Taking a road trip with Pitta
Date Posted:31 October 2013
According to Ayurveda, summer is considered Pitta season. Wherever you choose to enjoy summer, because of the heat you may want to pay attention to your Pitta dosha. Pitta is the dosha represented by fire and water and is responsible for digestion and transformation in the mind and body.
Pitta has the qualities of being hot, bright, sharp, oily and liquid. According to Ayurveda, like increases like, so it’s important for Pitta-predominant folks to keep Pitta pacified (balanced) during the hot and bright summer months. When in balance, Pitta provides strong digestion, impressive organizational skills, and strong stamina. Out of balance, Pitta can be prone to occasional acid indigestion, excessive sweating, stubbornness, and impatience.
As you prepare for a summer or warm-weather excursion, it’s valuable to know what to do in order to keep Pitta dosha, the dosha of transformation, in balance. When Pitta is in balance, there is ease in the body and mind.
An Unexpected Turn Can Cause Pitta to Burn
The short fuse! We all know road trips and family vacations contain the element of surprise. Whether it’s a delayed flight or highway detours, the unexpected can increase Pitta. If we are a Pitta-predominant person we tend to thrive in structured environments. When Pitta goes out of balance, we may feel out of our comfort zone, or feel like things are out of our control, resulting in frustration, controlling and/or impatient behavior.
Hot temperatures and sticky humidity, combined with long airport security lines or traffic jams, can ignite Pitta’s short fuse. Before you know it, a nice holiday, or your temper, can go up in smoke. Practicing a cooling regimen during summer or when on a hot-weather trip, will help ensure many happy experiences to share in your postcards and scrapbooks.
Slow Down and Chill
Spontaneity can be fun. Pitta-predominant folks love to plan a vacation. Their organizational skills are amazing, and they tend to plan for every detail. They are the ones always prepared with road maps, GPS, and tour books. And while their “Always ready!” protocol comes in handy, a vacation is also a time to cut loose and enjoy spontaneity in the daily routine.
Don’t overbook! It’s important not to overbook the vacation “to do” list. Leave room in the travel and touring itinerary for plenty of rest and downtime. Pitta tends to go to extremes, so after making a list of sights to see, consider taking 1-2 items off the list. Also, be sure some of the activities include swimming, kayaking, or paddle-boarding. Spending time near or in water helps pacify Pitta.
Break away from the agenda for rest. While driving, consider a picnic break at shady roadside stops or an unexpected exit to an ice cream shop. Break away from the trip agenda to enjoy the freedom from timelines.
Ayurvedic Travel Survival Kit for Pitta Folks
Pack these Ayurvedic essentials to avoid becoming stressed or aggravated on your vacation. Some simple and effective tips will keep Pitta pacified and the family at peace while on the road.
Organic Pitta Tea – A delicious combination of fragrant Rose petals and refreshing spices that cool Pitta dosha, Organic Pitta Tea is the perfect answer when you’re feeling intense or frustrated.
Pitta Aroma Oil – This blend works ol'factory magic to cool your body and soothe your mind and emotions. Use it when it's hot outside, when your skin feels sensitive, or when you are feeling overly critical, irritable or impatient.
Premium Amla Berry – Potent Rasayana for overall rejuvenation. Amla is one of just a handful of Ayurvedic ingredients that contain five of the six Ayurvedic taste categories — all except salty. Amla helps balance all three of the basic operating principles of mind and body — Vata, Pitta and Kapha.
Emotional Balance – Supports tranquillity of mind and contentment, helps mind and body adapt to stress and aids reduction of anxiety. Helps promote good quality of sleep and enhances coordination between mind and heart.
Cooling snacks – Due to Pitta’s strong digestion, it’s important not to get overly hungry. Pack some organic oat-and-fruit cereal bars. Favor fresh, sweet juicy fruits like plums, blueberries, apricots and watermelon. According to Ayurveda, fruit is best digested alone — a solo delight — as combining it with other foods can interfere with digestion. Two of my favorite Pitta-pacifying road snacks are celery with almond butter, and hummus-and-cucumber sandwiches on sprouted wheat bread.
Why do we do it? Remember the reason behind summer holidays and holidays in general — rest, rejuvenation and fun. Simple Ayurvedic self-care will cool and balance Pitta. When one is in balance, hot-weather living is easy. Reducing excess Pitta leaves more room for play.
Reprinted with permission: MAPI, USA. Kellen Brugman and MAPI staff writers.