Pitta is responsible for all aspects of heat, light and color in the body. It is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Tapa‘ from ‘Taptati itipittam‘ means heat or energy. The one that generates heat in the body is called Pitta. Pitta is a source of thermal energy in the body. Sometimes Pitta is translated as bile, which is one important aspect of its functions.
Pitta dosa regulates the enzymes and hormones in the body. It is responsible for digestion and metabolism. Whatever is ingested as food and the oxygen we breathe in are converted to body constituents (dosas, dhdtus, malas) by the action of Pitta. Although Pitta and agni (digestive enzymes) are slightly different factors, it is Pitta that represents agni (enzymes) in the body. In other words, like the agni (enzymes), Pitta maintains body temperature and digests food. It imparts color to the blood and skin, gives form, beauty and glow to the body, keeps the heart healthy, absorbs oily substances that are massaged into the skin and lends it luster. In addition, Pitta controls mental functions like intellect, wisdom, perception, judgement, valor, courage, confidence and joyousness.
When Pitta is out of balance, the digestion is adversely affected. Digestive energy levels go down leading to an increase in Kapha tendency and its concerned attributes, which further results in the loss of enthusiasm and accumulation of Kapha in the heart and lungs. There are five types of Pitta on the basis of location and function:
These five forms of Pitta can also get disturbed by disease and must be kept in harmony for total well-being. Forty types of ailments are caused by irregularities in Pitta dosa, fewer than the number for Vata but more than that for Kapha. In the three dosas, Pitta comes next to Vata in sequential order of importance. Following is the description of its various aspects.
Pitta is slightly oily, hot, sharp, fluid, sour, tremulous and pungent. It is digestive and causes burning, and smells fleshy. When it is in nirama state, it is bitter in taste and yellow in color. In the sama state, it is sour and blue in color. Like Vata, Pitta also helps to build the body constitution and determine its nature. Its different attributes affect the physiology in different ways (Table 3).
When Pitta dosa dominates in the body, one is said to have a Pitta constitution. The properties of Pitta result in moderate strength, life-span, material and spiritual knowledge, material assets (wealth), other abilities and endowments in life.
