Pitta Dosha: The 5 Sub-Doshas and Cooling Heated Digestion|GERD
- Veena Haasl-Blilie
- May 25, 2022
- 11 min read
Updated: Oct 4, 2024
According to the GI Society, there has been a 30% increase in the number of people suffering from GERD compared to ten years ago. If you find yourself with a hoarse voice without having a cold, it might be related to GERD. Discover how the 5 Pitta sub-doshas could be manifesting in your body.
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Pitta Dosha: The 5 Sub-Doshas and Cooling Heated Digestion | GERD
"New survey finds forty percent of Americans’ daily lives are disrupted by digestive troubles" according to the American Gastroenterological Association.
In Ayurveda, each human being is made up of a unique mix of three universal energies – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. These energetic building blocks, called doshas, influence everything from our body shapes, to our temperaments, sleep patterns, and metabolisms.
With warmer days approaching, it’s important to understand Pitta, which rules the summer months. Pitta dosha is associated with fire and water and governs how these elements manifest within us. Think of Pitta doshas as an unctuous oily-water quality.
There are five sub-doshas and these energetic sub-divisions each have a special job. While Pitta dosha is most commonly linked to agni, primarily we think of this as our digestive fire, it plays an important role in our other body and mind functions as well.
GERD treatment, acid reflux treatment, heartburn treatment--it all hurts and Pitta is screaming at us for healing. Let's take a closer look at the five sub-doshas of Pitta and expand our understanding of what's going on.
Related Readings: How to Cool Pitta and Reduce Body Heat with Ayurveda Hot List of Common Pitta Imbalances
Alochaka Pitta: Vision and Discernment
Alochaka Pitta influences how we see the world, both physically and psychologically. It governs visual functions, like our eyes and retina – but also our inner vision and discernment.
Balanced Alochaka Pitta powers Pitta dosha’s keen awareness. When balanced, this aspect of Pitta dosha accurately perceives the external world, judges right from wrong, and make senses of our inner and outer realities. Out of balance, we may have trouble analyzing or interpreting people and situations. We may also experience physical issues like eye infections and degraded vision.
Sadhaka Pitta: Heart and Consciousness
Another important Pitta subdosha governs our brains and hearts. Sadhaka Pitta controls how we metabolize emotions and stress – and acts as a direct line to our inner consciousness. The saying, "She's all heart" means that person has a kind and generous disposition or nature--in other words, balanced Pitta dosha, specifically Sadhaka Pitta.
Balanced Sadhaka Pitta keeps our minds in tune, alert, and connected. It clears tamas, or darkness of the heart, so we can bloom into our most awakened and radiant selves. Out of balance, we may have trouble letting go, ruminate on negative thoughts, or experience mood swings.
Bhrajaka Pitta: Skin & Touch
Bhrajaka Pitta subdosha rules our skin - our largest organ - and sense of touch. We don't think of our skin as a vehicle of ingesting and digesting, yet skin metabolizes such things as touch, sunlight and air. Our skin covers and protects our entire body, and everything within it. It is through this complex organ that we encounter and experience the physical world.
We may say an experience gave us goosebumps, or made the hair stand on end--responses which result from intense fear, anxiety, excitement or delight. Through Bhrajaka Pitta, we are taking in and assimilating experiences.
Like Pitta dosha, Bhrajaka Pitta is associated with how we absorb and disperse heat and moisture. In balance, our skin is supple, hydrated, and bright. Out of balance we may develop rashes, discoloration, and even cancers of the skin.
“Veena is an awesome partner and she really helped me investigate my issues, including eczema, and developed an Ayurveda plan that was easy to integrate into my life and now I am thankfully, eczema free."
-Rachael R., Denver, Colorado
Ranjaka Pitta: Blood & Circulation
Ranjaka Pitta governs how blood forms and circulates through our body and organs. In Sanskrit, the word Ranjaka means “coloring agent.” Accordingly, Ranajaka Pitta colors our inner and outer physiology.
In balance, Ranjaka Pitta maintains healthy pigmentation - from our hair and skin tone to our bowel movements and urine - and optimal blood function. Out of balance, we may experience issues of the blood, such as liver malfunction or anemia. We may also experience discoloration of our hair, skin, and bowel movements.
Pachaka Pitta: Stomach & Digestion
Pachaka Pitta governs digestion from within the small intestine. In Ayurveda, digestion is considered the bedrock of our health. Plus, Pitta dosha is deeply associated with agni, our digestive fire. Thus, Pachaka Pitta has a profound influence on all other forms of Pitta.
