What is Prakriti?
Prakriti is the individual constitution of a person. It is the group of physical as well as mental characteristics which makes every organism in the universe different from other. Prakriti of a person is decided at the moment of conjugation of Sperm (Shukra) and Ovum (Aartav). Dosha which is in larger quantum compared to other two at the time of conjugation decides the Prakriti of a new born. For example if Kapha dosha is in larger quantum than Vata and Pitta then new born will have Kaphaj Prakriti. Prakriti remains unchanged for life.
Importance of Prakriti in Ayurved
Prakriti makes every person unique therefore no person can be exactly like other person. It means physical, physiological and mental characteristics differ from person to person depending on his or her Prakriti. It defines how person reacts to its surrounding environment, external factors including medicine. All these points are of extreme importance while making the diagnosis and treating the patients. That’s why diagnosis in Ayurvedic system of medicine can not be complete without defining the constitution of an individual. Because treatment differs according to Prakriti of an individual. Ayurved believes in Medicine for an individual person and not for an individual organ or system.
Types of Prakriti
There are three main types of Prakriti based on predominance of Dosha
i) Kapha Prakriti ii) Pitta Prakriti iii) Vata Prakriti
Characteristics of Individual Prakritis
Kapha Prakriti (कफ प्रकृति)
These individuals have smooth, somewhat oily and gentle bodies
Summary: In short Kapha prakriti individuals are Strong, Stable, Energetic, Intelligent, of quiet nature and with long life span.
Pitta Prakriti (पित्त प्रकृति)
Summary: In short Pitta prakriti individuals have medium strength, medium intelligence, have angry nature and medium life span
Vata Prakriti (वात प्रकृति)
They have small, thin, weak physique with rough skin
Summary: In short Vata Prakriti individuals are weak, with poor intelligence and with less life span.
In all there are seven types of Prakritis which are as follows
1) Vata Prakriti 2) Pitta Prakriti 3) Kapha Prakriti 4) Vata-Pitta Prakriti 5) Pitta-Kapha Prakriti 6) Vata-Kapha and 7) Samadhatu Prakriti
Prakritis which are combination of two Doshas are called Dandwaj Prakriti which is of commonest occurrence
Prakriti with combination of all three Doshas is called Samdhatu Prakriti it is of extremely rare occurence