Know Your Constitution

Prakriti is our Unique Nature             

Our natural constitution, the qualities we were born with, is called Prakriti. Qualities are important, not statistics. In Ayurveda there is no generalized criteria for health, individuality is more important for health. Some people need warm atmosphere, others prefer cooler atmospheres, each one is different and individual. Ayurveda works with the individual qualities of the person.

The predominance of elements (space, air, fire, water, earth), gunas (sattva, rajas, tamas) and doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) at the time of conception, and during the time the mother carries the child in her womb, decides the natural constitution, or bio-type, of that individual. Prakriti is formed from the subtle qualities of the five elements. Vata, is a combination of the subtle elements of air and space, Pitta, of fire and water, and Kapha, of earth and water.

Once this proportion is set, generally it remains permanent for the lifespan of the individual, although it may change due to spiritual practice, like meditation, breathing and good association.

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Understanding the subtle qualities of Vata, Pitta and Kapha

If we understand the subtle qualities of air and space we will find qualities which are cold, dry, light, clear, subtle and moving, these are the main qualities found in a person with Vata constitution, or Prakriti.

In the same way, we find the subtle qualities of fire and water are oily, hot, liquid and sharp, these are the main qualities of a person with Pitta constitution, or Prakriti.

A person of Kapha Prakriti has the subtle elements of earth and water, and gives them qualities that are slow, solid, cool, liquid and dense.

By understanding the qualities of our natural constitution, or Prakruti, we are able to understand ourselves, and how to live our life, and to understand people around us, with awareness.

Why knowing our Prakriti and health go together

Prakriti plays an important role in understanding our health and how we function in the world, and our relationship to others, and to ourself. We become aware what health problems may occur based on knowing our Prakriti, or natural constitution. We become aware of certain factors like types of food, situations and seasons that affect our well being, and are able to effectively manage these factors and promote health.

Additionally, prognosis of disease with respect of Prakriti is possible. One can take proper care, and change or adjust diet, adopt daily and seasonal routines. In this way, knowledge of Prakriti is useful and helpful to maintain health.

Being more than Vata, Pitta or Kapha constitution, or Prakriti

A person is normally a combination of the three constitutions, few people can say their constitution is pure Vata, pure Pitta or pure Kapha. Usually a person is a combination, with either Vata, Pitta or Kapha,  playing a dominant role, while the other two play secondary roles.

So you may find you are a P-K person, that is Pitta is dominant, while Kapha is secondary, and so on. Or a V-P person, with Vata dominant, and Pitta secondary, all combinations are possible.

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Pitta Constitution, Prakriti

Kapha Constitution, Prakriti