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Pitta dosha (पित्तम् पित्तदोषः वा) (view source)

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Introduction
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“Pitta” literally translates to “bile” or “bilious humor. It is one of three [[Doshas (दोषाः)|doshas]] that are the primary foundations of Ayurveda and more specifically one of the fundamental and unique entities in the understanding of Ayurvedic anatomy, physiology, pathology and etc. Doshas are also known as bio-energies controlling the functioning of the entire body. Some consider Pitta to be equivalent to the bile described in western science, but its properties, its physiology in [[Sharira (शरीरम्)|shareera]] are peculiar and distinct and must be understood from the Ayurvedic point of view. Pitta is known as “heat” in general which is originated from the “agni” mahabhuta. Thus Pitta represnts the Fire element inside the body which chiefly performs the function of transformation in the body. Along with other doshas, [[Dhatus (धातवः)|dhatus]](tissues) and [[Malas (मलाः)|malas]], Pitta dosha carries out various other functions as well e.g. vision, skin color generation, generation of hunger, thirst and intelligence etc. Among all these functions, Digestion of food along with maintenance of body temperature is the most important function of the Pitta.
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== Etymology Nirukti/ definition ==
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== Etymology ==
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‘तप’ सन्तापे | (sush. sutr. 21.5)<ref>Sushruta Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 21 Sutra 5)</ref>
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Here the root word is “Tapa” which means to generate heat or to burn.
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“Santape “ literally means to torment, this explains the feature of pitta as that which generates extreme heat.
    
== Sites of Pitta dosha ==
 
== Sites of Pitta dosha ==
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नाभिरामाशयः स्वेदो लसीका रुधिरं रसः|
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Even though the doshas are present all over the body, there are certain sites where there is a predominance of each dosha. Pitta dosha is generally present in the middle region of the shareera, between hriday(heart) and naabhi (umbilicus).(Asht.sang.sutr.1.4) (sush.sutr.21.6) (Char.sutr.20.9)<blockquote>नाभिरामाशयः स्वेदो लसीका रुधिरं रसः|
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दृक् स्पर्शनं च पित्तस्य, नाभिरत्र विशेषतः||२||
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दृक् स्पर्शनं च पित्तस्य, नाभिरत्र विशेषतः||२|| (Asht. Hrud. 12.2)<ref>Ashtanag Hrudayam (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 12 Sutra 2)</ref></blockquote>Meaning: Pitta is situated in Naabhi(umbilicus), amashaya(stomach precisely), sweda(sweat), lasika(lymph), rasa(correlated loosely as plasma), rudhira(blood), drik(eyes), tvacha(skin). More specifically Nabhi is the chief site of Pitta.
    
== Panchabhuta composition ==
 
== Panchabhuta composition ==
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All the living and non-living entities (matter in the universe) has evolved from or made up of [[Panchamahabhutas (पञ्चमहाभूतानि)|Panchamahabhutas]]. Teja Mahabhuta or Agni mahabhuta which literally means the fire element , is predominant in the Pitta dosha. Thus, Pitta dosha originated from the Teja mahabhuta. (Asht.Sang.sutr.21.1)<ref>Ashtanga Samgraha (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 21 Sutra 1)</ref>
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== Relationship between Pitta and Agni ==
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Pitta dosha and Agni Mahabhuta have Ashraya-ashrayi bhava which is a unique Ayurvedic concept that precisely states the interdependency of these two separate entities. The word Ashraya means that which “depends on” and Ashrayi means that which is “the dependent”.
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Agni is present in our body in the form of pitta dosha, thus Agni works in our shareera through pitta dosha.<ref>Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanama Adhyaya 12 Sutra 11)</ref> <ref>Sushruta Samhita (Sutrasthanama Adhyaya 21 Sutra 9)</ref>
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Agni and Pitta dosha perform similar functions like Dahana(digestion), Pachana(), and abhipravartana (transformation). Both of these when vitiated are managed with sheeta dravya or karma (drugs or procedures with cooling properties). Although there are certain similarities as well. For instance, Ghrita or ghee is excellent to pacify the aggravated Pitta dosha, but at the same time ghee is used to kindle or increase the digestive fire i.e. agni.<ref>Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanama Adhyaya 13 Sutra 43)</ref> Even though they are interdependent in certain ways, while describing “swasthya” or complete health, they are described as separate entities stating “samadosha” “Sama Agni” which means a balanced state of doshas and a balanced state of Agni is required for maintenance of “swasthya.<ref>Sushruta Samhita (Sutrasthanama Adhyaya 15 Sutra 41)</ref> This understanding of interdependency between the two separate entities is essential for a better understanding of the disease manifestation and prognosis which helps in the planning of management.
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== Association with Indriya ==
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[[Indriyas (इन्द्रियाणि)|Indriyas]] are the sensory & motor organs through which knowledge is perceived and response in generated. ‘Indra” which means “[[Atman (आत्मन्)|atman]]” or soul experiences this knowledge. There are five sense organs “Chakshu”(Vision), Shrotra (Auditory), ghrana (olfactory), rasana (gustatory) and  Sparshana(tactile). Among these 5 sensory organs, Chakshur (Eye) and Sparshana / Twak (Skin) are the 2 organs where Pitta predominantly resides and controls the functions or these organs. <ref>Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanama Adhyaya 8 Sutra 12)</ref>
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# Chakshurendriya - The eye is the seat of type of pitta known as Alochaka pitta and is responsible for the visual perception.
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# Sparshanendriya - Twak or skin is the seat of type of pitta known as Bhrajaka Pitta and is responsible for the maintenance of body temperature, provides luster to the skin, and helps in the sensation of touch.
    
