Ayurveda dates back 5,000-year-old to India where sages are said to have compiled volumes of guidelines for diet and treat illness and disease. It is still widely practiced in India today and has spread worldwide. Pittas represent fire and water. They are of medium build, often athletic with defined muscles, a hearty appetite and a very efficient digestion. Food disappears around Pittas. Known for their leadership qualities, self-confidence, Pittas are high achievers. When imbalanced, Pittas can become critical of others. There are ways to remain sattvic, or calm and luminous, even if you are Pitta-dominant.
Instructions
1. Start by staying cool, literally. In summer, stay out of the direct sun from 10 am to 2 pm when the sun is at its strongest. Pittas run hot and exposing themselves to extreme heat will challenge them to keep their tempers from flaring. Instead, remain indoors or in the shade, well hydrated. Winter sports and moonlight walks pacify Pittas who have the internal fire to remain in good spirits in cold weather.
2. Channel competitive drives in sports or other physical activities. Pittas are blessed with athletic prowess: use it to run 5 miles before work or lift weights at the gym on your lunch break. Moderate to strenuous exercise is appropriate if you are in good health and do it consistently to prevent injuries from being a weekend warrior. Play good sportsmanship: play for the joy of it and don’t drum the other team if they win.
3. Eat to fuel your body. Generally Pittas are sports warriors that do the kind of athletic output most people call pre-Olympic training. Resistance training every day? Running before work, surfing on Saturdays and biking 30 miles on Sunday morning at 7 am? Eat a sold 3 meals with the largest meal at 12 noon when digestion is strongest. Snack on high-protein foods such as low-fat yogurt and nuts or a half a tuna sandwich. Avoid empty calories or very salty foods. Pittas must not skip meals or they experience a burning digestion: their agni fire of digestion is so strong.
4. Consume foods that are cooling. Ayurveda recommends Pittas eat foods that are astringent, bitter and sweet. A typical meal might be steamed kale and carrot (bitter and sweet), with brown rice (sweet), tofu, with lemon juice dressing (astringent). Eat whole foods over processed and avoid very salty foods. Known for strong hunger and thirst, drink diluted fruit juices, Pitta-pacifying teas, fresh vegetable juices (parsley, wheatgrass with carrot, ginger or apple) and avoid caffeine in coffee or teas.
5. Make time for non-competitive recreation. Sewing, gardening and yard work or biking leisurely are all ways to unplug the competitive fire that can rage out of control in Pittas. Emphasize play to level the strong impulse to dominate and conquer.
6. Begin a meditation practice. Simplify things by setting aside 10 to 15 minutes to sit quietly with eyes closed. You might practice breath work by closing off the right nostril with your right thumb and breathing through the left nostril for 7 to 10 cycles of breath. The left nostril is the lunar side and some people who practice yoga block off the right nostril for several hours during a meditation retreat to access the right side of the brain that is non-linear and intuitive.
7. Express your creativity and humor. This might mean keeping a book of jokes on your nightstand or performing at a stand up comedy night for amateurs. Expressing your sense of humor will help lessen the intense performance and competitive drives many Pittas have.
8. Schedule in non-productive time. This is what people once called “down time.” It may be only 30 minutes or an hour every day where you do not have to produce or do anything. This allows time for quiet reflection or walking your dog. Unhingeing mentally is restorative for the precise, active mind of a Pitta.
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