Pitta type: All about the Ayurvedic constitutional type

The door is opened, someone enters the room, all eyes and all attention are on the arrival, because the room is suddenly filled with presence and charisma. Probably a Pitta type, because according to Ayurvedic teachings, these are characterised as particularly engaging, self-confident and determined.

But let's take a step back and look at the basics of Ayurvedic dosha theory. Because this can provide information on diet and lifestyle.

What are Ayurvedic types anyway?

In Ayurveda (the 'knowledge of life') it is assumed that there are three main 'fault potentials': The so-called doshas. They are present in different proportions from person to person and depending on which potential predominates (or which potentials predominate), this shapes character and personality.

For example, if you have the most Pitta potential, you tend to be self-confident, determined and resilient. An imbalance, i.e. too much or too little of this potential, can lead to various impairments (more on this in a moment) and those who already tend towards this type by nature are also more 'at risk' for imbalances in this area.

However, this does not mean that the other doshas, Vata and Kapha, cannot also be present. They can then have a balancing and complementary effect, or the exact constellation then makes up the individuality of each person.

Tendencies of the Pitta type

People whose Pitta level is pronounced can be recognised, among other things, by their medium stature. Their self-confident, strong mental attitude affects their straight, perhaps almost proud posture. They are intelligent, perceptive and love challenges. You like to prove your ability, which you seldom doubt, even in direct competition with others if necessary.

Pitta types are bursting with motivation, determination and ambition. What they start, they also complete.

The Pitta potential is associated with the element fire, which in turn is related to the digestive tract, among other things. This works particularly efficiently, which means that Pitta types get hungry at shorter intervals than Kapha types, for example. If this is the case, you can sometimes be confronted with impatience and irritability.

When Pitta-influenced people start something, they start it right. They are bursting with power, motivation and ambition and want to satisfy their perfectionism at all costs. What is immediately noticeable when dealing with them is their eloquence, their strong charisma, their dynamism and their charisma. Unfortunately, this impression is not always so positive, because those who work with them are sometimes quickly shown and made to feel their own gaps in competence.

If the Pitta level rises to excess, aggression, choleric fits, fanaticism and intolerance are very likely. The persons concerned are then not satisfied with anything and overshoot the target. Too much conviction about oneself, even to the point of narcissism, is detrimental to the person himself and his balance, as well as to the people around him.

In some cases, Pitta types would go over the proverbial dead bodies to get their ideas accepted. This may bring them to the vehemently defended goal they have set themselves, but it is not impossible that people around them will be harmed.

On a physical level, pitta excess is noticeable through impure skin, stomach pain, heartburn, diarrhoea and inflammation. This is all caused by excessive acidity, which only adds fuel to the fire of the Pitta types. Fortunately, this can be counteracted through diet and behaviour.

What foods for Pitta imbalance?

Basically, Pitta types should eat a cool, dry, strengthening, sweet, bitter and astringent diet, because this balances the fire energy that characterises this type. This definitely curbs an excess of pitta dosha.

Conversely, if there is too little of it, more acidic foods can be used: Meat, white flour, coffee, sugar, spicy foods, citrus fruits, dairy products, vinegar. However, people who would rather belong to the Pitta type should naturally avoid these foods. Alcohol would also be taboo.

A to-eat list, so to speak, includes cooling foods and spices, such as melons, potatoes, fennel, cardamom, mint, coriander and parsnips. Crisp steamed vegetables, fresh salads, raw vegetables, grapes and green vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, okra pods, peas, celery, green beans, peppers and courgettes are also recommended for pitta excess. They practically calm the fire and bring it back to a healthy level.

You can also make sure to eat regularly. Unlike Kapha types, Pitta types can also eat small meals more than 3 times a day. Due to the rather faster digestion, this is no problem at all for such organisms. However, these meals should be rich and nutritious.

What you can keep in mind in everyday life as a Pitta type:

As a Pitta type, you must not get bored. Always look for new mental and physical challenges and do sports. And why not perhaps a sport that is played in competitions? This way you can satisfy your desire for challenge and recognition. Physical activity also helps to get rid of aggression, anger and resentment so that these emotions do not explode when others might be harmed.

Try to use your potential, intelligence and perseverance for the good of all and to reduce the need for control and perfection to a healthy level. Practise contentment, helpfulness, tolerance and serenity, sometimes purposefully.

What else do you do to cope well with everyday life as a Pitta type? At the end of the page you can leave us a 
leave us acomment.

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