== Gunas/ Attributes ==
 
== Gunas/ Attributes ==
 
(Char.sutr.1.60) (Asht.hrud.sutr.1.11) (Sush.sutr.42.7)
 
(Char.sutr.1.60) (Asht.hrud.sutr.1.11) (Sush.sutr.42.7)
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# Sasneha (Unctousness)
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# Sasneha - slightly Unctousness or oiliness  
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# Tikshna (Sharp/penetrating)
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# Tikshna - Teekshna means the Sharpness or the penetrating property of pitta dosha
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# Ushna (Hot)
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# Ushna -Ushna or Hot or to generate heat. The maintenance of body temperature which is one of the functions of Pitta dosha is because of this quality.
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# Laghu (Lightness)
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# Laghu -Laghu means Lightness that is present in Pitta dosha due to its origin in Teja Mahabhuta. This property is essential for a physician while prescribing treatment.
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# Vistra (Bad Odour)
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# Vistra -pitta dosha in its natural form has a bad Odour.
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# Sara (moving)
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# Sara - Sara means mobility, the property which is unstable in nature and has the capacity to put things in motion.
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# Drava (fluid)
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# Drava- Drava means Fluidity or liquidity which explains the form of pitta dosha.
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# Peeta (yellow)
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# Peeta - Peeta means Yellow, here it directly implies to the color it has, which provides other entities which it comes in contact with.
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# Vishada (cleansing property)
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# Vishada -Vishada means cleansing property that is related to the Agni mahabhuta. This property stated the cleansing nature of pitta dosha.
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The Gunas or the properties of doshas are important for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. The dravyas or the drugs that have properties opposite to the pitta dosha are used for pacifying it and the properties similar to that of pitta dosha cause vitiation.
    
== Functions ==
 
== Functions ==
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(Char.sutr.18.50) (Char.sutr.12.11) (Asht.Hrud.sutr.11.2,3) (Sush.Sutr.15.4)  
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(Char.sutr.18.50) (Char.sutr.12.11) (Asht.Hrud.sutr.11.2,3) (Sush.Sutr.15.4)
    
रागपक्त्योजस्तेजोमेधोष्मकृत् पित्तं (Sush.Sutr.15.4)
 
रागपक्त्योजस्तेजोमेधोष्मकृत् पित्तं (Sush.Sutr.15.4)
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# Shaurya - Courage
 
# Shaurya - Courage
 
# Krodha - anger
 
# Krodha - anger
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# Prakrut Varna - clear normal complexion
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# Prakrut Varna - clear/ normal complexion
    
== Types ==
 
== Types ==
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|Absorption of oils and etc over skin, provides lusture to skin, maintains body temperature, Skin complexion.
 
|Absorption of oils and etc over skin, provides lusture to skin, maintains body temperature, Skin complexion.
 
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|}
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Precisely when these types of pitta and their functions are correlated with modern physiological components it can be said that, the Pachaka Pitta is responsible for digestion, the functions of Ranjaka Pitta can be compared with the hematopoiesis, sadhaka pitta controls emotions and behavior, alochaka pitta is responsible for the perception of the vision and Bhrajaka pitta is responsible for temperature regulation.
    
== Pittaja Prakriti ==
 
== Pittaja Prakriti ==
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=== Factors affecting pitta dosha ===
 
=== Factors affecting pitta dosha ===
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(Sush.sutr.21.20) (Asht.hrud.sutr.1.8) (Asht.hrud.sutr.12.21) (Asht.hrud.nida.1.16)
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There are certain factors that are responsible for the vitiation of Pitta dosha. Change in season, age and etc cannot be avoided, although external factors like diet and lifestyle can be controlled to avoid vitiation of pitta dosha in an individual. Any individual with dominant pitta dosha can avoid the below-mentioned external factors for a balanced state of dosha in the body.
    
==== Natural Factors ====
 
==== Natural Factors ====
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# Season - Pitta dosha gets naturally accumulated in Varsha rutu (monsoon), undergoes the Prakopa stage (vitiation)  in Sharada Rutu(autmn) and gets pacified in Hemanta rutu (early winter).
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# Season - Pitta dosha gets naturally accumulated in Varsha rutu (monsoon), undergoes the Prakopa stage (vitiation)  in Sharada Rutu(autumn), and gets pacified in Hemanta rutu (early winter).
 
