Print article Ayurveda is the health system of ancient India and is considered the world’s oldest medicine dating back to 3000 years. It’s a prescription for healthy living tailored to the individuals’ constitution, unique characteristics, needs, age, and environment.
Each of us has a unique proportion of the three doshas (body type or humor) in our prakritis (the unique constitution at the time of conception). Ayurveda teaches us that if a dosha increases beyond its original, natural proportion for us, it creates an environment where disease can flourish.
It’s common for our predominant dosha (vata, pitta, or kapha) to increase more quickly than other doshas because we tend to perpetuate what we know best. For example: if your dominant dosha is pitta, you may be intellectually bright, due to the hot and sharp qualities of pitta. However, this very quality that is inherent in pitta may eventually aggravate it and create a hot and sharp tongue, due to irritability.
Summer is associated with pitta qualities and when out of balance, pitta causes fiery, reactionary emotions such as frustration, anger, jealousy, and criticism. Imbalanced pitta is often at the root of inflammatory disorders, which can affect organs and tissues throughout the body.
Some additional signs of imbalance are:
- Rashes/inflammatory skin conditions (including acne).
- Stomach aches/diarrhea.
- Controlling and manipulative behavior.
- Visual problems or burning in the eyes.
- Excessive body heat.
- Hostility, irritability.
- Excessive competitive drive.
So How Do We Balance This Vital Force? Banyon Botanicals suggests avoiding:
- Foods that are pungent, sour, and salty.
- Warming foods, both energetically and in temperature.
- Chili and cayenne peppers.
- Highly processed foods.
- Caffeine, nicotine, and other stimulants.
- Red meat.
- Deep-fried foods.
- Alcohol, except for an occasional beer or white wine.
They also have a list of general guidelines for a Pacifying Pitta Diet and Ayurveda Dosha Quiz to find your body type. Click here to view their website.
In conclusion, everyone has an important role to play in the lives of others, so make sure you take care of yourself first!
If you are experiencing any imbalances associated with the pitta season and would like one-on-one support, schedule a Health Consultation or contact Lisa.
