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The Pitta Dosha
The term pitta comes from the Sanskrit word pinj, meaning “to
shine." It
carries the meaning of “that which digests” and is associated with the
idea of being yellow-tinged or bilious. In its widest sense, Pitta
digestive function includes all chemical and metabolic transformations
in the body as well as processes which promote heat production (such as
the conversion of iodine to triiodotyrosine in the thyroid gland). Pitta
also governs our ability to absorb ideas and impressions and to
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
that make us up: it is encoded in our hormones, enzymes, organic acids,
and neurotransmitters. Charaka Samhita, an ancient Ayurvedic text,
teaches that pitta functions in digestion and heat production---providing vision,
blood color, and skin luster.
Here is a table which summarizes the manifestations of a balanced or
unbalanced (excessive) Pitta dosha:
Effects of Pitta Dosha
Effect of Balanced Pitta
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Effect of Unbalanced (Excess) Pitta
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- Strong and complete digestion
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- Incomplete digestion; poor
differentiation between nutrients and wastes
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- Normal heat and thirst mechanisms
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- Irregular body temperature,
disturbed perspiration, unregulated fluid intake
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- Good complexion; healthy facial tone
and coloration
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- Variable, blotchy skin color,
inflamed; unhealthy appearance
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- Hair lustrous and usually slightly
wavy
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- Irritable, anxious, driven, obsessed
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- Courageous, cheerful, focused
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- Loss of energy and joy for life
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- Stimulated, open intellect
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- Dullness of reasoning faculty
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- Steadfast concentration on the
truth; disciplined, responsible
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- Efficient assimilation of foods
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- Heartburn, peptic ulcer, irritable
bowels, hemorrhoids, diarrhea, alcoholism
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Copyright 2002 Scott Gerson, M.D. Used with
permission.
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