Exploring the Concept of Prakriti and Vikriti (Your Ayurvedic Body Constitution)
In Ayurveda, understanding your body constitution is key to maintaining health and balance. This is explained through Prakriti (your natural constitution) and Vikriti (your current state of imbalance). Knowing these can help you adopt the right diet, lifestyle, and healing practices to achieve optimal well-being.
Let’s explore Prakriti and Vikriti, their significance, and how to balance them.
What is Prakriti? (Your Natural Constitution)
🔹 Prakriti (प्रकृति) means “nature” or “original state” and refers to the unique combination of the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) that you are born with.
🔹 It is determined at conception and remains unchanging throughout life.
🔹 It influences physical traits, personality, digestion, immunity, and mental tendencies.
The Three Dosha-Based Prakriti Types
1️⃣ Vata Prakriti (Air & Ether)
✔️ Lean, light body frame
✔️ Creative, energetic, but easily anxious
✔️ Dry skin, cold hands & feet
✔️ Irregular appetite and digestion
2️⃣ Pitta Prakriti (Fire & Water)
✔️ Medium build, muscular body
✔️ Strong digestion, good metabolism
✔️ Sharp mind, ambitious, but prone to anger
✔️ Warm body temperature, oily skin
3️⃣ Kapha Prakriti (Earth & Water)
✔️ Heavy, solid body frame
✔️ Calm, steady, but prone to laziness
✔️ Soft, oily skin, slow metabolism
✔️ Strong immunity, but gains weight easily
⚡ Dual-Dosha & Tri-Dosha Prakriti: Some people have a mix of two doshas (e.g., Vata-Pitta, Pitta-Kapha) or are Tridoshic (balanced in all three).
What is Vikriti? (Your Current Imbalance)
🔹 Vikriti (विकृति) means “deviation from nature” and refers to your current state of health and imbalance.
🔹 It is influenced by diet, lifestyle, stress, seasonal changes, and emotions.
🔹 If unchecked, Vikriti can lead to diseases and discomfort.
Signs of Dosha Imbalance (Vikriti)
🔥 Vata Imbalance (Excess Air & Ether)
❌ Anxiety, restlessness, sleep disorders
❌ Dry skin, bloating, constipation
❌ Joint pain, weight loss
🔥 Pitta Imbalance (Excess Fire & Water)
❌ Heartburn, acidity, inflammation
❌ Irritability, anger, impatience
❌ Skin rashes, excessive sweating
🔥 Kapha Imbalance (Excess Earth & Water)
❌ Weight gain, slow metabolism
❌ Lethargy, depression, sinus congestion
❌ Water retention, sluggish digestion
Balancing Prakriti & Vikriti with Ayurveda
✅ 1. Diet (Ahara)
Vata Balance:Warm, moist, nourishing foods (ghee, soups, nuts)
Pitta Balance:Cooling foods (coconut, cucumber, mint)
Kapha Balance:Light, spicy foods (ginger, turmeric, green veggies)
✅ 2. Lifestyle (Vihara)
Vata:Routine, grounding activities, oil massage
Pitta:Cooling practices, nature walks, meditation
Kapha:Active lifestyle, dry brushing, warm herbs
✅ 3. Herbal Remedies (Aushadhi)
Vata:Ashwagandha, triphala, sesame oil
Pitta:Aloe vera, Brahmi, sandalwood
Kapha:Trikatu (ginger, black pepper, long pepper), honey
✅ 4. Yoga & Meditation
Vata:Slow, grounding asanas (Tadasana, Balasana)
Pitta:Cooling poses (Moon Salutation, Shitali pranayama)
Kapha:Energizing yoga (Sun Salutation, backbends)