Bhrajaka pitta or bhrajakagni, Alochaka pitta, Sadhaka pitta, Ranjaka pitta, Pachaka pitta

Pitta

The pitta is responsible for generation of heat and digestion of food. According to charaka, it is a hot slightly unctuous, mobile fluid with an acidic taste and the scent of raw meat. According to dalhana, the pitta is blue when in an immature condition and yellow when mature.

The seat of the pitta, according to sushruta, is the pakvasay madhyam ie the middle portion of the pakvasaya which extends from the stomach to the small intestines. The nabhi or the umbilical region is considered special seat of the pitta.

The five pitas

There are five sub-divisions of the pitta according to the nature of its functions in various parts of the body. These include the pachaka pitta. Ranjaka pitta, Sadhaka pitta, Alochaka Pitta and Bhrajaka pitta or Bhrajakagni

Pachaka pitta

The pachaka pitta or pachakagni, situated in the region between the stomach and the intestines, is responsible for all the actions of digestion, till the extraction of the saara or essence from food

Ranjaka pitta

Ranjaka pitta, which imparts the characteristic colour to the lymph chyle, plays a vital role in the formation of the rakta dhatu or blood.

Sadhaka pitta

This pitta is responsible for buddhi ( intelligence ). Medha ( memory and intellect), utsaha ( enthusiasm ) and abhimana (self-esteem) both sushruta and vagbhata have identified its seat as the heart. Sushruta also says that it helps one to achieve one’s aspiratons.

Alochaka pitta

The alochaka pitta functions in the retinas to make possible the perception of the rupa ( form ) and colour of an object. Both sushruta and vagbhata have said that it is located in the drishti or eye.

Bhrajaka pitta or bhrajakagni

This pitta located in the skin, enables perspiration and maintains the temperature of the body. It also helps in preserving a good complexion.