Pitta Season
Pitta Season
The three Ayurvedic Seasons, Vata, Pitta and Kapha, change each other in everlasting cycle. In India there are six seasons; we here have only four, and they can be divided between the three doshas as following:
Vata: Fall and early winter or whenever it is cold, windy and dry.
Pitta: Late spring and summer or when it is hot.
Kapha: Late winter through early spring or when it is cold and wet.
See also: Ritucharya-seasonal routine; and Dinacharya-daily routine).
Pitta (fiery) season is obviously ruling now. Even if you live in place with moderate summer temperature the increase of sun light during the day makes the Pitta dosha inevitable influence our mind and body.
Pitta consists of fire and water, and it is quite a task to balance these two antagonistic elements. At the onset of Pitta season both elements are present. In the beginning the fire of spring starts melting the cold of winter, and streams of water rush to do Pitta’s job transforming everything. As Pitta season matures, the increasing fire evaporates the water, and only heat remains. At the end the heat settles down giving place to the cool windy Vata season.
Similar changes occur in our mind and body. The beginning of the season warms us up while feelings and expectations overflow us like spring streams. When summer heat eats up the watery stability, fiery emotions like anger and irritability increase. Pitta energy boosts our metabolism, digestion, and the ability of the mind and intellect to process information.
If Pitta is not controlled, increased heat in the environment causes both internal and external burning and inflammation, as well as heated emotions.
Balancing Pitta :
Avoid excessive heat
Avoid excessive oil
Avoid excessive steam
Avoid sour and fermented food (See Food list for Pitta)
Limit salt intake
Eat cooling, not spicy food
Drink cool (but not iced) drinks
Exercise during the cooler part of the day (see Yoga asanas for Pitta)
Massage. Massage is one of the most effective ways to cool and soothe the body, mind and emotions. Since the skin is an organ of digestion, Pitta’s imbalances often reside in it. A regular cooling massage can work wonders to alleviate excess heat. Abhyanga with coconut oil will make you feel special even on very hot days (See Abhyanga – the daily oliation).
Meditation. Pitta is the power of transformation. If you want to change anything in your life, now is the time to do it. All energies, both outside of you and within you, are capable of great transformation. (See Meditation for Pitta; How to meditate; Yoga Nidra).
TODAY’S TIP: Fried food, spicy food, orange juice, wine, beer and soft drinks are heating and thus Pitta aggravating. They should be avoided in hot seasons.
Hello Larisa
I was reading your article on Three Ayurvedic Season
I believe currently Vata is on for fall and early winter followed by Kapha late winter . my question is that for a person who has Vata and Pitta dosha …like myself …do I have to follow Vata Diet now ?I believe I have to avoid food that increases Vata right . Then how about during Kapha period ..do i still have to follow Vata Diet ?
I like your website Larise ..its full with useful information . I did ask you earlier about rock salt and you told me that you uses Himalayan Pink salt . I did buy from the indian grocery store Himalayan Pink Salt. Its Shan Product but when I grind the crystals they turn out to be not really pink just like white ….but the crystals are pink in colour …..
Anyway thanking you in advance for all your replies .
Dalvinder
Is rock salt safe to use in cooking daily food? Rock salt is used for
making ice cream right ? But would the salt stand the heat from
cooking ?
Is rock salt better than celtic sea salt ?
I have read a number of books that says wheat is bad for health as it
causes inflammation? In fact the chiropractor dr that my husband is
seeing for blood pressure issue also said the same thing . But in
ayurveda depending on the type of dosha wheat is still favourable .
Its kind of a bit confusing .
Is basmati rice the same as long grain white rice?
Your feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Thanking you in advance.
Thank you for your questions and interest in Ayurveda.
1. According to dictionary rock salt is “common salt occurring in
extensive, irregular beds in rock-like masses”. That means that all salt in
big crystals is rock salt. If needed we can grind it. I use Himalayan pink
salt in small crystals and grind it when necessary.
2. Wheat gives strength and endurance when eaten at lunch. In the morning
and in the afternoon our body hasn’t enough power to digest wheat. Many
diseases are caused by grains and beans eaten after 3 p.m. Good choice for
dinner (if ever) are steamed vegetables for Vata and Kapha and fruit for
Pitta. When one eats big meal at lunch (preferably at 12-1 p.m.), the
food is digested so fully, that it is no need for dinner. But if you eat
later, at 4-5 p.m., food is digested only partly and you are hungry in the
evening again. This eating pattern consumes the body’s power without
nourishing it. I personally eat light breakfast, full lunch with grains
and beans at 12 till 2 p.m.; and I am absolutely not hungry in the
evening. Before bed I have a cup of hot milk with spices.
It has to be said that commercial bread isn’t a good source of wheat. At
least look for bread made without yeast.
3. Basmati rice is different from long grain rice. Basmati rice is
available almost everywhere and is the best sort of rice to eat according
to Ayurveda.
Stay well and thank you for your questions. Larisa.