Prakriti refers to the inherent mental and physical characteristics of an individual. It is determined by the predominance of doshas present at the time of conception.
Examination of Prakriti is essential to know the status of digestion, metabolism of
an individual, to prevent diseases and to decide the course and management of a disease.
IMPORTANCE OF PRAKRITI:
Assessment of Prakriti helps to provide an awareness of our body and health.
For example: Vata Prakriti persons are more prone to Vata disorders like Arthritis even by slight indulgence in Vata aggravating diet and lifestyle. Hence, a knowledge of one’s prakriti helps in prevention of disease and promotion of health.
HOW TO ASSESS PRAKRITI?
PHYSICAL APPEARANCE
| TRAIT | VATA | PITTA | KAPHA |
| FOREHEAD | Small | With folds | Wide |
| BODY FRAME | LeanTallProminent veins and tendons | Medium builtMedium HeightDelicate joints | Short, Stout Big PhysiqueFirm, Compact |
| EYES | BlackishDry | Reddish/ CopperishQuickly becomes red | White, Oily Wide and long |
| LIPS | Dry, DarkThin | GlossyMedium | Smooth Thick |
| NAILS | Rough, DrySmallCracked | ReddishSoftFlay | LongWhiteStrong |
| SKIN | Dry, RoughLustrous | WrinklesMoles/WartsAcne/pimples | BrightSmoothOily |
| HAIR | ScantyRough & DryBreaking | ScantyEarly greying or baldness | PlentyDark, ThickStrong & Lustrous |
| HANDS | Short | Medium | Long |
| JOINTS | ProminentNoise on movements | Flabby/ LooseDelicate joints | Strong/CompactWell defined |
| CHEST | ThinRibs prominent | Medium | MuscularStrong |
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
| TRAIT | VATA | PITTA | KAPHA |
| PULSE | Irregular, quick | Fast,Less volume | Slow Voluminous |
| SWEATING | Seldom | Excessive | Normal |
| SPEECH AND VOICE | TalkativeIrrelevant talkNormal voice | ClearGood at argumentLoud Voice | Speaks lessSteadyFirm Resonant Voice |
| WALK | Quick, Fast | Moderate | Slow ,Steady |
| PERFORMANCE OF ACTIVITY | Quick Acting | Moderate | Slow, Stable |
DIGESTION / APPETITE
| TRAIT | VATA | PITTA | KAPHA |
| POWER OF DIGESTION | Irregular | Powerful | Weak |
| ABILITY TO BEAR HUNGER | Irregular | Poor | Very good |
| APPETITE/ THIRST | Irregular | Very Often | Seldom |
| REQUIREMENT OF FOOD IN QUANTITY | Irregular(Large/Small) | Heavy | Normal |
| DESIRE FOR THE TASTE IN FOOD | Sweet, Sour, Salty | Bitter, Astringent | Spicy,Astringent,Bitter |
| BOWEL | Dry, Hard stoolsTendency for constipation | Loose or Semisolid stoolExpels frequently | Regular well formed stoolsOnce a day |
MENTAL CHARACTERISTICS
| TRAIT | VATA | PITTA | KAPHA |
| COMPREHENSION AND MEMORY | Grasp QuicklyForgets quickly | Quick UnderstandingSharp Memory | Grasps SlowlyGood Memory |
| STRENGTH | Tires quickly | Cannot withstand physical or mental exertion | Energetic even after work |
| BEHAVIOUR AND HABITS | CowardQuick, AdaptableUnstable thoughts Intolerance to Cold | CourageousIntelligentFairly Steady ThoughtsIntolerance to Hot | CalmSteadySteady Thoughts Can tolerate cold, heat |
| SLEEP | Interrupted/Less sleep | Moderate | Excessive Sleep |
| DREAMS | FlyingClimbingMotions | Fire Lightening | Water, CloudsBirds |