipAMT (Ayurveda)
The Ayurveda Centre – Athens
www.theayurvedacentre.com