Pitta, one among the
tridoshas, is related to two elements: fire and water. The characteristics of Pitta is described in
Charaka Samhita, the most revered ayurvedic text, as hot and a little unctuous; sharp, burning; liquid and acidic; always flowing in an unbounded manner; pungent and sharp. Pitta governs the metabolic functions including digestion, maintenance of body temperature and conversion of images into optic nerve impulses. Over consumption of too many hot or spicy foods, fasting or skipping meals, over-exposure to the sun or to hot temperatures and emotional trauma increase the Pitta in the body. A good eating habit has to be maintained to balance the Pitta dosha.
