Prakriti is an important concept of Ayurveda that is a key to understanding each body’s inherent
constitution and traits. Prakriti makes every person unique therefore no two persons can be
exactly identical. Anatomical, physiological and psychological characteristics differ from one
person to another depending on his/her Prakriti. Which is why, it is imperative to have your
prakriti analysed by a qualified and experienced ayurvedic practitioner. You will find many online
‘quizzes’ that lead you to believe that you can know your prakriti at the click of a button, but
believe us when we tell you, prakriti analysis is not that simple. A person’s prakriti is considered
to be normal for that person and any derangement of the doshas of the person’s constitution
leads to diseases. As such, the job of an Ayurvedic physician is to detect the extent of
derangement and bring back the doshas to the normal state which can be done using medicines,
diet, lifestyle changes, or environmental changes. Surely, each person’s unique prakriti cannot be
determined by choosing a handful of traits in an online quiz like a horoscopic prediction! This is
the job of a trained ayurvedic physician.
Vata, pitta and kapha form the base traits of prakriti. Each of them has a very specific set of
functional roles to play in the body. That said, when the doshas are out of balance, they can
wreak havoc on our health.
The Unique Qualities of the Doshas
Each dosha is characterized by a collection of qualities that support its particular energetic:
These qualities make balancing the doshas very intuitive because, according to Ayurveda, when
any one of the doshas is aggravated, we can generally promote a return to balance by reducing
the influence of that dosha’s qualities, while favouring their opposites. And if we know which
specific qualities are aggravated, we can focus on pacifying those qualities in particular, while
favouring foods, herbs, and experiences that amplify their opposing energies. This is a
determination left best to the expertise of an ayurvedic physician.
Imbalances in the Doshas – The root problem
Imbalances in the doshas are generally caused by unsupportive diet and lifestyle choices, as well
as stress or emotional trauma. These disturbances tend to upset the natural state of internal
equilibrium represented by one’s constitution. When the doshas become aggravated, each of
them disrupts the body in its own unique way. Therefore, vata, pitta, and kapha are each
associated with a particular set of health challenges and tendencies toward disease.
Imbalanced Vata
When out of balance, vata tends to cause fear, anxiety, isolation, loneliness, and exhaustion. It
can lead to both physical and energetic depletion, disrupt proper communication, and cause all
sorts of abnormal movements in the body, such as tics, tremors, and muscle spasms.
Imbalanced Pitta
When out of balance, pitta causes fiery, reactionary emotions such as frustration, anger,
jealousy, and criticism. Imbalanced pitta is often at the root of inflammatory disorders, which can
affect organs and tissues throughout the body.
Imbalanced Kapha
When out of balance, kapha triggers emotions of attachment, greed, and possessiveness and
can also create stubbornness, lethargy, and resistance to change. Physically, kapha tends to
invite stagnation and congestion in organs and tissues throughout the body—including the mind.
Know your Doshas and befriend them
The doshas are a wonderful tool for understanding our minds and bodies and any imbalances at
work in our systems. Cultivating a relationship with each of the three doshas can have a
transformative impact on your overall health and well-being. We would love to support you in
beginning to befriend the doshas in your life. Get in touch with Dr. Tarun Gupta and Dr. Rani
Gupta to have a prakriti analysis and completely change your life.