Prakrti in Ayurveda (प्रकृतिः)

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

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.

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.

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).

शुक्रशोणितसंयोगे यो भवेद्दोष उत्कटः | प्रकृतिर्जायते तेन.. (Sushruta Samhita Sharirasthanam Adhyaya 4 Sutra 63) (http://niimh.nic.in/ebooks/esushruta/?mod=read)

Classification of human personality as met in Ayurveda

In Astanga Hrdya, the divisions of classification based on above mentioned two biases are called Dosamayi and Gunamayi Prakrti (A.H.II. 3.83/104) Caraka and Susruta describe different typologies from humoral (physiological homeostasis) and Psychological (the Predominance of three Ansas of Sattva) point of view. Susruta gives another typology of Bhautik Prakrti (S.S.III. 4.79). The bias of Bhautik Prakrti is based on physical considerations.

Characteristics of 3 basic Prakrtis

Ancient Ayurveda scholars have given stress on constitutional, temperamental, psychological and emotional aspect of personality while discussing Prakrti.

Significance of knowing one's Prakrti

Since prakriti is related to certain physical and mental tendencies that determine susceptibility to diseases, the ancient texts of Ayurveda also provide guidelines for maintaining lifestyles in accordance with one's prakriti for continued healthy living in a personalized manner.