How to Reduce Pitta Immediately
Pitta is one of the three doshas in Ayurveda, representing the elements of fire and water. When Pitta is out of balance, it can lead to irritability, inflammation, lose stools, heartburn, migraines, heavy, clotty cycles, disrupted sleep, and a host of other issues. If you're experiencing signs of increased Pitta, such as skin it’s crucial to restore balance.
This article will provide you with effective and practical strategies to recognize Pitta imbalances and to restore balance. You can regain your calm and keep your cool.
Enjoy our list of Things You Don't Want To Hear That Do Reduce Pitta. 😂
Understand the Symptoms of High Pitta
Recognizing the symptoms of is the first step to addressing it. Some typical manifestations include:
Physical Symptoms: Skin issues like acne and rashes, excessive sweating, and heartburn. You may also experience Pitta imbalances as a general internal and/or external sensation of feeling hot.
Emotional Symptoms: Feelings of irritability, anger, judgmental, and impatient.
Digestive Symptoms: Increased hunger or thirst, lose stools, GERD, heartburn, acid reflux, heated sensation in the gut.
Here's a more in-depth look at high Pitta signs and symptoms.
35 Signs of Pitta Imbalances in Body and Mind
Body:
1. Frequent and/or urgent stools that are soft, loose, liquid, or oily (soft serve ice cream and looser).
2. Red, burning, or irritated skin including eczema and dermatitis
2. Headaches with burning sensation and migraines
3. Rashes, eczema, and response to insect bites
6. Inflammation or any of the "itis” conditions
7. Acne
8. Stomach heat increases, causing heartburn, acid reflux, GERD and ulcers
9. Hyperthyroidism
10. Overactive metabolism
11. Nausea or discomfort upon missing meal
12. Heat avoidant or intolerant
13. Heavy, clotty cycles
14. Interrupted sleep
16. Inflammation in the body can lead to joint pain
17. Increased sweating and sour or foul body odor.
18. Increased hunger and thirst
19. Heated digestive system issues: inflammatory bowel conditions and flare ups
20. Excessive thirst, unquenchable thirst
21. Autoimmune disorders
22. Fevers
23. Acute inflammation of the joints
24. Sun avoidant
Mind:
27. More argumentative, judgmental, competitive, angry, irritated, frustrated, and nit-picky (short fused)
29. Workaholic tendencies
30. Burned out
31. Jealousy
32. Impatience, irritability, criticism, and intolerance
33. Overly attached to goals, overly driven
34. Ego inflamed
35. Controlling, fiery personality
By pinpointing these symptoms, you can target the root causes of Pitta imbalances more effectively.
“When diet is correct, medicine is of no need; when the diet is incorrect, medicine is of no use.”
Hydrate with Cooling Beverages
Staying hydrated is one of the fastest ways to alleviate high pitta. Cooling beverages can help mitigate internal heat. Some effective options include:
Coconut Water: This refreshing drink contains natural electrolytes and helps cool your body while providing hydration.
Aloe Vera Juice: Known for its cooling and soothing properties, it can help relieve acidity and promote digestion.
Aim to drink Pitta cooling beverages throughout the day to maintain a cool inner state.
Choose Cooling Foods to Reduce Pitta
Your diet significantly impacts pitta levels. Incorporating cooling fruits and vegetables can help balance your body temperature. Focus on these food options:
Water-Rich Foods: cucumber, asparagus, squash, zucchini, celery, etc.
Bitter Greens: dandelion greens, kale, spinach, chard, and beet greens (avoid mustard greens)
Cooling Vegetables: beets, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, green beans, okra, parsnip, peas, potatoes, and rutabaga
Berries: strawberries, raspberries, cherries, etc.
Melons: watermelon, muskmelon, cantaloupe
Whole Grains: rice, quinoa, oats, etc.
Dairy: milk, butter, ghee
Almonds (soaked and peeled)
Moong dal (sprouted whole green moong or yellow moong dal both make great cooling snacks)
Adding these cooling foods to your meals helps reduce Pitta dosha. Click here for our Pitta cooling recipes.
Here are some of our clients' favorite cooling Ayurvedic recipes from the Saumya Kitchen:
Spice Considerations
Spices are digestive herbs. Consuming Pitta cooling spices is one of the Ayurvedic healing pillars. Spices can either reduce or intensify Pitta imbalances. Reducing intake of certain spices can help cool the system. Limit or avoid:
Pungent (hot): Cut back or avoid heating flavors such as garlic, onion, and chilies. Pungent taste may increases excessive heat, particularly in the intestinal tract, increase thirst, burning sensations, and dizziness.
Sour: Minimize vinegar and fermented foods. The sour taste can increase thirst, disturb blood, create inflammation, and leads to burning sensations in the throat, chest, or heart. Sour influences the mind, leading to Pitta emotions such as jealousy or envy.
Salty: Salty flavor primarily comes from salt alone. This taste can disrupt blood balance, increase thirst, impact sensory organs, raise body heat, irritate the skin, reduce the sensory organs, increase gray hair, and wrinkles.
