Spiritual Health

The word ‘Prakriti‘ means the constitutional type. According to Ayurveda a human’s basic constitution is determined at the time of conception through genes.  In Sanskrit ‘Prakriti‘ means nature or the first creation. A human being’s basic constitution remains fixed for ever in his lifespan. Prakriti is the psychological and physical constitution of any person. It is determined on the basis of Tridoshas. The three basic constitutions are Kapha constitution, Pitta constitution and Vata constitution. The combination of all these three is maintained from the time of conception till death. The Prakriti of each and every human being is different because of the difference in the combination of the Tridoshas.

If one wants to avoid diseases one should be aware of his or her Prakriti. The Prakriti helps us to understand some mental and physical characteristics of an individual.  Knowledge of Prakriti assists in treatment and prevention of diseases. Prakriti help in taking decisions about the therapeutic regimen for the cure of a diseased person. Prakriti lays the foundation of an individual’s existence and experience. The Prakriti guides the Ayurvedic practitioner in the following way:

It shows the most effective precautionary measures to prevent a disease from occurring

• The treatment that is most effective
• The individual’s best dietary regimen
• To formulate and decide upon the program that is most beneficial for rejuvenation.
• Diagnosis of diseases which are both complex and simple in nature
• The individual’s capacity to recuperate
• The best way to compound the herbal formulation for best results

The determinants of Prakriti: The Prakriti of an individual is influenced by five factors which are as follows.

• The most influential factor is the state of the Doshas in the bodies of the parents at the time of conception. If the father has surplus of Kapha and the Vata is excess in the mother then the Vata Kapha or the Kapha Vata Prakriti will be inherited in the child.
• The intentions and the mental state of the parents at the time of conception play an important role in the development of Prakriti of the child.
• Certain hereditary characteristics such as inclination for sports, arts and scientific skill affect the Prakriti of the child.
• The Prakriti is also influenced by the prenatal diet consumed by the mother as well as her activities prior to the birth of the child.
• The Prakriti of the child is affected by the uterine conditions and the care taken during the pregnancy.