Prakriti means “nature” in the ancient Sanskrit language and forms the foundation of understanding an individual’s Ayurvedic body type.
From birth to death, every individual carries a unique biological blueprint or Prakriti, which is determined at conception. In Ayurveda, Prakriti refers to this inherent constitution and plays a central role in diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. Understanding your Dosha and Prakriti is the first essential step toward living in harmony with the principles of Ayurveda.
Your Prakriti influences your physical, mental, and emotional tendencies, your susceptibility to certain diseases, the likely course of illness, and the most effective Ayurvedic treatments. Before prescribing any herbs, diet changes, or lifestyle routines, a qualified Ayurvedic doctor will perform a detailed consultation to determine your body type, or Prakriti, and assess any current imbalances (Vikriti).
In Ayurveda, all individuals are made up of a unique blend of the three life energies, or Doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. The variation in the proportion of these Doshas gives rise to seven possible body type combinations:
Vata
Pitta
Kapha
Vata-Pitta
Pitta-Kapha
Kapha-Vata
Vata-Pitta-Kapha
Most people have a dual-Doshic constitution, where two Doshas are dominant. A perfectly balanced constitution with equal proportions of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha is extremely rare.
Importantly, your Prakriti does not change throughout your life. There is no treatment applied to change Prakriti—it is used for guidance and prevention. What can change, however, is your Vikriti, or current state of Dosha imbalance.
Vikriti: The Imbalance of Doshas
Vikriti arises due to poor diet, an unhealthy lifestyle, stress, seasonal changes, and other environmental influences. It reflects a deviation from your natural Prakriti, and it’s what the Ayurvedic doctor treats during an illness.
When the Doshas are imbalanced, the body becomes prone to disease. Here’s how the imbalances manifest:
Signs of Vata Imbalance
Dry skin and mouth
Constipation
Anxiety, fear, and overactive mind
Cold extremities
Restlessness and poor sleep
Excess gas or bloating
Signs of Pitta Imbalance
Skin issues like acne or rashes
Irritability or anger
Acid reflux and heartburn
Inflammation and high blood pressure
Overheating and excessive sweating
Signs of Kapha Imbalance
Sluggishness and lethargy
Weight gain and slow metabolism
Mucus congestion, cough, and sinus issues
Lack of motivation or clarity
Allergies and fluid retention
A skilled Ayurvedic practitioner will accurately assess both your Prakriti (body type) and Vikriti (imbalance) to restore harmony through personalized diet, herbs, detox programs, and daily routines in line with Ayurvedic medicine.
