Ayurveda & The Doshas
Ayurveda is a medical science developed through meditation and through the observation of the micro and macro expression of the five elements — Ether (space), Air, Fire, Water and Earth. Sanskrit for “the science of longevity,” Ayurveda is a full-spectrum system of healing with more than 5,000 years of case studies proving its efficacy. According to this system, wellness originates in balance and in aligning oneself with the rhythms and elements of nature. Treatment focuses on diet, daily and seasonable routines, medicinal herbs, oils, bodywork, yoga and meditation.
In Ayurvedic physiology, the five elements mentioned above form specific pairs to create the doshas called vata, pitta and kapha. These three mind-body or metabolic types make up the world and exist within each of us.
We all have all three of the doshas within us, but typically one or two of them show up more in your personality, strengths, tendencies, and challenges.
Pitta dosha
Fire + Water
Pitta is the fire element (plus a little bit of water) within us. It embodies the energy of transformation. Pitta can be described as hot, sharp and quick. It is responsible for metabolism, body temperature, joy, radiance, confidence, willpower, and mental agility.
When pitta is too elevated, a person may experience anger, irritability, judgment, rashes, diarrhea, inflammation, headaches, heartburn, burnout, adrenal fatigue, or vision issues.
Pitta Balancing
We work to soothe pitta by removing substances and activities that have the same qualities, and adding activities and substances that have the opposite qualities.
The qualities of pitta are: hot, sharp, light, liquid, motile, and oily. Its tastes are: sour, pungent and salty. Anything that contains these specific qualities or tastes will increase pitta. Imbalanced pitta may result in irritability, rashes, vision issues, or loose stools.
The opposite qualities of pitta are: cold, slow, heavy, static and dry, and its balancing tastes are sweet, astringent and bitter. When used intelligently, these qualities and tastes bring pitta back into balance.
If you would like to learn more about how the doshas manifest in you, meet with an Ayurvedic Practitioner for 1:1 support or start by taking the Mind Body Type Quiz.
Self care is a radical act — when you are vibrant and awake, you have the clarity and energy to show up for what you believe in. Cultivate Balance provides Ayurvedic consultations, Goodness Guides, and online wellness courses that support you to nurture yourself so you can nurture the world. Dive in with our FREE mini-course, The Basic Balance Challenge!
