Significance of Pitta
Pitta, as defined in Ayurveda, is one of the three Doshas associated with heat, transformation, and metabolism in the body. It plays a crucial role in digestion, energy regulation, and bodily functions. Imbalances in Pitta can lead to various health issues, including digestive disorders, skin conditions, and changes in energy levels. This dosha governs metabolic processes and is linked to the fire element, influencing overall physiological health and well-being. Understanding Pitta is essential for maintaining balance in Ayurvedic practices.
Synonyms: Bile, Acidity, Heat, Digestive fire, Digestive energy
In German: Pitta; In Finnish: Pitta; In Swedish: Pitta; In Malay: Pitta; In French: Pitta; In Spanish: Pita; In Dutch: Poesje
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Pitta'
Pitta in Hinduism represents one of the three Doshas linked to fire, metabolism, and transformation. An imbalance may cause various health issues, affecting digestion, energy levels, and specific bodily functions such as fertility and urinary disorders.
From: Charaka Samhita (English translation)
(1) Another dosha in Ayurveda, linked with heat, transformation, and metabolism; abnormalities in Pitta are associated with specific patterns of urinary disorders.[1] (2) One of the three primary humors in Ayurveda, associated with heat and metabolism in the body, which can affect fertility.[2] (3) One of the three humors responsible for transformation and metabolism in the body.[3] (4) Another humor that becomes aggravated leading to distinct symptoms such as burning sensation and diarrhea.[4] (5) One of the three doshas associated with fire and bile, involved in metabolism and transformation, affecting gynecic health.[5]
From: Sushruta Samhita, volume 4: Cikitsasthana
(1) Another dosha in Ayurveda related to transformation, metabolism, and heat in the body.[6] (2) The element associated with heat and metabolism in the body, balancing digestion and energy levels.[7] (3) The Dosha that governs metabolism, digestion, and transformation in the body.[8] (4) The Ayurvedic term for the fire element that governs transformation and metabolism.[9]
From: Sushruta Samhita, Volume 6: Uttara-tantra
(1) One of the three Doshas responsible for metabolic processes and changes in body temperature; its derangement can lead to fever.[10] (2) One of the three Doshas associated with heat and metabolism in the body; its derangement can lead to vomiting characterized by an acidic taste.[11] (3) One of the three Doshas, associated with fire and transformation, affecting some eye conditions.[12]
From: Sushruta Samhita, volume 1: Sutrasthana
(1) The third fundamental humour, linked to heat and energy in the body, influencing digestion and metabolism.[13] (2) One of the three doshas linked to metabolism and transformation within the body.[14]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 5: Treatment of various afflictions
(1) Another dosha that regulates metabolic processes; when imbalanced, it may lead to shula.[15] (2) One of the bodily energies (doshas) that, when in excess, can cause various health issues including cough.[16] (3) One of the three dosas (vayu, pitta, kapha) that can be imbalanced and lead to heart disease, specifically associated with heat and transformation in the body.[17] (4) The natural heat or energy in the body, which can become imbalanced and lead to sensations of heat or other health issues, especially when influenced by external factors like diet or environmental conditions.[18]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 3: Metals, Gems and other substances
(1) A term referring to a biological type in traditional medicine, which sphatika is said to be efficacious against.[19] (2) A metabolic principle in traditional medicine linked to heat, associated with diseases cured by the ash of incinerated copper.[20]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 2: Minerals (uparasa)
(1) An excess that may arise from using certain medicinal cowries, traditionally understood as a type of body heat.[21]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 4: Iatrochemistry
(1) One of the doshas in Ayurveda that can become imbalanced due to excessive betel leaf consumption.[22]
The concept of Pitta in local and regional sources
Pitta is one of the three Ayurvedic humors, representing bile and related to digestion. It plays a crucial role in the tridoshavada theory and is involved in gastric secretions following undigested food.
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) Pitta is one of the humours, also referred to as bile, that appears after undigested food and excrement, suggesting it is likely related to digestion and gastric secretions.[23] (2) One of the three humors in the Ayurvedic system of medicine, which are defined as wind, bile, and phlegm, and is a part of the tridoshavada theory.[24] (3) This is the Ayurvedic word for bile, and it is one of the three bodily humours frequently used in the Hathapradipika.[25]