Cooling Spices for Pitta Include:
Coriander: This cooling spice adds flavor without the heat.
Fennel: Known for its digestive benefits, fennel can also cool the body.
Cardamom: This spice treasure stimulates the appetite and promotes healthy digestion without disturbing Pitta dosha.
Using these spices wisely can significantly balance Pitta dosha.
Access your complimentary copy of our free Pitta recipe eBook. Click "Get the Book."
Please note: Saumya Ayurveda does not recommend using herbs as if they were over the counter or prescribed pharmaceuticals. An experienced Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner will create you a custom herbal formula, special nasya, and customized Ayurveda plan to support the whole you.
Herbs are not Ayurvedic because it comes from India. Nor it is correct for you because it is organic. Herbs become Ayurvedic when used as part your customized Ayurveda plan which is carefully tailored for your constitution. An herb that is balancing to one person for a concern, may be imbalancing to another.
Practice Diaphragmatic Breathing
Managing stress effectively can help reduce and balance Pitta. Pitta's nature is intense, so diaphragmatic breathing calms both your mind and body. Read Learn Diaphragmatic Breathing and Change Your Life
That is step number one. When you're breathing diaphragmatically, in time--all of the time, you keep your cool.
Diaphragmatic breathing moves you from fight, flight, freeze mode, to rest-restore-relax and that shifts your focus away from stressors, cooling your mental and emotional state.
Pair diaphragmatic breathing with our free guided practices morning and evening, and you'll start to feel a difference.
Partake of Pitta Cooling Pranayama
How to perform shitali, or cooling breath:
Close your eyes and relax. Sit with your head, neck, and spine in alignment. Straight, yet relaxed.
Curl your tongue to make a straw shape.
Inhale slowly through the straw hole.
Exhale through the nose, keeping the mouth closed.
The inhalation will be cooling to your mouth, tongue, and the mucus membrane, and the head in general.
Note: If you cannot curl your tongue, clench the teeth gently together and press your tongue up against the teeth. Inhale through the teeth, exhale through the nostrils with the mouth closed.
Benefits of Shitali Pranayama
Cools the oral temperature down
Improves digestion, assimilation, and absorption
May lower blood pressure
Reduce symptoms of hot tongue and mouth
Alleviates burning eyes
Cooling to the entire body and mind
Shitali pranayama breathwork is an excellent practice for Pitta types and those with Pitta symptoms. Hot flashes? Add this to your morning and evening daily routine and anytime you need to cool off and chill out.
Woman demonstrating Shitali Pranayama.
Engage in Gentle Yog-asana
Gentle yoga poses can be an excellent way to balance Pitta. Focus on restorative poses that help reduce heat. Here are a few you might try:
Aim to integrate these practices into your morning and evening routines to create a balanced environment in your body and mind.
Practice Relaxation Techniques
Taking time to relax is vital for managing Pitta. Techniques like meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, and tai chi can be very beneficial. Here’s how to begin:
Meditation: Dedicate 10-15 minutes to sitting quietly, focusing on the flow of your breath.
Progressive Muscle Relaxation: Gradually tense and then relax each muscle group, starting from your head down to your toes.
Tai Chi: Engage in this gentle, flowing martial art that focuses on movements and breathing.
Incorporating these techniques into your daily life can significantly affect Pitta dosha.
"While we tend to favor taking herbs and worry about what food we should be eating, the most important act we can do for our physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing is to be calm and relaxed. How do we accomplish this in a stress-filled world? Diaphragmatic breathing."
-Veena, Saumya Ayurveda
10-Minute Progressive Muscle Relaxation
Monitor Your Stress Levels
Keeping tabs on your stress levels is essential for managing pitta. Since stress can increase pitta, recognizing your triggers can help you respond effectively. Steps to consider include:
Keeping a Journal: Write down your thoughts and experiences to identify patterns that raise stress levels. Journaling is a useful way of supporting healthy digestion of emotions.
How to Detox Emotionally: 10 Ayurvedic Practices for Emotional Cleansing
Setting Boundaries: Practice saying no to ensure you prioritize your well-being over unnecessary commitments. Find your sweet spot with social engagements and other activities. Sometimes, less IS more.
Regularly assessing your emotional state lets you take proactive steps to prevent aggravation of Pitta. Cultivating self-awareness as a daily practice is profound.
Limit Exposure to Heat
Avoiding excessive heat is essential when managing high pitta. Consider these strategies:
Stay Indoors During Peak Sun Hours: Exercise is great for your well-being, but it can also heat up your body and mind. Reduce Pitta by exercising early in the morning or in the evening when temperatures are lower.
Opt for less strenuous activities like:
Brisk walks near water or in nature
Chi gung or Tai Chi
Swimming or water aerobics
Leisurely bike rides
Remember to listen to your body and avoid overexertion, especially on hot summer days. Find a way to get exercise without leaving your body overheated and your mind overly intense.
Dress in Loose, Light Clothing: Choose breathable fabrics like cotton to help regulate body temperature.
