Ayurveda,
states that the basic constitution of a human being is determined at the
time of conception. This constitution is called Prakruti. The term
Prakruti is derived from Sanskrit word that means, "nature," "creativity,"
or "the first creation." One of the very important concepts of
Ayurveda is that one's basic constitution is fixed throughout his
lifetime. Prakruti is the physical and psychological constitution of the
individual, which is determined on the basis of three doshas. So there
are basically three constitutions namely Vata constitution, Pitta
constitution and Kapha constitution and their combinations. The
combination of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha that was present in the individual
at the time of conception is maintained throughout his lifetime. These
three are the foundation of the body. Every individual has different
combination of Vata, Pitta and kapha as their basic constitution or
Prakruti. This is how Ayurveda can explain the subtle differences
between individuals and explains why everyone is unique and that two
persons can react very differently when exposed to the same environment
or stimuli. It is important for each one of us to know our prakruti so
that we can avoid diseases, which may affect us. It helps in
understanding some important physical and mental characteristics. So the
apt knowledge of ones own Prakruti helps immensely both in prevention
and treatment of diseases. Prakruti is an important decisive factor for
evaluating an individual's status of physical constitution. This helps
in deciding the therapeutic regimen. Ayurveda categorizes each and every
human being into a single or a combination of Prakrutis. Factors Determinig Prakruti
Sukra-Shonit Prakruti - condition of sperm-ovum.
Kala-garbhasaya Prakruti - condition of uterus.
Matu-ahar Prakruti - food regimen adopted by mother during pregnancy.
Body Types
Basically According to Ayurveda, there are seven body types:
Mono-types (vata, pitta or kapha predominant),
Dual types (vata-pitta, pitta-kapha or, kapha-vata), and
Equal types, (vata, pitta and kapha in equal proportions). Every individual has a unique combination of these three doshas.
