Pittham

Pittham, made up of Fire and Water, expresses as the body's metabolic system. It governs digestion, absorption, assimilation, nutrition, metabolism and body temperature. In balance, Pittham promotes understanding and intelligence. Out of balance, Pittham arouses anger, hatred and jealousy.

Pittham people have many of the qualities of fire. Fire is hot, penetrating, sharp, and agitating. Similarly, Pittham people have warm bodies, penetrating ideas, and sharp intelligence. But they can also become very agitated and short tempered. The Pittham body type is one of medium height and build, with ruddy or coppery skin. They may have many moles and freckles. Their skin is warm and less wrinkled than vata skin. Their hair tends to be silky and they often experience premature graying or hair loss. Their eyes are of medium size and conjunctiva is moist. The nose is sharp and the tip tends to be reddish.

Pittham people have a strong metabolism, good digestion, and strong appetites. They like plenty of food and liquids. They tend to love hot spices and cold drinks. However, their constitution is balanced by sweet, bitter and astringent tastes. Pittham people sleep well and of medium duration. They produce large quantities of urine and feces, which tend to be yellowish, soft and plentiful. They easily perspire. Hands and feet stay warm. Pittham people have a lower tolerance for sunlight, heat or hard physical work. Mentally, Pittham types are alert and intelligent and have good powers of comprehension. However, they are easily agitated and aggressive and tend toward hate, anger and jealousy when imbalanced. In the external world, Pittham people like to be leaders and planners and seek material prosperity. They like to exhibit their wealth and possessions. Pittham people tend to have diseases involving the fire principle such as fevers, inflammatory diseases and jaundice. Common symptoms include skin rashes, burning sensation, ulceration, fever, inflammations or irritations such as conjunctivitis, colitis, or sore throats.

Since the attributes of Pittham are oily, hot, light, mobile, and liquid, an excess of any of these qualities aggravates Pittham. Summer is a time of heat, the Pittham season. Sunburn, poison ivy, prickly heat, and short tempers are common. These kinds of Pittham disorders tend to calm down as the weather gets cooler. The diet and lifestyle changes emphasize coolness-cool foods, avoidance of chilies and spices (especially difficult for New Mexicans), and cool climates. People with excessive Pittham need to exercise at the coolest part of the day.

Dietary guidelines for Pittham

50% whole grains- whole grain breads, cereals, cooked grains 20% protein--beans (except lentils), tofu, tempeh, cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, raw milk, egg white, chicken and turkey (white meat), shrimp, rabbit, venison 20-30% vegetables with an optional 10% for fresh fruits

Other guidelines

Avoid excessive heat Avoid excessive oil Avoid excessive steam Limit salt intake Eat cooling, non-spicy foods Exercise during the cooler part of the day.