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Basic Principles Of Ayurveda |
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Pitta Dosha
The term pitta comes from the Sanskrit word pinj meaning to shine
(according to Sir Monier-Williams its exact entomology is a mystery).
It carries the meaning of that which digests and is associated
with the idea of being yellow-tinged or bilious. In its widest
sense, Paittika digestive function includes all chemical and metabolic
transformations in the body as well as processes which promote
heat production (i.e. conversion of iodine to triiodotyrosine
in the thyroid gland). Pitta also governs our ability to digest
ideas and impressions and to therefore perceive the true nature
of reality. It stimulates the intellect and creates enthusiasm
and determination.
Pitta is often regarded as the fire within the body. Think of
it as the energy stored in the chemical bonds of all the organic
substances which make us up: its encoded in our hormones, enzymes,
organic acids, and neurotransmitters. Charaka Samhita, an ancient
Ayurvedic text, teaches that pitta functions in digestion, heat
production, providing color to the blood, vision, and skin luster.
Here is a table which summarizes the manifestations of a balanced
or unbalanced (excessive) Pitta dosha:
Effects of Pitta Dosha
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Effect of Balanced Pitta |
Effect of Unbalanced (Excess)Pitta |
Strong and complete digestion |
Incomplete digestion; poor differentiation between nutrients and
wastes |
Normal heat and thirst mechanisms |
Irregular body temperature, disturbed perspiration, unregulated
fluid intake |
Excellent vision |
Impaired vision |
Good complexion; healthy facial tone and coloration |
Variable, blotchy skin color, inflamed; unhealthy appearance |
Hair lustrous and usually slightly wavy |
Irritable, anxious, driven, obsessed |
Courageous, cheerful, focused |
Loss of energy and joy for life |
Stimulated, open intellect |
Dullness of reasoning faculty |
Steadfast concentration on the truth; disciplined, responsible |
Spiritually impoverished |
Efficient assimilation of foods |
Heartburn, peptic ulcer, irritable bowels, hemorrhoids, diarrhea,
alcoholism |
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