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PRAKRITI & CHANGING DOSHAS
Have you ever wondered why your partner feels colder than you in a chilly environment, and you don't even need to layer yourself up with a jacket ?
OR
Why do you keep gaining weight on a healthy diet while your younger sister stays slim despite unhealthy eating habits ?
OR
Why does curd curb your friend's acidity but not work for you?
Well, this is the concept of Prakriti...
The Ayurvedic philosophy maintains that people are born with a specific constitution called Prakriti. This concept is viewed as a unique combination of physical and psychological characteristics that define and affect how each person functions. In other words, Prakriti is Ayurveda's theory of genetics. A person's Prakriti is constantly influenced by multiple internal and external factors such as lifestyle, environmental, seasonal, day and night changes, etc.
Ayurveda has further classified this Prakriti into three qualities known as doshas — Vata, Pitta, and Kapha — all of which work towards specific bodies and functions. These doshas are a combination of five elements: Aakash (space), Jal (water), Prithvi (earth), Teja (fire), and Vayu (air). We are born with all three doshas, but out of those three, only one or two doshas are mostly predominant.
| Vata | |
|---|---|
| Elements |
Air & Ether |
| Function |
Vata dosha is about movement in the body, such as breathing, blood circulation, digestion, and nerve impulses. |
| Characterstics |
A Vata person usually has a small, petite, narrow frame, is underweight, and has low stamina. Skin type is dry and dull, prone to pigmentation and tanning. They don't enjoy cold weather. Hair is dark and coarse with a rough texture, and the scalp is prone to itchiness, dryness, and dandruff. Vata people are empathetic, great thinkers and creative souls. |
| Balanced Vata |
When in balance, a Vata person is highly creative, perceptive, and imaginative. They have an adventurous and infectious enthusiasm for life. You will see them multitask with finesse when in control. |
| Imbalanced Vata |
Mind: Restless energy, anxious, and can stir up a storm with their thoughts. |
| Pitta | |
|---|---|
| Elements |
Fire & Water |
| Function |
Pitta dosha is responsible for digestion, metabolism, and maintaining body temperature. |
| Characterstics |
A Pitta person has a medium-tall, athletic frame with a fine, warm complexion and straight hair. They have sensitive and acne-prone skin which can get inflamed easily. They do not like hot summers and bright, sunny days. A Pitta person also has a tendency for premature greying and hair loss. They are extremely tenacious and determined if they decide to achieve something. |
| Balanced Pitta |
When in balance, a pitta person has good concentration, can be seen as a leader, is highly motivated and competitive. |
| Imbalanced Pitta |
Mind: Aggressive, anger and irritability. |
| Kapha | |
|---|---|
| Elements |
Water & Earth |
| Function |
Kapha dosha provides stability, endurance, strength and immunity to the mind and body and contributes to comprehensive health. |
| Characterstics |
A Kapha person is strong and has a broad frame. They have oily skin and smooth texture with the occasional acne breakouts. Hair is lush, thick and wavy with an oily scalp and healthy hair ends. They do not like cold, damp environments. Their calm and composed nature makes them extremely nurturing and reliable people. |
| Balanced Kapha |
When in balance, a kapha person is calm, affectionate, and nurturing. They are steady and supportive and looking for ways to flourish. |
| Imbalanced Kapha |
Mind: Brain fog, over sentimental, possessiveness, stubbornness |