Pachaka Pitta enables proper digestion and absorption of the foods that nourish our entire being. As Pachaka Pitta is a foundational subdosha, Pitta imbalances are often first observed as digestive issues.
There comes a day if Pachaka Pitta begins to aggravate, that we may notice, or not, a general sense of heat in our belly, we may pass it off as something we ate or drank. Left unchecked, Pitta dosha continues to aggravate in the lower stomach and small intestine, it may manifest as hyperacidity, or looser stools. Check out our article on Poo Analysis with Ayurveda: What Your Poop Says About Your Health to learn more.
"If aggravated Pitta is not reduced, it can spread throughout the body and manifest as various symptoms like heat flashes, flushing, and skin conditions. Clients often experience multiple health issues stemming from Pitta dosha. Recognizing this root cause can provide immediate relief and hope. Read their stories to see how they address Pitta dosha." -Veena, Saumya Ayurveda
Thanks to modern dietary and lifestyle stressors, fiery Pitta dosha is prone to overheating – particularly in the summer months and during periods of stress. One of the most common symptoms of heated Pitta is Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), also known as heartburn or acid reflux.
If you're hoarse without a cold, it could be GERD. Harvard Medical School explains that GERD is caused by the lower esophageal sphincter not closing properly, leading to acid and food flowing back into the esophagus. This is known as acid reflux. Symptoms include sore throat, hoarseness, and a bad taste in the mouth. Chronic symptoms are called GERD, with heartburn being the most common symptom.
Pitta Dosha: The 5 Sub-Doshas and Cooling Heated Digestion | GERD
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Cooling Heated Pitta Dosha for Digestive Relief
If something you eat manifests with a fiery vengeance, you may be experiencing symptoms of GERD. Over 20% of Americans have heartburn at least once a week, and it’s not just uncomfortable – it can cause serious health issues if left untreated.
In Ayurveda, digestive issues like GERD are caused by an imbalance in Pitta dosha. To remedy these ailments, we must cool Pitta in the body.
There’s rarely just one symptom of high Pitta
You may think heartburn, loose bowel movements, and migraines are unrelated ailments – but they stem from the same root cause, aggravated Pitta dosha. Ayurveda connects the dots, and allows us to see how digestive function manifests as a multitude of bothersome issues.
In general, GERD and other digestive symptoms of Pitta dosha - such as ulcerative colitis, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), inflammation, migraines, eczema, liver concerns-- may be considered, in part, lifestyle ailments. Thus, our diet, herbal remedies, and lifestyle practices can provide relief.
Signs of Pitta Imbalance:
Red, burning, or irritated skin
Migraines, rashes, response to insect bites, and hot flashes, and night sweats
More argumentative, judgmental, competitive, angry, irritated, frustrated, and nit-picky (short fused)
Inflammation or any of the "itis” conditions
Feel nauseous or hangry if they don’t eat
Heat avoidant or intolerant
Heavy, clotty cycles
Heated digestive system issues such as heartburn, GERD, inflammatory bowel conditions, and flare ups
Food as Medicine for Pitta Dosha Digestion
Water helps soothe heated Pitta. Drinking plenty of warm or room temperature water. Water pacifies Pitta which can alleviate gastric issues such as heartburn, and loose bowel movements. Better yet is to drink herbalized tea specific to your constitution and needs. Avoid drinking coffee, soda, or alcohol – which can have the opposite effect.
Ayurvedic Diet for Acid Reflux
Processed foods are harder to digest – and spicy or oily foods aggravate inflamed Pitta. Incorporate mild, cooling foods to decrease internal heat. Eat meals when you’re relaxed, at the same time every day, to help your digestive system find a healthy rhythm.
Client Favorite Recipes for Pitta: Ayurvedic Green Juice Recipes You Can Make At Home
Liver Cleanse with Ayurvedic Food Rose Pistachio Kheer Recipe to Cool Pitta Dosha Pitta Dosha Cooling Coconut Limeade Ayurveda Beet Soup Cilantro Coconut Chutney Coconut Mango Smoothie
A Must Read: Cooling Foods in Ayurveda.
Herbs for Pitta Dosha Digestion
Herbal remedies that reduce inflammation and balance digestion can soothe GERD, loose stools, IBS, and other symptoms of heated Pitta dosha.
