Characteristic of the Pitta-Kapha Dual Dosha Individual
The great elements of Pitta-Kapha: Fire, Earth and Water.
The universal attributes of Pitta-Kapha:
- Increased oilinessis the prominent attribute shared by both Pitta and Kapha.
- Increased heat is held inside; it accumulates and becomes moderately stronger. The heat is not expressed sharply as in Pitta individuals, but can manifest as quiet aggression or passive aggressiveness.
- Increased heaviness, steady, solid, to the point of being over fixated.
The description of Pitta-Kapha individuals below is purposefully exaggerated and extreme, to allow to truly grasp the configuration and tendencies of Pitta-Kapha types. Most often, only some of the characteristics are present in a Pitta-Kapha person, and only rarely will someonemanifest all the features described.
Pitta-Kapha individuals are considered to have a strong constitution. They enjoy the benefits of Kapha’s stability and strength, along with the burning Fire of Pitta, which stimulates them to act and keeps them from sinking into the heaviness and laziness that characterizes Kapha Dosha when it is increased. On the one hand, they have all the qualities of Fire; creativity, sharpness and the ability to move things and digest everything that comes their way, physically and mentally.On the other hand,the Earth and the Water elements provide the moist foundation that contains all the Fire within them and keeps it from consuming everything.So, these individuals could be described as either Pitta with more strength and perseverance or Kapha with more intensity and purpose.The moderate Fire burning steadily may gradually dry up their liquid essence and oiliness, resulting in a more emphasized Earth element.
A Pitta-Kapha individual’s body structure is well developed, muscular and ample. They are stronger than either Kapha or Pitta alone, and enjoy a fair resistance to disease.They are less affected by external influences. Pitta’s ‘frenzy’ gets along beautifully with the calm and easy temperament of Kapha.Strongly motivated and decisive when they desire something, while relaxed and mellow when they allow their Kapha nature to take over.
The Water element that is common to both Kapha and Pitta is responsible for their dominant quality which is oiliness. This quality provides them with strength, security and confidence. The ease with which they succeed in the world fuels the arrogance which is typical of Pitta types, and the self-satisfaction and over-confidencet ypical of Kapha types, sometimes disconnecting them from reality. This is where the extra oiliness plays a significant role, and like “water slides off a duck’s back”, Pitta-Kapha individuals may not hear any criticism directed at them and will only pay attention to flattery. As noted, Pitta-Kapha end to be arrogant and too self-confident. A few surprises and some disorder will put them in their place and make them recognize the relative uncertainty of reality. Since Vata Dosha is marginal in Pitta-Kapha types, they must consciously bring Vata qualities (Space and Air) into their lives and develop a sensitivity towards the environment, acceptance of others, the ability to communicate with each person at eye level, flow, spontaneity and release from the need to be in full control and certainty.Since they are not easy to influence, response to treatment will be relatively weak. They will comply and persist with treatment only if they accept the doctor’s authority.
Pitta-Kapha Individuals
Pitta-Kapha individuals who have a stronger Fire Element are “warm”, creative and intense people. Their fuse is usually short and they tend to get irritated easily. Their body structure is average and they suntan easily, blush easily and may have freckles. Due to the accumulated heat in them, they suffer in hot weather and tend to lose patience when they are in the sun or in a non air-conditioned space. They tend to sweat and have a strong body odor and an oily skin. They have a fondness for cooling drinks and sweets. They will prefer cool weather. Pitta is particularly strong in the summer and therefore the anti-Pitta diet should be observed more intensely during this period. The ideal weather for them is cool and dry weather. Pitta-Kapha types often like the autumn and winter and feel relieved when they arrive. Therefore, these types should not work in the summer in the blazing sun or in a hot and humid working space such as a kitchen or bakery. A pleasant breeze, to stay in the shade or an air conditioner subdues their Pitta nature.Pitta-Kapha individuals have a strong digestive system and appetite, they like to eat and will almost never miss a meal, because food and drink reduce the intensity of their burning fire. They can easily eat every 3-4 hours. Evacuation is usually very regular, on a daily or every other day basis. In a balanced state, they do not have a tendency for obesity, since the high fire keeps them from accumulating excess Kapha.
Pitta-Kapha types are quick-thinkers, sharp-minded, and tend to be impatient with less intelligent people. They have an excellent ability to learn, “digest” ideas, concentrate and are highly disciplined. They will never compromise their principles and will often slide into fanaticism and perfectionism. They are convinced they know best and will always have the right answer, even when they do not know it, or at least will have the last say. They will work at the same place or the same profession for many years, mostly as the director behind the scene. It is important for them to do the actual job rather than only seem to be doing it. They believe children should behave appropriately, traditionally and in an earthly manner, but really, their bark is worse than their bite.
Their Pitta makes them judgmental and critical, and impatient. When unbalanced, their underlying aggression can come out. Behind their harsh appearance they usually have a soft spot and can show much affection and kindness towards a loved person, pet or a justified cause. They tend to be workaholics and they bring the competitive edge to every activity they do.If Kapha is present enough, it balances their aggressiveness somewhat and moderates their competitiveness. They will always be the center of the party and it will be hard to miss them.Their fire that sweeps and inflames those around them and their connection to the ground gives them great power of authority and leadership ability.
Pitta-Kapha types like exercising and can be excellent athletes. Training will come and go alternately. When they get into a sport they treat it very seriously, but they can definitely have periods in life when they do not exercise at all.
Their sleep is good, and except for unbalanced periods when their Kapha takes over, they don’t have a tendency to sleep more than necessary.
