Pitta

(“bile”) Along with vata (“air”) and
kapha (“phlegm”), one of the three
humours (tridosha) in ayurveda, or
traditional Indian medicine. Every person has all three of these humours, but
usually one is predominant, and this
marks a person in certain ways, particularly with regard to health, digestion,
and metabolism. Pitta is associated with
the elements of fire and water, since
bile is a liquid involved in digestion,
which is believed to take place through
interior burning. Pitta is hot, intense,
and mobile, and those for whom this is
the predominant humor are said to have
a strong will, be good leaders, and be
blessed with good digestion. At the same
time, this inner fire gives them bodily
difficulties in hot weather, and to do
their best they must also learn how to
harness their fiery temperaments.