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Prakrti refers to the the latent source and progenitor of all the material thing in this world. In the context of Shariram, Prakrti means the basic body type in Ayurveda. Tise term is also used in the sense of personality. Prakrti is said to be the unique body constitution of each individual which is formed on the basis of specific dosha levels in the body right at the time of conception. Thus, it is also called as Deha-prakrti or Dosha-prakrti and it remains unchanged throughout the life for that individual. Sushruta has also used the term KAYA PRAKRTI and MAHA PRAKRTI in the same sense.
Prakrti refers to the the latent source and progenitor of all the material thing in this world. In the context of Shariram, Prakrti means the basic body type in Ayurveda. Tise term is also used in the sense of personality. Prakrti is said to be the unique body constitution of each individual which is formed on the basis of specific dosha levels in the body right at the time of conception. Thus, it is also called as Deha-prakrti or Dosha-prakrti and it remains unchanged throughout the life for that individual. Sushruta has also used the term Kaya Prakrti and Maha Prakrti in the same sense.
== Introduction ==
== Introduction ==
Ayurveda has mentioned numerous attributes of doshas and how they affect individual's physiology based on the dominance of one or more doshas. This dominance of a dosha or a specific combination of doshas is responsible for one's structural and functional peculiarities, state of health and well-being and also for one's response to external stimuli. Although one of the 3 doshas might be dominant and displays major role in body functions, this is not considered as an abnormality. This state of doshas at the very beginning of life is believed to be the natural constitution for that particular individual and thus called as Prakrti or original body-mind type of that individual. The prakriti of a person is quite capable of providing a fair indication of physiological strengths and weaknesses, mental tendencies, and susceptibility to illnesses of various types. Therefore, understanding Prakrti is crucial while making healthcare choices for any person and his treating Vaidya.
Ayurveda has mentioned numerous attributes of doshas and how they affect individual's physiology based on the dominance of one or more doshas. This dominance of a dosha or a specific combination of doshas is responsible for one's structural and functional peculiarities, state of health and well-being and also for one's response to external stimuli. Although one of the 3 doshas might be dominant and displays major role in body functions, this is not considered as an abnormality. This state of doshas at the very beginning of life is believed to be the natural constitution for that particular individual and thus called as Prakrti or original body-mind type of that individual. The prakrti of a person is quite capable of providing a fair indication of physiological strengths and weaknesses, mental tendencies, and susceptibility to illnesses of various types. Therefore, understanding Prakrti is crucial while making healthcare choices for any person and his treating [[Vaidya (वैद्यः)|Vaidya]].
== Etymology ==
As per the etymology of the word Prakrti,<blockquote>प्रक्रियते कार्यादिकमनयेति प्र+कृ+क्लिन् ।</blockquote>Prakrti is that entity which intensifies. In this context, intensification of expression of original status of doshas at the time of origin or conception should be considered.<ref name=":0">Dhargalkar ND, Sharira Kriya Vidnana (A textbook of physiology in Ayurveda), Section 1, 1.13, Pg 146, Chawkhamba Sanskrit Series office, Varanasi</ref> Such an in depth and meticulous thinking behind the personality, health and well-being or even diseased state of an individual could be found only in Ayurveda!
The nirukti of Prakrti can be found in commentaries of Ayurveda treatises. According to Chakrapani Prakrti is nature. <blockquote>प्रकृतिस्तु स्वभावः।</blockquote>While, commentator Arundatta has opined that Prakrti is 'body type'. <blockquote>प्रकृतिः शरीरस्वरुपम्।</blockquote>In a nutshell, Prakrti refers to the specific body type/ nature/ constitution of the individual.
== Definition ==
== Definition ==
The term Prakrti is defined by Acharya Charaka and Acharya Sushruta on the basis of its relation with doshas and tie of its formation.
The term Prakrti is defined by Acharya Charaka and Acharya Sushruta on the basis of its relation with doshas and tie of its formation.
Acharya Charaka states that, the Prakrti is the consequence of the combination of doshas while acharya Sushruta stated that, Prakrti is formed by the most profound dosha at the time of union of Shukra (sperm) and Shonita (Ova).
Acharya Charaka states that, the Prakrti is the expression of the result of close connection of body with doshas; while acharya Sushruta stated that, Prakrti is formed by the most profound dosha at the time of union of Shukra (sperm) and Shonita (Ova). <blockquote>शुक्रशोणितसंयोगे यो भवेद्दोष उत्कटः | प्रकृतिर्जायते तेन.. (Sush. Samh. 4.63)<ref>Sushruta Samhita ([http://niimh.nic.in/ebooks/esushruta/?mod=read Sharirasthanam Adhyaya 4 Sutra 63])</ref> </blockquote>One more definition of Prakrti in literature provides basic insights about it. <blockquote>प्रकृतिः नाम जन्ममरणान्तरकालभाविनी, गर्भावक्रान्तिसमये स्वकारणोद्रेकजनिता निर्विकारिणी दोषस्थितीः (Rasa. Samh. 1.6)<ref>Rasavaisheshika Sutra 1.6</ref></blockquote>From these statements it is concluded that, Prakrti is the expression of the individual with reference to one's own specific body structure, function, behavior and relation to ecology. <ref name=":0" />
शुक्रशोणितसंयोगे यो भवेद्दोष उत्कटः | प्रकृतिर्जायते तेन.. (Sushruta Samhita Sharirasthanam Adhyaya 4 Sutra 63) (http://niimh.nic.in/ebooks/esushruta/?mod=read)
== Types ==
== Types ==
Ayurveda described 7 basic types of Prakrti. These are decided on the basis of dominance of one or 2 doshas among 3 doshas. Thus total 7 types of Prakrti are listed below,
# Vata dominant
# Pitta dominant
# Kapha dominant
# Samadhatu (all 3 doshas in equilibrium)
# Vata-pitta dominant
# Vata-kapha dominant
# Pitta-kapha dominant
In some individuals one dosha while in some individuals 2 doshas are dominant at the time of genesis of Prakrti. It is believed that, among these 7 types, Samadhatu i.e. Prakrti formed by all 3 doshas in equilibrium is the best one, however it is almost impossible to find such a constitution due to various factors beyond control of an individual. Vata predominant prakrti is called as Hina, Pitta prakrti is called as Madhyama while Kapha prakrti is believed to be Uttama. Rest of the prakrtis having 2 doshas dominant are considered contemptible owing the vulnerability of these individuals for falling sick. <ref>Ashtanga Hrudayama (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 1 Sutra )</ref> <ref>Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 7 Sutra 39-40)</ref>
== Classification of human personality as met in Ayurveda ==
== Classification of human personality as met in Ayurveda ==