Kapha-Pitta Individuals
Kapha-Pitta individuals,whose Water and Earth elements are more eminent than their Fire element, are stable and strong, physically and mentally. They tend to be “heavy” and slow in their behavior but have the ability to speed things up if they decide it is required. If their Pitta is not out of balance, the calm nature of Kapha makes them pleasant and pleasurable. They can cope with almost any weather, but for the most part, will prefer dry warm or cool weather. They like strenuous physical activity as well as sex. When they sink into heaviness and inaction, they get fat by merely looking at food and have a hard time losing weight. They are very fond of eating and are prone to obesity. Their digestion is slow but steady. When they are not extremely overweight, they are usually healthy and have high immunity. They do not have the hunger Pitta’s feel, but they can certainly be attached to food and find in it emotional comfort and support.Their sleep is good and deep and they tend to sleep more than necessary. Kapha-Pitta types are often reluctant to exercise and have difficulty motivating themselves to start moving, and sometimes even prefer to just be idle and do nothing. However,when they do start a physical activity, they can be excellent athletes, very persistent and experience great satisfaction.When Kapha takes over, they tend to be “heavier” and slower. There may be situations in which these types will sink into a period of mental and physical heaviness, slow digestion, obesity and depression. When balanced, because of their strong connection to the Earth element, they have great authoritative power and leadership ability. They are mentally stable, strong believers with a high ability to feel love and compassion. They have a good memory, a sweet voice, soft round notes, good eyes and the ability to reassure those around them. They like to accumulate money and objects and in an unbalanced situation they can be greedy and too attached to objects or people as well as to ideas. Kapha-Pitta types are in no rush to change their worldview and will not be easily persuaded to choose a new path. These individuals have a tendency to preserve and stabilize what exists, which is typical of the Earth element.
How to Balance Between Pitta and Kapha?
Physically, these individuals may be prone to symptoms and illnesses typical of either Doshas. Whenever the Pitta Dosha is increased, they are likely to be susceptive to infections, edema, ulcers, skin diseases and agitation. In situations when Kapha increases, there may be excess phlegm, obesity, allergies, runny nose and asthma.
People with two Doshas should learn to balance themselves according to their health and mental state and according to the seasons of the year. In the summer, lifestyle and diet guidelines should be followed to reduce Pitta, while in the winter and spring lifestyle and diet guidelines should be followed to reduce Kapha. Autumn is ideal for these individuals and it’s the best time for them to balance themselves out.
If and when a Kapha-like disease occurs in the summer, it can be reduced by adapting to a lifestyle and diet that reduce Kapha. For example, if a cold with a lot of phlegm manifests in the summer, one should switch to a Kapha reducing approach;A Kapha-reducing diet should be dry, sharp, not greasy or liquid. Ice cream, yogurt, porridge and cheese cake are not suitable because they increase Kapha. When the condition is resolved, one should revert back to the Pitta-reducing recommendations for the specific season (e.g., a cooler diet).
If and when a Pitta-like disease occurs in the winter, the Pitta-reducing recommendations should be adopted. For example, if there is heartburn or seborrhea in the winter, one should switch to a pitta-reducing approach to cool the body down. When the condition is resolved, one should revert back to the Kapha-reducing recommendations for the specific season (e.g. a warming diet).
In principle, both Pitta and Kapha do not get along with rich fatty and sticky foods, processed sugar, and increased consumption of salt. One should avoid them almost completely during all seasons and prefer a dry and rather bitter diet.The food can be either heating or cooling, depending on the current situation or the seasons, but the main thing is that it should be relatively dry. Whole grains, legumes, fruits and vegetables cool the heat of Pitta and lighten up Kapha’s heaviness and should make up for most of the menu. A vegan lifestyle can often be very suitable for these types.
Excessive heat, oily and heavy attributes,either as constitution or as condition, is a vulnerability which tends to cause obstruction in the body channels, leading to blockages and built–uppressure. The heavy and oily attributes tend to clog and block the body passages and enclose the heat internally, building up pressure similarly to a pressure cooker. This situation can lead to conditions such as formation of tumors, elevated blood pressure or cerebral hemorrhages. For instance, because of their tendency for channel blockage, they can suffer from a sinus-type headache if they miss their morning coffee. To balance this condition, a light and relatively dry diet should be followed. The main objective is to open the channels and keep the system airy. Regarding temperature, although heat is present, the treatment strategy is not to cool strongly, since the cold tends to contribute to blockages as well. A relatively neutral heat-cold approach is adopted.
General guidelines for lowering Pitta-Kapha
- Exercise daily, even a short session, make sure to sweat and open the body’s pores. Aerobic training is especially important to keep the channels open. Walk or ride a bicycle instead of driving a car. Exercise either early or late. Consider swimming.
- Leada diverse daily routine and an open mind for spontaneity.
- Reduce your sleep time to 6-7 hours.
- Eat a little less and chew a lot.
- Avoid long midday naps at all costs, especially after eating!
During summer:
- Chilled showers.
- Avoid staying under the blazing sun.
- Stay in the shade, wear a hat and linger near lakes, streams or cold wet grass.
- Drink cold and sweet drinks but not frozen,beware of icy drinks that harm the digestive strength.
- Minimize pungent, salty and sour taste, reduce animal protein and oil consumption.
Dosha – a basic function or quality in reality. Vata Dosha function is movement and the principle of Air. Pitta Dosha function is transformation and the principle of Fire. Kapha Dosha function is formation and the principle of Earth.