The term is derived from the Sanskrit root 'tap'
which means to heat. It is means fire or heat .Sage Marichi
hails Pitta or Agni as the root of healthy person.
This factor is responsible for all transformations taking place
in the psychosomatic entity. Though it is catabolic in nature,
anabolic transformations are also under its control.
Mahabhoota
and Pitta
This has a predominance of Agni - mahabhuta. This concept
is a broad one and it comprehends many physiological functions,
- digestion and metabolism, many physiological functions and
represents anatomical structure. For e.g.: the visual Pathway,
digestive system and its related structures etc.
Natural
Variation
This increases in midday, midnight, youth, and during the second
or active phase of digestion. This accumulates during the rainy
season and aggravates in Autumn. It subsides in the early Winter.
Qualities
The inherent natural qualities of Pitta are heat, sharpness,
liquidity, slight unctuousness, acrid, and fluidity. It is responsible
for generating the body temperature. It enables visual perception.
It provides complexion and lustre to the skin. It provides softness
to the body. It plays a vital role in higher mental functions.
It is the provider of intelligence, will power and courage.
Distribution
The distribution is more in the abdominal region. Nabhi,
sweat, lymph, blood, eyes, skin are the basis of Pitta.
Of these bases, Nabhi (the first part of gastro intestinal
tract including pancreas) is the special seat of Pitta.
Abnormal
decrease and increase manifests in
Imparting of yellow colour to stool, urine, eyes and skin.
Causes excessive thirst.
Causes excessive hunger
Causes excessive sleeplessness
All metabolic activities will become slow and reduced.
The body will be lusterless and cold.
Factions or Divisions of Pitta
Pachaka Pitta: It is located in the region
between the stomach (amasaya) and large intestine (pakvasya).
It digests the food. It is called Pachaka pitta (digestive).
This is the base of other functions of Pitta and hence
considered as the most important form of Pitta.
Ranjaka Pitta: This is responsible for converting
the Rasa to blood. The rasa is the absorbed
essence of properly digested food and is considered as the first
dhatu. It is mainly concerned with the formation of hemoglobin.
The term Ranjaka means that of whitish colouring. This
is the context of erythopoieses, which can be taken as the castle's
intrinsic factor.
Sadhaka Pitta: This is located in mind and
it enables one to accomplish his objectives by intelligence, memory,
understanding, self-confidence etc. This can be considered responsible
for all biochemical events related to higher functions of the
brain, with the help of the factors like intelligence. This Pitta
helps perception. Hence it is the equipment for perception and
for interpretation of the perceived. The term "Saadhaka"
literally means equipment.
Alochaka Pitta: This is concerned with vision
and is seated in the eye. The term means to see or look. The chemical
changes taking place in the retina when light falls on it can
be attributed to this Pitta.
Bhrajaka Pitta: Located in the tvak or skin.
It imparts lustre to the skin. The term itself means which is
responsible for shining.
Abnormal activities of Pitta:
Redness
Burning sensation
Excessive heat
Pus formation
Burning sensation
Sweat in Excess
Denaturing of the body fluids i.e., kleda increases.
Increased secretions.
Putrefaction
Fainting
Weakness and inability
Feeling of pungent/sour taste in the mouth
Various discolorations.
Appearance of any of these signs in a disease indicates that Pitta
is involved in its pathology.
