The Vata-Pitta Type in Ayurveda

Best Tips for Everyday Life, Nutrition, Yoga & Meditation

We speak of a Vata-Pitta Ayurveda type when both the Vata and Pitta Dosha (life forces) are present in a person in approximately equal strength. The combination of the two Doshas requires combining various health tips.

What Does Vata-Pitta Mean?

Vata, Pitta and Kapha regulate our physical, mental, and emotional constitution. Therefore, the respective characteristic of the Doshas plays an important role in Ayurveda.

The Vata-Pitta Ayurveda type combines the hot, ambitious fire of the Pitta with the light, easy-to-irritate Vata Dosha, which keeps the constantly distracted head a bit “in the clouds.”

Depending on whether Vata or Pitta is somewhat more pronounced, the Ayurveda type is referred to as either Vata-Pitta or Pitta-Vata. Approximately the same recommendations can be made for both types.

Character of the Vata-Pitta Type

The Dosha combination makes Vata-Pitta people very creative and constantly full of new ideas. However, they also tend to be a bit extreme. This applies to challenges in life or also, for example, to their preferred sports.

The Vata-Pitta or Pitta-Vata types are permanently under pressure and define themselves in large part by very strong (internal) tension. This permanently high-strung machine successively leads people into a burnout or corresponding depressive tendencies.

Physical Characteristics of the Vata-Pitta Type

People with predominant Vata and Pitta are usually very agile and have a lean to medium stature.

Typical Vata-Pitta Disorders

The rugged and mobile quality of Vata can stir up the hot and mobile quality of Pitta even more. Therefore, Vata-Pitta or Pitta-Vata types are more frequently prone to digestion disorders, both constipation and diarrhea, stomach pressure, bloating, heartburn, inflammatory disorders, erratic pains, migraines, issues with falling and staying asleep, restlessness, strong fits of rage as well as itchy skin rashes.

Health Tips for Vata-Pitta Types

For the Vata-Pitta-Ayurveda type, above all it is important to regulate the Agni (digestive fire); Agni is normally too low or too high. Regular exercise with moderate intensity, yoga, and quiet meditation promote balance. Substances such as Aloe Vera in combination with Plumbago Zeylanica (such as Bai 55) are good for balancing the Agni. Intestinal cleansing with Plantago Ovato (Bai 07) is also recommended.

The “10 roots” (Bai 59), Cyavanprash Amla fruit paste (Bai 203), and Asparagus Racemosus (Bai 39) work well as Rasayana (rejuvenation agents); they have a cleansing and constructive effect on the seven tissues.

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The Best Diet for Vata-Pitta Types

Vata-Pitta types should utilize the diet tips for both Doshas. However, some contradictions may occur.

The basic rule is that the somewhat more pronounced Dosha should take precedence. Additionally, the more active Dosha in the respective season should be pacified: Pitta is more present from June to September and Vata from October to January.

Vata

Sweet fruits such as bananas, coconuts, apples, figs, grapefruits, grapes, mangos, melons, oranges, papayas, peaches, pineapples, plums, berries, cherries, apricots, and avocados. Dried fruits can also be eaten, but not too much.

Pitta

Sweet fruits like: apples, avocados, coconuts, figs, melons, oranges, pears, plums, pomegranates, and mangos. Dried fruit is to be avoided.

The following general rule applies to fruit consumption: at least one hour before or after meals, but not in the evening.

Vata

Cooked: asparagus, red beets, carrots, sweet potatoes, radish, zucchini, spinach (in small quantities), sprouts (in small quantities), tomatoes (in small quantities), celery, garlic, and onions (only steamed).

Pitta

Sweet and bitter: asparagus, cabbage, cucumber, cauliflower, celery, green beans, lettuce, peas, parsley, potatoes, zucchini, sprouts, cress, chicory, and mushrooms.

Vata

Oats (boiled), brown rice, wheat.

Pitta

Barley, oats (cooked), basmati or white rice, and wheat.

Vata

Eggs (omelets/scrambled eggs), fish, chicken, and other white meat.

Pitta

Eggs are fine. Other animal products are best to avoid.

Vata

No beans, with the exception of mung beans and black lentils.

Pitta

All legumes, except for lentils.

Vata

Jaggery (dried sugar cane juice), brown sugar.

Pitta

Brown sugar, honey (not older than six months).

Vata

All spices, peppers, and chili in small quantities.

Pitta

No spices except for cilantro, cinnamon, turmeric, cardamom, fennel, and some black pepper.

Vata

Ghee (clarified butter), fresh milk, paneer; soy milk and tofu as a substitute.

Pitta

Butter (unsalted), ghee, goat milk, cow milk, pans, and cheese. Soy milk and tofu as a vegan substitute.

Vata

All organic oils.

Pitta

Coconut oil, olive oil, sunflower oil, and soy oil.

Vata

Lukewarm water or milk.

Pitta

Ghee, cold water, and milk.

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Vata, Pitta, or Kapha? The combination of your Doshas is essential for your health. When you know what constitution you have, you better understand why you are the way you are at times. You discover what nutrition is suitable for you and how you can stay healthy, fit, and happy with yoga, exercise, and meditation.

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