A Pitta person is generally of medium build, athletic, tend to feel warmer and dislike being in the sun. Pittas are fiery. When balanced they are intelligent, driven, productive, leaders, competent, athletic and have good stamina. Unbalanced, however, can mean being belligerent, overbearing, bossy, competitive, blaming others for their errors or being aggressive. Pranayama breath work can help cool the fires of Pitta without quenching them.
Below is a simple breath exercise to try out:
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1. Start by taking a brief walk, even doing a few push-ups or other kind of physical activity to release obvious tension. Doing so will make it easier for active Pitta people to sit still for pranayama.
2. Sit cross-legged on the floor on a folded blanket or pillow or in a chair where your spine is straight and your lungs easily inflate.
3. Inhale through the nose and open the mouth, stick the tongue out, making a “ha” sound. This may be more satisfying than you realize. Repeat 3 to 5 times and then close the mouth, returning to normal breathing.
4. Close the eyes and inhale to 1/3 of your capacity to the lower belly, pause.
5. Inhale another third to the level of the chest, pause. Inhale the last third to the sternum, top of the chest, pause. Exhale smoothly all the breath out. Take several recovery breaths. Repeat 3 to 5 more times. Rest.
6. Establishing a regular pranayama practice every morning is the traditional way to invite prana (life force) and direct it in a way to nourish the nadis (energetic pathways in the body). It is one way to self-regulate one’s short fuse and can be a way to literally blow off steam.
7. Continue your pranayama daily for 30 days, practicing at the same time each day and in the same room if possible. Over time, your central nervous system will anticipate your pranayama and you may find it is too valuable to skip
