Discover the role of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas, and learn about your unique, innate constitution and your current state.
Ayurveda, the 5,000-year-old Indian science, is not just about curing diseases—it focuses on maintaining health and the harmony of body, mind, and spirit. To understand this, two key concepts are essential: Prakriti and Vikriti. Although the terms sound similar, their meanings are fundamentally different, forming the basis for diagnosis and treatment in Ayurvedic medicine.
What is Prakriti?
Prakriti is your innate, unique constitution—your state at birth. It is determined at the moment of conception by your parents’ genes and the balance of doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) in your body. This baseline type remains constant throughout life. Think of it as your genetic fingerprint or basic operating system. Prakriti determines your physical structure, predisposition to certain illnesses, mental and emotional tendencies, and core personality traits.
A strong Vata Prakriti person is usually slim, energetic, and creative but prone to anxiety and dry skin.
A Pitta type is ambitious, sharp-minded, and has strong digestion but can become easily irritable.
Kapha Prakriti is associated with slower metabolism, a calm nature, and a solid build, but can be prone to weight gain and lethargy.
The first step in maintaining health is to know and understand your own Prakriti.
Vikriti: The Imbalance State
While Prakriti is what you are, Vikriti is the state you are currently in.
Vikriti reflects your present health condition, which can be influenced by external and internal factors: poor diet, stress, seasonal changes, and lifestyle habits. It is a dynamic state, constantly fluctuating.
When a dosha becomes imbalanced—such as Vata increasing during a stressful period or Pitta dominating in summer heat—an imbalance arises, known as Vikriti.
These imbalances can cause symptoms like digestive issues, insomnia, anxiety, or inflammation. If not corrected in time, Vikriti may develop into chronic disease.
The Goal of Ayurvedic Treatments
An Ayurvedic practitioner assesses both Prakriti and Vikriti. Diagnosis examines not only your symptoms but also how they relate to your innate constitution.
The goal of treatment is to restore Vikriti to match Prakriti, reestablishing harmony. This may involve:
• Personalized diet
• Lifestyle modifications
• Herbal treatments
• Ayurvedic massages and therapies
• Panchakarma detoxification
• Yoga practices
The key is personalization: what works as medicine for one person may be harmful to another.
In summary: Prakriti is your foundation, Vikriti is your mirror. Ayurveda provides the wisdom to recognize your body’s signals and actively maintain your harmony.
Want to discover your body type, dosha, and current state?
Ajay Singh, Ayurvedic expert, helps map your unique constitution and identify potential imbalances, along with other valuable insights about yourself.
An Ayurvedic assessment is the first and most important step on the path to a personalized Ayurvedic lifestyle and healing.
Book your appointment today and start your journey toward harmony and health!
