According to Ayurveda, it’s important to maintain balance. When a person’s dosha becomes imbalanced, they may experience physical, mental and emotional health issues. That’s why it’s important to understand what each dosha imbalance looks like so you can guard against it. Learn about the characteristics of a Pitta imbalance below.
What causes a Pitta imbalance?
A Pitta imbalance results from a build up of hot, dry, fiery, sharp, spreading, subtle and clear qualities. This can happen if you’re participating in activities that aggravate Pitta, like:
- Eating Pitta aggravating foods (hot, light, spicy, pungent, salty, sour foods)
- Getting too much sun
- Consuming stimulants, like coffee and alcohol
- Emotional stress
- Pushing yourself too hard
If you’re naturally dominated by the Pitta dosha, you’re more likely to build up Pitta qualities. However, it’s important to note that Vata and Kapha types can also succumb to a Pitta imbalance, especially during Pitta season.
Pitta Imbalance Symptoms
A Pitta imbalance can cause a number of unwanted side effects. A person with an imbalanced Pitta may experience physical, mental and emotional health issues.
Physical Symptoms
- Skin conditions such as acne, hives, rashes, dermatitis, or eczema
- Digestion issues like intense hunger, excessive thirst, heartburn, acid reflux, ulcers, loose stools or diarrhea, gastritis
- Hot flashes, fevers and excessive sweating
- Strong body odor
- Early graying of the hair (or falling out)
- Eye conditions and extreme sensitivity to light
- Inflammation, redness, infections, puffiness, and swelling
Mental Symptoms
- Overly critical
- Argumentative
- Judgmental
- Perfectionism
- Controlling
- Opinionated
Emotional Symptoms
- Anger
- Irritability
- Impatience
- Frustration
- Aggression
- Resentment
- Hatred
- Hostility
- Jealousy
How to Guard Against Pitta Imbalance
To maintain balance, a Pitta type needs to eat a Pitta balancing diet and engage in activities that embody the qualities opposite of their dosha. This means that they want to embrace a lifestyle that features cool, heavy, dense, slow, dull and static qualities. This will prevent Pitta from going into excess. However, even if you are not a Pitta type, you should embrace these qualities if you suspect a potential Pitta imbalance.
Pitta Season and Pitta Time
It’s important to be aware of Pitta season and Pitta time. It’s easier for Pitta to fall out of balance during these times of the year and the day.
Pitta season occurs during the hottest, driest time of the year: the summer months. During this time, it’s extra important that Pitta take care to consume cooling beverages and to take time to slow down. Make sure not to over-exert yourself or bite off more than you can chew.
Likewise, Pitta time is the hottest and most productive time of the day. When the sun is shining brightest, Pitta is most likely to fall out of balance. While this is naturally their time – they thrive in the productive hours of the day, eager to share their aspirations with the world – it’s also the easiest time for them to fall victim to stress or over-exertion.
Read more about the Pitta dosha and how to maintain balance.
Reviewed by Dr. Jayant Lokhande, MD (Botanical Drugs), MBA (Biotechnology)
