10 Ways to Soothe Pitta Energy (ayurvedic dosha wisdom)
Mr. T and I pity the fools with too much Pitta energy — I am sometimes one of them. And so is Mr. T. He’s Pitta through and through, if you ask me. :)
Pitta is the second of the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) and summer is Pitta season: hot, fiery, with feistiness on the rise. So whether summer has come early for you, you are naturally a Pitta, or you’ve just hit a sticky patch of anger you’re working through, I’m here to serve up a nice tall glass of Pitta-cooling tips. Not to worry, my sweaty bebes, I’ve got you covered (or uncovered, as the case may be. it’s summer…take your clothes off!)
When in balance, Pitta is passionate and charismatic. Characteristics: focused, energetic, driven, and organized. Elements: fire and water. Governs: metabolism, digestion, and the production of energy.
Pitta goes out of balance when:
- you get overheated
- you are angry
- you’re working too hard
- your diet is comprised of many sour foods
You, with a Pitta imbalance:
Now, stand still while I turn on the hose and spray your hot booty down…
10 Ways To Soothe Pitta Energy:
- Take a cool shower, hit the pool, run through the sprinkler, or bust out the Slip n’ Slide. You can also freeze your bra (or undies/boxers) slumber party style — this is a relatively short-lived cooling mechanism, but it works!
- Drink lots and lots of water. It’ll feel extra refreshing (and spa-like) if you throw in cucumber slices, a lemon or orange wedge, mint, or cherries.
- Eat fresh, juicy, ripe, sweet fruits. Watermelon is summery heaven! You can’t eat it and not smile or feel like a kid again. :D
- Take a slow, leisurely walk in the moonlight.
- Avoid spicy and sour foods and caffeinated drinks.
- Splash your face and neck with rose water or rub rose oil (i use this one from Weleda) on your pulse points. Rose is calming and cooling.
- Practice Sitali Pranayam, an incredibly cooling, relaxing breath exercise. Your head and heart will feel light and your body will feel so very cool.
- Cater your yoga practice to the season — practice during the coolest parts of the day. Also, be sure to include poses known to be cooling: Belly Savasana, Supta Baddha Konasana, Sarvangasana/Shoulder Stand, Halasana/Plow Pose, Seated Forward Bends, Viparita Karani/Legs Up the Wall Pose.
- Wear light, cool colors: white, lavender, sky blue, baby pink, soft yellow, and other pastels.
- Listen to waterfall, babbling brook, rain, or running water tracks. It’s like letting your brain take a dip in the ocean. :)
Stay cool, my friends. There’s no other way to be.
photo credit: snarkerati.com
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soothsayer. illusion slayer. intj/mastermind. writer + artist + strategist + innovator. california born, city of angels bred. gypset world traveler. la face with an oakland booty. queen of the jungle who doesn't lose sleep over the opinions of sheep.
did you write this post for me? I’ll do all except #5.. can’t stop the spice!
Love it, sharing it, living it!
Leave it up to the ‘coolest’ chick around to remind us how to keep cool ;) Agreed, Nancy!
This is perfect for my pitta self – thanks for the share!!! Let me go put my underwear in a freezer now hold on… =P
Great post! You are right on with sweet juicy fruits, however, ayurveda is strongly against eating anything (including fruits) cold as it slows down the digestion process. All fruits are supposed to be eaten at room T. If you want a super cooling summer drink try mixing in aloe vera juice and kelp or spirulina powder into your water. Pitta does extremely well with both!
Best!
you had me at… ‘it’s summer.. take your clothes off’ and ‘stand still while i turn on the hose and cool your hot booty down’… i’m down for all of these.. while this pitta girl like it hot, i can only handle so much fire!
love this Lo.. perfect last day of spring post!
@Nadya – thanks for your comments! yes, you are correct. and that is simply me coloring outside ayurvedic lines. :) i love chilled fruit too much to eschew it! it had to be included, because, by golly, it’s just so damn good and so very cooling.
@Nancy – hollaaaaa! i hear you on the spice, spicy momma.
@Carrisa – aww. blushin’ ovah heah! xo! :D
@Thais – did you get the thrill of your life? ;)
@Lizzie-Loo – i knew you’d be down for a spray-off and perhaps a little Slip n’ Slide!
lemon water that sounds delicious. I am also going to try the rose water. I think I have some on my dresser.I’m definitely a little stressed these days and need to cool off. Hope you are having a rocking day.
I always suggest belly savasana but few take it…it so luscious! as are you my lovely :)
xoxo
Oh I so need all the pitta advice I can get. My metabolism is all wackadoodle and anxiety is my middle name (thanks, mom). I will heed your lovely words o’wisdom.
great list – i couldnt have read your perfect statements at a more adequate time. you are da bomb!
So awesome to read a yogini with attitude and a sense of humor!!! Thanks for a refreshing sense of perspective!!!