Wellness, Naturally: Balancing Pitta in Winter

In Ayurveda, there are three types of energy, also known as the three doshas. They are called kapha, vata, and pitta. Pitta dosha is related to the fire element, and it can be found in everything and everyone. In Ayurvedic thought, when this fire is weak, we experience indigestion. Pitta individuals are typically athletic and tend to gain weight evenly. These individuals are typically success-oriented, energetic, quick-witted, and have a great capacity for achieving balance and well-being. However, an excess of pitta can overheat the mind-body system. Thankfully, the fall and early winter months are often the most comfortable for pitta-dominant people, as the cool temperatures sooth their internal heat.

Signs of pitta imbalance

A pitta imbalance will typically manifest through anger, irritability, overall discontentment, acidic indigestion, heartburn, and inflammation. Pitta can become imbalanced when one doesn’t get enough rest or eats spicy foods.

Here are three easy ways to bring pitta back into balance.

1. Drink a cool glass of milk. Milk cools the fiery energy of pitta.
2. Stay hydrated. Make sure to drink lots of water throughout the day.
3. Take regular breaks. When pitta is high, there is a tendency to focus and dive in. This can be useful, but it must be balanced with occasional breaks. This will help refresh your spirits and keep you cool and relaxed. This way you can work without letting the work overwhelm you.

Understanding how to feed your fire

If you have a pitta constitution, it’s wise to avoid pungent, salty and sour foods. Reduce sour fruits like grapefruits, and eat sweet fruits like mangoes, pineapples, grapes, and melons as part of your daily routine in order to maintain good health. Avoid veggies like tomatoes, onions, and hot peppers. Instead, favor cooling foods like cucumbers, green beans, potatoes, cauliflower, and broccoli.

Pitta individuals should use seasonings that are cooling and soothing. These include clove, cilantro, cardamom, and fennel. Hot seasonings, such as cumin and mustard seed, should be used sparingly. And if you’re a non-vegetarian, chicken and turkey are better than beef and seafood. Dairy can help balance the heat of pitta and should include things like butter and milk.

Keep your cool

Balancing Pitta also includes making positive lifestyle adjustments. Try to find a balance between rest and activity each day by ensuring your schedule allows for free time. Don’t skip meals or wait till you’re famished to eat. Spend time in nature, take a stroll in the woods, and keep plants and fresh flowers at home. You may even want to consider performing a daily massage with cooler oils like coconut. it’s also a good idea to practice aromatherapy with mint, lavender or sandalwood. Most of all, make sure to laugh a lot every day.

At the Art of Living Retreat Center, we provide guidance on how to keep your pitta in balance. We offer a sense of connection, inner peace, and rejuvenation. Nestled on a scenic mountaintop in the Blue Ridge Mountains, our center is the ideal location to begin or enhance your Ayurvedic lifestyle and personal transformation. Everyone is cared for like family.

Want to learn more about the kind of retreats the Art of Living Retreat Center offers? Check out our calendar, or feel free to give us a call at 800-392-6870. We’re looking forward to chatting with you!