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July 19, 2008

Subtypes of Pitta

Pitta governs fire and metabolism. Not simply digestion of food, but knowledge, emotion and sensory assimilation too. No sub dosha works alone, for example your eye colour is a result of the combined work of alochaka and ranjaka.

Pachaka Pitta
Pachaka pitta is the function of bile and acid located in the gastrointestinal tract from the stomach to the small intestines. Pachaka regulates the temperature of digestion of food, distinguishing the essence from the waste. Imbalance can lead to poor or irregular digestion, heartburn, ulcers or malabsorbtion.

Ranjaka Pitta
Once pachaka has broken down the food, ranjaka forms it into the tissues, primarily the blood. Toxins, wether a result of polluted food, water and air, or inadequate pachaka function, will especially imbalance ranjaka pitta. Imbalanced ranjaka can lead to blood disorders including anemia, high or low cholesterol or blood pressure, and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Alochaka Pitta
Alochaka pitta lives in the eyes, absorbing images and colours. It plays some role in all the senses and our emotional response. Nearly all eye disorders (except cataracts for example) are a result of imbalanced alochaka.

Sadhaka Pitta
Sadhaka is located throughout the nervous system, especially the brain and heart. It processes ideas and experiences and governs expression, ambition, intelligence and self esteem. Imbalanced sadhaka may cause heart attack, delusions, confusion or a lack of appreciation and will.

Bhrajaka Pitta
Bhrajaka pitta lives just under the skin, governing it's complexion, temperature and lustre. It processes sensations of touch, temperature and pain. Bhrajaka transforms loving touch into healing and absorbs anything on the skin including sunlight, oils or pollution. Imbalanced bhrajaka may cause seasonal affective disorder, acne, eczema, psoriasis and all sorts of skin disorders.

Find out about the sub types of Vata here.

10 comments:

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Julia said...

Thanks, glad you stopped by, I certainly appreciate the advice!

Anonymous said...

Good post Julia.
I believe i have Pachaka and Ranjaka pitta imbalance.
I try to avoid spicy food and caffeine.How do we balance these pittas?
-Swapna

Julia said...

It is most important to balance Pachaka as this is most likely the root cause. You are right to avoid spicy food and caffiene, also try avoiding sour foods including citrus, yoghurt and tomatoes. Don't eat cold food. Mung dahl is the best food for you.

Try and see an Ayurvedic Doctor if you can as their are some excellent churnas for this condition.

Anonymous said...

Very nice post julia.I havent heard these 5 pitta's before. Nice to learn different things and very useful too.

Whatsup said...

Hi Julia,

My husband is imbalanced in Bhrajaka Pitta. What precautions can I take wrt food, that can balance it. I will try talking to him about going to see ayurvedic doctor.

Anonymous said...

Thanks Julia.
I'm planning to visit a Ayurvedic doctor during my next visit to India.
I think it started when I took progesterone pills during pregnancy.I'm not sure though.
-Swapna

Julia said...

Whatsup- the food is the same as recommended for Swapna. Turmeric and coriander are especially good. Eat the main meal at lunch time. Melon is also very good but must be eaten alone, two hours apart from other food.

Also apply coconut oil on the skin, leave for half an hour and wash off. Massage is excellent and avoid hot showers.

Anonymous said...

I am not sure whether it is pitta imbalance or kapha imbalance. My symptoms include:
1. postnasal driping especially on a hot day, this causes breathing difficulty.
2. Contractions in the chest when I go out in the sun or while I am cooking
3. My throat gets very dry during the night, sometimes pain in my small tongue
Feel relieved after vomiting that clears my nose and stops the chest pain.
I tried many things --- no oil, no dairy diets, triphala churna(it works as long as I am taking it), honey and lemon it helped little bit. Nothing is resolving it permanently.

Julia said...

I'm not keen on self-diagnosis and prescription. It's is most likely that more than one dosha, or even all three are imbalanced. Kapha relates to the top of the body so is probably involved. Maybe you would benefit from panch karma.

A properly qualified Ayurvedic doctor will be able to offer more specific help.