Balance Pitta with Essential Oils

If you notice yourself to be irritable, short tempered and agitated, or perhaps unusually hot and bothered with inflamed skin, rashes and heartburn, it may mean your Pitta is out of balance.

Pitta is one of the three energy types, or doshas, according to Ayurveda. Each of us possesses all three doshas in varying quantities, yet one or two types are dominant. When our doshas are in balance, we live healthfully and harmoniously. Out of balance doshas lay the foundation for disease and distress.

Pitta is the dosha that represents fire and water, but mostly manifests as a recognisably fiery characteristics. Pitta types in balance are energetic, optimistic, joyful, as well as intellectually sharp, driven and ambitious. When Pitta moves out of balance, this passion and zest can manifest as impatience, hostility and a general sense of being ‘hot under the collar’.

In Ayurveda, certain cooling essential oils are used to cool Pitta energy down to a simmer, where they may move through life with a balanced body, mind and soul in their own vivacious way.

Pitta Characteristics

Physical features

Pitta types are often athletic types with a medium build, muscular and of a medium weight. Pittas tend to both gain and lose weight easily. A Pitta in balance will have beautifully radiant skin that may be prone to sensitivity and sun damage. They have excellent digestion and sleep soundly, despite their high levels of activity. Pittas have medium sized eyes with a piercing gaze and some may have red or lightish hair.

Mental characteristics 

Pittas are highly intellectual, with a strong ability to focus and concentrate. They are the most ambitious dosha and enjoy competition. They love being the centre of attention and make excellent speakers, teachers and leaders. This innovative dosha is always ahead of the pack with their abundant inner energy and drive.

Emotional qualities

When in balance, Pittas are confident and have a high sense of self worth. This self assurance allows them to experience deep happiness and a sense of inner peace. Pittas need purpose, and when they are living in alignment with their true self, they bring joy and excitement to both themselves and the world around them.

 

Out of Balance Pitta

Like a pot left too long on the stove, too much heat causes a Pitta to boil over. When looking for a Pitta imbalance, follow the flames.

Physical Imbalance

An out of balance Pitta will experience inflammation in the body. Redness and rashes such as hives, rosacea or acne may flare up as a sign of imbalance. Excessive sweating, hot flashes and restlessness are other signs. Pittas have a strong agni, or digestive fire, that serves them well. Yet when this is out of balance Pittas will experience GERD, heartburn and even peptic ulcers.

Mental Imbalance

Ambitious Pittas run the risk of becoming workaholics when out of balance. Their driven nature and sharp mind may become frustrated with those who can’t keep up, resulting in arguments, agitation and hostility towards others. Their need to control everything and everyone can turn them into a control freak, leaving them irritable and not easy to be around.

Emotional Imbalance

Passionate Pittas are prone to burn out. their incessant need to go go go and do do do may lead to living a chronic stress state, with the inability to relax. An out of balance Pitta may be quick to anger with a fiery temper to match. As well as having a tendency to blame others, when don’t meet their own expectations this anger and frustration will turn inward. Creating a volcanic eruption from within that manifests in every area of their lives.

The simple way to balance Pitta is to focus on cooling and calming activities, food choices and lifestyle. Walks in nature, strenuous yoga or pilates, as well as mindfulness meditation can assist in restoring harmony.

They also respond well to deep massages using cooling oils such as coconut mixed with essential oils. Avoiding spicy and acidic foods and instead choosing raw salads, sweet fruits and fresh juices will help cool an overheated digestive system.

Aromatherapy is extremely powerful for soothing and balancing Pitta. Heating oils such as ginger or clove are better avoided. Choose sweet and cooling essential oils like the ones below.

Peppermint

The cooling aroma of Peppermint essential oil will bring an out of balance Pitta into equilibrium. Peppermint is known for its uplifting properties that increase mental focus and gently stimulate the brain.

Ylang Ylang

The sweet, uplifting scent of Ylang Ylang serves to pacify Pitta, bringing about a sense of ease, wellbeing and overall contentment. Ylang Ylang actually activates the brain to release small amounts of dopamine, our feel good hormone. In addition, helping to reduce stress.

Lavender

Lavender is the most widely used essential oil dues to its effectiveness and versatility. Soothing Lavender essential oil will calm down an overworked Pitta, restoring balance and harmony. It also helps to relieve tension headaches and promotes better sleep.