Know Your Prakriti
Ayurveda is a holistic medical science that provides a unique conceptual frame-work for understanding the nature of disease and offers a variety of treatment modalities to promote recuperation. The objectives of Ayurveda are to: (i) prevent diseases, (ii) treat and cure diseases. The best way to cure diseases is through elimination therapy. Ayurveda is more than a mere healing system; it is a science and an art of appropriate living, which helps to achieve longevity.

According to Ayurveda, everything in this universe is made up of five elements, namely, earth (bhoomi), water (jal), fire (agni), air (vayu) and space (aakash). These are called as Panchmahabhutas. The word Prakriti means "nature" or natural constitution of the human body. Ayurveda lays emphasis on examining the Prakriti or the natural state of an individual first. The vikriti i.e. disease is examined later.

According to Ayurveda, the body is composed of three humours i.e Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Vata, is responsible for the movement of all types and is vital for the existence of all creatures. Pitta, is the element of energy or heat. Kapha, is the element of water essential for sustenance of life. These elements combine to form the Tridoshas, or metabolic types which are represented in the human body in different forms. These various Doshas govern different functions and different attributes in the individual's body.

All these Doshas ( Vata, Pitta , and Kapha) are present in every human being but their balance differs. Usually only one Dosha predominates in the body and determines the constitution or Prakriti of an individual. Doshas are constantly being formed and reformed by food, activity, and bodily processes. The balance of these Doshas depends and changes with lifestyle or diet; mental and physical exertion; weather, etc. Thus a person's chances of developing certain types of diseases are related to the balance of Doshas, the state of the physical body, and mental or lifestyle factors. The Prakriti is believed to be unchanged over a person's lifetime.

Now, let's discuss the Prakriti of the human beings according to these three humours.

Vata: Vata is responsible for various body movement and neuro- transmitting impulses of the body. It helps to perform some of the basic body functions such as the heartbeat, cell division, movement of food in digestion, breathing, blood flow, all expansions and contractions, blinking of eyelids and the workings of the nervous system, waste elimination from the body. Vata also controls feelings and emotions such as freshness, anxiety, fear, nervousness, pain, tremors, and spasms.

Prime locations of Vata in the body are the large intestine, pelvis, bones, skin, ears, and thighs.

Imbalance of Vata in the body can lead to conditions like high blood pressure, constipation, anxiety and dry skin, headaches, hypertension, dry coughs, sore throats, earaches, irregular heart rhythms, muscle spasms, lower back pain, abdominal gas, diarrhea, nervous stomach, menstrual cramps, premature ejaculation and other sexual dysfunctions, and various joint problems like osteoarthritis. Most neurological disorders are related to Vata imbalance.

Pitta: Pitta is responsible for digestion, absorption, assimilation, nutrition and metabolism in the body. It regulates body temperature, skin colour, and luster in eyes.It represents the fire element; it includes gastric fire or digestive fire, action of enzymes and amino acids that play a major role in metabolism, and the neurotransmitters and neuropeptides involved in thinking. People with Pitta personality are known for warm and friendly behaviour and have leadership qualities.

Prime positions of Pitta in the body: Small intestine, stomach, sweat glands, blood, fat, eyes, and skin.

Imbalance of Pitta in the body leads to physical and psychological disorders like anger, anxiety, negative behaviour, peptic ulcers, hyperacidity, heartburn, belching, and skin rashes.
Kapha: Kapha is responsible for Lubrication and Structure in Ayurveda.
Prime positions of Kapha in the body: Chest, throat, head, sinuses, nose, mouth, stomach, joints, cytoplasm, plasma, and the liquid secretions of the body such as mucus. The chest is the dominant seat of Kapha.
Functions of Kapha: Kapha provide body resistance, lubricates the joints, moisture the skin, heals wounds; fills the spaces in the body; gives biological strength, vigor and stability; supports memory retention; gives energy to the heart and lungs and maintains immunity. Psychologically, it is responsible for the emotions of attachment, greed, and long-standing envy, calmness, forgiveness, and love.
Imbalance of Kapha leads to:
  •  Sluggish and dull in thinking
  •  Lethargic or tired
  •  Depressed, sad, sentimental
  •  Slow to comprehend, slow to react
  •  Greedy, possessive, materialistic
  •  Sleepy or very tired in the morning, hard to get out of bed
  •  Drowsy or groggy during the day
  •  Weight gain, obesity
  •  Mucus and congestion in the chest or throat
  •  Mucus and congestion in the nose or sinuses
  •  Pale, cool, clammy skin
  •  High cholesterol
  •  Aching joints or heavy limbs