According to Ayurveda, one can reduce Pitta and heat by choosing fabrics and colors of clothes that balance Pitta. This concept aligns with Surya Chikitsa, the Ayurvedic practice of color therapy or treatment.
Surya Chikitsa teaches that colors have a profound impact on our physical and mental well-being. By extending this principle to our clothing and environment, we can create a cooling effect that helps balance Pitta dosha.
Here's how to apply this wisdom:
Favor cool, natural fabrics that breathe well, such as 100% cotton and linen.
Choose flowing fabrics that allow air to circulate around the body.
As Pitta quality is predominantly hot, cooling colors bring balance – look to the cool side of the color palette and favor blues, greens, cool purples, and white.
If you're feeling particularly warm, consider dousing your clothing with cool water or using cooling scarves and neck gaiters designed to keep you cooler.
Use Fans, Air Conditioning and Shade: Creating a cool indoor space can help counteract excessive heat.
Making these simple adjustments can provide significant relief from high Pitta.
Take Cool Showers or Baths
Cool showers or baths can effectively lower your body temperature and soothe your skin. Follow these tips to maximize this approach:
Cool Showers: Use lukewarm to cool water and keep showers brief, paying attention to sweaty areas.
Herbal Baths: Add calming herbs like chamomile or rose petals to your bathwater for a soothing experience.
Ayurvedic Moon Bathing: Ayurvedic Moon Bathing offers a holistic approach to cooling Pitta, soothing the mind, and fostering a sense of inner peace. Let's delve into the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda and explore how Moon Bathing can benefit your well-being. Looking to refresh your Ayurvedic evening routine, moon bathing is a peaceful addition.
- Click here for more instructions.
This practice not only offers immediate comfort but can also set the tone for a more balanced day.
Implement a Regular Routine
Establishing a daily routine is crucial for reducing pitta levels. Strive for stability in these areas:
Mealtimes: Eating regular meals helps maintain steady digestion. Pitta type people tend to have a strong appetite (agni) and that fire needs to be fed. Avoid delaying meals. Eat a healthy fat-protein based snack if needed.
Sleep Schedule: Go to bed and wake up at the same time daily to ensure restorative rest. Before 10:00pm is a good goal as this is when the second cycle of Pitta gets heating up again!
Activities: Balance work, relaxation, and exercise throughout your day. Make use of our two-minute meditation technique throughout your day and you'll stay calm and cool.
Consistency is key to managing the fiery nature of pitta and fostering tranquility.
Incorporate Cooling Essential Oils
Essential oils can significantly enhance your pitta-reduction strategy. Consider these cooling oils:
Rose: Sattvic and cooling, Pitta dosha is balanced by this aromatic flower essence.
Peppermint: Offers a cooling sensation that can refresh you.
Sandalwood: Known for its soothing qualities, sandalwood can help promote relaxation.
Ayurveda Aromatherapy: Learn more about which essential oils balance Pitta dosha and different ways of using them.
Things You Don't Want To Hear That Do Reduce Pitta
Avoid alcohol. These beverages are both Pitta and Vata aggravating, both drying and heating.
Avoid caffeine. (Yup, coffee and tea). As a central nervous stimulant drug, caffeine fires up an already high octane being!
Avoid hot, spicy, sour, salty, oily, and fried foods.
Avoid processed foods. If what you're about to eat does not look like Mother Nature's work, don't eat it.
Avoid social media and 24-hour news. Does watching it make you feel cool and calm or irritated and over-stimulated?
Embrace These Strategies for Balance
By integrating the methods discussed in this article, you can effectively learn how to immediately reduce Pitta and create a more balanced environment within your body and mind. From staying hydrated with cooling beverages and choosing cooling foods to calming practices like yog-asana, pranayama, and diaphragmatic breathing, you have many practical strategies at your disposal.
Consistency is crucial for maintaining dosha balance. By being mindful of your lifestyle, diet, and emotional wellbeing, you can learn to balance Pitta effectively, leading to enhanced health and vitality.
Take action today to experience the transformation in both your physical and emotional state as you move toward a cooler, calmer you.
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What truly stood out was her care and empathy. Dr. Veena not only treated my acidity but also instilled a lot of confidence in me about managing and overcoming the condition. Her holistic treatment approach was both practical and effective, and she guided me with patience and kindness every step of the way.
Today, I feel a sense of relief I never thought was possible. I am more in tune with my body, and for the first time in months, I feel like I have control over my health. Saumya Ayurveda is more than a clinic—it’s a place of healing, understanding, and hope. If you’re struggling with a condition and feel like nothing is working, I wholeheartedly recommend Saumya Ayurveda and Dr. Veena. Her expertise and compassionate care truly make all the difference.”
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MEET VEENA: YOUR AYURVEDIC GUIDE
Veena is a Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner and meditation teacher, and monk.
She is President Emeritus and teaching faculty of the Meditation Center.
Veena fell in love with the traditional medicine used in her family’s home, learning herbal remedies at her grandmother's knee.
An experienced Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner, Veena’s deep, intuitive knowledge of Ayurveda empowers her clients to reclaim their fullest, most vibrant lives –mentally, physically, and spiritually.
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