understanding your FIERY teen

If you've ever thought “why is my teen so intense right now?” 

You’re not alone. And guess what?....Ayurveda has some wisdom that might help!  
According to Ayurveda, life is divided into three main stages, each governed by one of the doshas:

Kapha Time (0–12ish years): Childhood – heavy, soft, nurturing, moist, growth-oriented.

Pitta Time (13ish–50ish years): Adolescence & adulthood – intense, fiery, sharp, transformative.

Vata Time (50+ and especially later years): Light, mobile, dry, changeable.

Adolescence is the beginning stage of the Pitta time of life, and the onset of puberty.  This is the time of FIRE — both literally and energetically.  That fiery energy shows up in so many ways:
 

- Increased heat in the body -  manifesting as acne, body odor, sensitivity to temperature.

- Inflamed emotions -  anger, frustration, irritability, mood swings.

- A surge of passion & purpose -  strong opinions, questioning authority, exploring identity.

- Sharpening intellect - argumentativeness, critical thinking, desire to debate. 

- Digestive intensity -  bigger appetites, irregular eating habits, cravings for spicy/junk food.

It can feel overwhelming — for them and for you. But what if we looked at this fire not as something to fight, but as something to guide?

Their inner fire is trying to burn away the old and forge something new. That’s powerful, sacred work! And like any good fire, it needs tending - not smothering or ignoring.

Here are a few ways to help your teen stay balanced:

- Offer cooling, hydrating foods (cucumbers, mint, aloe juice).

- Help them find healthy outlets for emotions, like journaling, music, or movement.

- Encourage consistent sleep and downtime (this is a big one!).

- Let them explore, but with loving structure and boundaries.

- The most important thing? Be the calm in their storm. When their world feels like it's spinning, your steady presence is the grounding force that helps them come back to center.

Pitta years are challenging — but they’re also full of beauty. It’s the beginning of purpose, passion, and independence.

Here’s to meeting them with compassion, curiosity, and a cool glass of peppermint tea! 






With light & luminosity, 
Shannon