Balancing Pitta
Balancing PITTA
Signs and Symptoms of Increased Pitta
You are probably experiencing some of the following signs or symptoms :
- red, inflamed rash, acne, cold sores
- acute inflammation in body or joints
- acid reflux, gastric or peptic ulcers, heartburn
- nausea or discomfort upon missing meals
- loose stools
- uncomfortable feeling of heat in the body
- frustration, anger, irritability
- judgment, impatience, criticism, intolerance
- red, inflamed or light-sensitive eyes
- excessive perfectionist tendencies
To decrease pitta, Ayurveda has given us dietary, lifestyle and herbal treatment strategies. Here are a few underlying concepts that these strategies are based on:
- Cooling
- Surrendering
- Moderation
General Guidelines for a Pitta-Pacifying Diet Enjoy :
Foods that are naturally sweet, bitter, and astringent.
Cooling foods, both energetically and in temperature.
A balance of whole, freshly cooked foods and fresh, raw foods.
Most beans.
Cooling herbs and spices like coriander, cilantro, fennel and cardamom.
Dairy, if you digest it well, but avoid drinking milk with your meals. It is best to have it at least an hour before or after other food.
A moderate amount of high-quality olive, sunflower and coconut oils or ghee in your daily diet.
Routine times for your meals.
Taking a deep breath after swallowing your last bite and heading off for your next activity.
Eating your meal in a peaceful environment.
Avoid :
Foods that are pungent, sour, and salty.
Warming foods, both energetically and in temperature.
Chilli and cayenne peppers.
Highly processed foods (like canned or frozen foods, “TV” dinners or pastries).
Eating fresh fruit or drinking fruit juice within ½ hour of any other food.
Caffeine, nicotine, and other stimulants.
Red meat.
Deep fried foods.
Alcohol, except for an occasional beer or white wine.
General Guidelines for a Pitta- Pacifying Lifestyle Enjoy :
Surrendering rather than controlling.
A regular, daily routine with regular times for eating, sleeping, working, etc. Make sure you have time to play and to relax as well as to work.
A 10–20 minute self-massage daily with ½ cup warm sunflower or coconut oil before bathing.
A moderate exercise routine that includes a challenging form of yoga, swimming or biking, about five times per week. Avoid exercising during the hot part of the day.
Keeping yourself cool, mind and body.
Sweet and soothing music, smells, scenes, and company.
