Vaidya Prathmesh Vyas studied at the Ayurveda universities in Nagpur and Rajasthan and is renowned as a specialist in Ayurvedic pulse diagnosis.
He has examined over 12,000 clients and traveled across 15 countries worldwide. During a visit to the Netherlands, we met Vaidya Prathmesh Vyas on a hot summer day - the perfect setting for a conversation about the heightened Pitta Dosha during this season.
Maharishi Ayurveda Team: What role does pitta play in our body?
Vaidya Prathmesh Vyas: According to Ayurvedic knowledge, everything in our universe is composed of five elements: air, fire, water, earth, and ether—including our body and consciousness. These five elements also shape our doshas, dhatus (tissues), and excretions, known as malas in Ayurveda. The three dosha types are Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Pitta represents fire within our physiology. It is located in the stomach and intestines, where pancreatic and bile juices mix. Pitta governs digestion, metabolism, body temperature regulation, intellect, complexion, and vision.
When in the course of a day, a year or in our lives is Pitta particularly strong?
Pitta dominates about one and a half hours after eating, when we feel energized without a sensation of heaviness or emptiness in the stomach. During the day, Pitta peaks between 10 am and 2 pm, when hunger naturally arises. At night, it is active between 10 pm and 2 am —those with strong Pitta imbalances often feel discomfort during this time.
Throughout the year, Pitta accumulates in late summer, potentially causing issues in autumn before subsiding in winter. Over a lifetime, Pitta is strongest between ages 18 and 50, when Pitta-related imbalances are most common.
How can the pitta dosha get out of balance and cause an imbalance?
The pitta characteristics are hot, pungent, a little oily. Anything that increases these qualities also intensifies Pitta. This also includes emotions such as anger, sadness or fear, overwork, prolonged fasting and sexual activity. Spicy, sour and salty foods increase pitta, for example chili, garlic or pickles. Yoghurt and highly oily foods also boost the dosha. Smoking is of course a damaging factor, as is excessive consumption of wine or prolonged sunbathing.
If you already have a Pitta-dominant constitution, these factors - combined with Pitta seasons or the Pitta phase of life - can push your Pitta dosha out of balance.
How can I tell if I am a Pitta type?
People with dominant Pitta naturally react sensitively to spicy foods, hot drinks, and high temperatures. Their body temperature is usually high, they sweat easily and tend to have irritated skin and thin, fine hair. At the same time, they have a strong appetite and good digestion. They are very intelligent and have a sharp mind. Pitta types are courageous and adventurous. They get excited quickly, but calm down again quickly.
How can we reduce elevated Pitta or maintain the natural Pitta balance?
There are several effective methods. For example, ghee. Conusuming or using pure butterfat helps regulate Pitta. Unlike oils, ghee is sweet, cooling, and soft, the opposite of Pitta’s fiery nature. It is best stirred into milk or used to prepare food. The amount should be one or two teaspoons, depending on your tolerance and the extent of the pitta imbalance. To calm Pitta, you should also favor sweet, astringent, bitter and cool foods and herbs.
Recommended foods to balance pitta dosha:
- Ghee
- Milk
- Butter
- Barley
- Mung beans
- Asparagus
- Artichocke
- Avocado
- Pomegranate
- Melon
- Coconut
- Raisins
Recommended herbs and spices:
- Licorice
- Chamomile
- Vetiver
- Coriander
- Aloe vera
The aroma of jasmine, rose or chamomile can also calm pitta. For example, put some rose water in a spray bottle and then mist your face and body with it. And even though you should normally avoid sleeping during the day, I would recommend resting for an hour or two to calm Pitta.
All of these recommendations are suitable for anyone experiencing a pitta imbalance, or in the fall. Pitta types should pay attention to them all year round, especially, of course, during Pitta imbalances or after the summer.
More Vaidya tips for increased Pitta
Jewelry and accessories
If you love jewelry, wear pearls, coral, or fresh, fragrant flowers like jasmine.
Relaxation
Enjoy the sight of the full moon on a warm late-summer night. A moonlit walk or a romantic evening in the garden has a wonderfully calming effect.
A breath of fresh air
Let yourself be cooled by a fresh breeze, such as near mountains, large lakes, or rivers.
Shower and bath
The Vedic scriptures recommend bathing under a waterfall. If you are not one of the lucky ones who can put this tip into practice on a spontaneous trip, turn the temperature control to cool to cold when bathing or showering. This is the closest you can get to the refreshing effect!
Joy
Experience childlike, pure joy, as happiness helps calm Pitta. Ayurveda mentions the importance of spending time with close friends for this purpose.