Pitta relates to the properties of heat in the body, represented by the archetypal qualities of the Sun. The nature of Pitta is hot, light, ascending and fast, and therefore herbs, foods, beverages and lifestyle habits used to pacify Pitta should be opposite in nature, i.e. cooling, heavy, descending, and relaxing.
As the nature of Pitta is hot, light and sharp it is important to emphasize patterns which evoke an ability to introspect, develop self-restraint and be compassionate. In particular, when Pitta is aggravated there is a tendency towards aggression, anger, sarcasm and arrogance.
Exercise can be very useful to get rid of these emotions, but is best tempered with a routine with a strong aspect of mental discipline, such as the martial arts, or even better, Tai Chi and Chi Gong.
Home and office space should be a well-ventilated, cool and quiet. Floral patterns in cooling colours are useful decorative patterns, as are fresh cut flowers placed in vases.
Being close to water is important, as is bathing in moonlight, walking through flower gardens and spending time in the company of women.
Oils for Pitta should generally be cooling, soothing and clearing in nature. Floral fragrances are particularly useful for Pitta. Examples include chamomile, lavender, rose, gardenia, honeysuckle, ylang, vetivert, jasmine and sandalwood.
Colours that have a cooling energy such as white, blue or green are useful. Overtly bright colours should be avoided, as should many in the red to yellow spectrum as they are too heating or aggravating to Pitta. Black should be avoided, buy grays and browns are neutral.
Calming and relaxing asanas, mostly lying (mritasana, “the corpse”) or sitting (svastikasana, “fortunate posture), but also inverted postures (e.g. viparitakaranimudra, "shoulder stand") to preserve the “lunar essence.” Lunar pranayama (emphasizing the dominance of the left nostril) is appropriate, as is chanting such cooling and clearing mantras such as Om, Sham, Som, Shum or Shim.
The goal of meditation to pacify Pitta is to increase and balance the lunar qualities of the psyche, such as introspection, intuition and compassion, with those of the more solar aspects of extroversion, logic and will. Techniques should be chosen for their directness and simplicity, rather than elaborate ritual or dogma. The most effective approaches include Zen, Vedanta and Vipassana meditation, coupled with compassion for all living beings.
Neelam Toprani is the founder, Ayurvedic practitioner, president, and creator of the Sewanti Ayurvedic product line. Through her extensive travels to India, courses, and workshops, Neelam has sought to introduce Ayurveda to North America. Her team includes experienced Ayurvedic doctors and professional researchers.
The information provided is for general information purposes only, and it has been prepared to the best of our knowledge. It does not intend to suggest any diagnosis or treatment.