# Age - Pitta dosha is dominant during middle age (appx 40-60 yrs)
 
# Age - Pitta dosha is dominant during middle age (appx 40-60 yrs)
 
# Circadian rhythm - Pitta gets vitiated during midday and night.
 
# Circadian rhythm - Pitta gets vitiated during midday and night.
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==== External factors ====
 
==== External factors ====
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# Diet and lifestyle - Food that is dominant in Katu(), Amla (), and lavana () rasas(tastes) cause aggravation of the pitta dosha  
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# Diet and lifestyle - Food that is dominant in Katu(pungent), Amla (sour), and lavana (salty) rasas(tastes) causes aggravation of the pitta dosha  
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# Emotional -  
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# Emotional - Krodha(anger), Shoka(grief) and Bhaya (fear) vitiate the pitta dosha and vice versa.
    
=== Pitta vriddhi Lakshana ===
 
=== Pitta vriddhi Lakshana ===
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The Vitiation of Pitta dosha showcases certain signs and symptoms,  
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(Asht.hrud.sutr.11.7) (Asht.hrud.sutr.19.5)
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# Increases hunger and thirst
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# Burning sensation all over body
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# Loss of sleep
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# Generalized debility
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# Weakness in the senses and inability to focus
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# Low energy levels
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# Craving for cold food
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# A feeling of bitterness in the mouth
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# Giddiness
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# Increased anger
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# Loss of strength
    
=== Pitta Kshaya Lakshana ===
 
=== Pitta Kshaya Lakshana ===
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there are certain signs and symptoms when there is loss of pitta dosha in the body or the hypo functioning of the pitta dosha causes,
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# Decreased digestive fire thus loss of appetite
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# Loss of skin luster
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# Stiffness in the body
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# Pricking like pain
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# Roughness in the skin
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# Tremors
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# Heaviness in the body
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# White discoloration of nails and eyes
    
== Pittaja Nanatmaja Vikaras ==
 
== Pittaja Nanatmaja Vikaras ==
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(Char.sutr.20.14)
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Pittaja Nanatmaja Vikaras are the forty types of diseases caused due to the imbalance of pitta dosha in the body.
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{| class="wikitable"
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|ओष- heat
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|अन्तर्दाह- internal burning
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|अक्षिपाक- inflammation in the eyes
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|रक्तमण्डल- echymosis
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|पूतिमुखता- halitosis
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|-
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|प्लोष - scorching
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|अंसदाह- burning sensation in the arm
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|त्वग्दाह- burning sensation in the skin
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|कक्षा- furunculosis
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|लोहितगन्धास्यता- blood like smell from mouth
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|-
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|दाह - burning sesnation
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|ऊष्माधिक्यं- hyperthermia
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|त्वगवदरणं - cracking of skin
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|हरितत्वं- greenish discoloration
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|तृष्णाधिक्यं- excessive thirst
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|-
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|दवथु extreme heat
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|अतिस्वेद- excessive sweating
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|चर्मदल- thickening of skin
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|हारिद्रत्वं- yellowish discoloration
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|गुदपाकश्च- anal inflammation
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|-
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|धूमक - fuming sesation
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|अङ्गगन्ध- bad odor
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|रक्तकोठ- urticaria
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|कामला- jaundice
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|आस्यविपाक- stomatitis
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|-
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|अम्लक- hyperacidity
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|अङ्गावदरणं- tearing of body parts
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|रक्तविस्फोट- pustules
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|तिक्तास्यता- bitterness in mouth
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|जीवादानं- pure blood discharge
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|-
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|विदाह- burning sensation
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|शोणितक्लेद- blood putrefication?
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|रक्तपित्तं - bleeding disorder
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|गलपाकश्च- throat inflammation
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|तमःप्रवेश-darkness in front of eyes
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|}
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== Clinical diagnosis ==
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(Char.sutr.20.15)
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The vitiated pitta even if it is not manifested completely must be diagnosed as Pitta dosha disease and managed as same. even though the symptoms of pitta imbalance vary from the organ afflicted there are certain features for the gross diagnosis,
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# Burning sensation all over body
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# feeling of warmth/ heat
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# Excessive perspiration
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# Increases moisture
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# Pain
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# Itching
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# Excess of bodily discharge
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# Redness
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# Bad odor
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# Change of color to greenish-yellowish, blue, and coppery
    
== Basic aspects of management of vitiated Pitta dosha ==
 
== Basic aspects of management of vitiated Pitta dosha ==
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(Char.sutr.20.16)
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Dravyas which are predominantly in Madhura(sweet), tikta(bitter) and kashaya(Pungent) rasas (taste precisely) which have Sheeta guna or cooling property are used for the treatment of Pitta dosha diseases. Also, the Panchakarma therapies like Virechana(purgation), Snehana(administration of oil, ghee, etc), parisheka() and Abhyanga(massage) must be carried out with the drugs having the above said properties, with appropriate dosage and time of administration.
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Virechana or purgation is considered the best treatment for the treatment of Pitta dosha disorders or imbalance. Acharya Charaka explains this with the help of a metaphor, stating the Pitta dosha when pacified in the amashaya itself which is the seat of the pitta dosha the other organs afflicted with the Pitta get managed as well, similarly, the fire chamber cools down when the fire is extinguished.
    
== References ==
 
== References ==
DrDevashree
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