Licorice and Neem: These extremely valuable gastroprotective herbs help regulate
Shatavari and Vidari: Both mucilaginous herbs, these help balance pitta dosha, soothe GERD symptoms, and improve gastric functioning.
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 of 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.
Lifestyle for Pitta Dosha Digestion
Our lifestyle habits affect how we feel mentally and physically – and how they digest food. Release pressure by taking moments of meditation throughout the day. Listen to this 2-minute guided meditation, or this 11-minute systemic relaxation meditation, twice daily for a quick reset. Cool off with Keep Your Cool: Top Yoga Tips for Pitta Dosha
As Pitta dosha is ruled by fire and water, we can harness the latter to soothe the heat. Spend time by water (preferably flowing water) to tap into its cooling and nourishing properties. Even a few minutes will help.
When it comes to our lifestyles, what we don’t do is just as important as what we do. Give yourself a break, and ease up, take it easy. Pitta can be intense and fiery – take time to breathe, rest, and cool down throughout your busy day. Also important, don’t take things too seriously. Humor and laughter can keep us from getting stressed or hot-headed, so queue up the funny cat videos.
There is a saying, "The mind is more in the body, than the body is in the mind." The Saumya 3 step meditation process shifts us from fight-flight-freeze mode, to rest-restore-relax mode. Give it a try for forty days and observe the changes. The more grounded and relaxed we are, the smoother life flows.
"The breath is the connection between the mind and body, so by training the breath, we become calm, focused, and grounded, we slow down the aging process by decreasing stress. These practices are so simple and easy to have as part of our daily life. We actually feel and look younger."
- Veena, Saumya Ayurveda
1. Learn Diaphragmatic Breathing and Change Your Life. When we re-learn to breath diaphragmatically, we move from the flight-fight-freeze mode, to rest, restore, relaxation mode from where we want and need to live.
2. Free Daily Guided Practices: 11 minutes in the morning and in the evening, as anchors of your daily Ayurveda routine.
3. Ayurveda Daily Routines: Ayurvedic Morning Routine | 6 Rituals for a Calm and Centered Day
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"Veena was able to help me regain my energy in just a few months and I’m feeling like my “young” self again! I love the food plan she designed for me, and all the supporting practices (am/pm routines, breathing techniques, herbs, and spice mixes) are so enjoyable to incorporate into my day. I highly recommend Saumya Ayurveda if you want to feel better and have more vitality.”
-Molly Rossini, Minnesota
Explore More: Ayurveda Breathwork Pranayama
“I have suffered from chronic headaches and migraines for as long as I can remember. I had talked to multiple PCPs and specialists about these issues, had been prescribed a variety of medications that never really fixed the issue.
Veena promptly put together a plan of action. Right away I noticed a significant decrease in the number of headaches I was getting, and when I did get them, they were much less severe than they had been in the past.
This is certainly the headache treatment plan that I have seen the biggest benefit from, and I plan to continue my Ayurveda plan moving forward."
I am very thankful for Veena's knowledge and advice and would not hesitate to recommend her services to friends and family alike.”
-Adrienne Sobering, Albuquerque, New Mexico
“Veena has been great. I suffered with burning mouth syndrome for many years. Doctors and dentists had no idea what I was even talking about, much less solutions. Veena knew immediately. Within in a few weeks of using the herbs and protocols she recommended, I am not experiencing any of the symptoms I did previously. And, my thinking is clearer, I am nearly free from hot flashes, and I feel more like myself.
Everything has been easy to incorporate into my life, which is the best part. This feels sustainable. I highly recommend working with Veena.”
--Liz Pfeffer, New Mexico
“I was inflamed. I had trouble keeping weight on, I was diagnosed with incurable ulcerative proctitus, my energy was very low, and I was taking medications daily for a skin condition, and I had severe migraines.
Following Veena’s guidance, all these conditions have been nearly eliminated! The incurable ulcerative proctitus was given a Mayo Clinic Score of 0, normal or inactive disease.
I’m very grateful to Veena for the wonderful results and the healthier quality of life we have attained together. Without reservation, I highly recommend Veena at Saumya Ayurveda.”
---Christopher Schirber, Yoga Teacher, Minnesota
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Pitta Dosha: The 5 Sub-Doshas and Cooling Heated Digestion | GERD
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Book a free consultation with Veena from Saumya Ayurveda
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