PRAKRITI
(Body Natures According to Ayurveda)
Definition: Prakriti is an inherent nature of an individual determined at the time of your birth, which can not be changed during your lifetime. Ayurveda broadly classifies human nature in two types – Mental and Physical Nature.
There are 7 types of Sharirika Prakriti:
- Vata Prakriti
- Pitta Prakriti
- Kapha Prakriti
- Vata Pitta Prakriti
- Pitta Kapha Prakriti
- Kapha Vata Prakriti
- Tridosha
Each Prakriti has different characteristic features. The concept of Prakriti makes Ayurveda unique from other medical systems. Selection of treatment, medicine is different for each individual depending upon their Prakriti. Ayurveda also suggest about food which is conductive, foods which need to
be avoided according to Prakriti. Assessment of Prakriti analysis will not only help in understanding the physical and mental constitution of patient, but also plays a vital role in prognosis, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of many diseases.
| Features | Vata | Pitta | Kapha |
|---|---|---|---|
| Body Frame | Thin | Medium | Broad |
| Body Weight | Low | Moderate | Over Weight |
| Skin | Dry, Rough, Cracked | Soft, Thin, Tendency for Acnes & Freckles | Thick, Oily, Cool, Clear Complexion |
| Hair | Dry, Thin, Prone to Break | Soft, Early Greying | Thick, Oily |
| Teeth | Protruded, Big, Gums Emaciated , Cavities | Moderate in Size, Yellowish, Soft Gums | Strong, White |
| Eyes | Small, Dull, Dry | Sharp, Shiny | Big, Attractive, Thick Eye Lashes |
| Nails | Brittle, Dry, Cracked | Soft, Pink | Thick, Strong, Shiny |
| Tongue | Cracked | Red | White Coated |
| Food Habits | Frequent, Variable | Excessive Food | Stable Food Habits |
| Thirst | Variable | Excessive | Scanty |
| Bowl | Dry, Hard, Constipated | Soft, Loose | Thick, Oily |
| Physical Activities | Very Active | Moderate | Lethargic |
| Tolerance for Seasonal Weather | Cold Intolerant | Heat Intolerant | Tolerant to Both Heat and Cold |
| Communication | Talkative | Sharp, Incisive Communication with Analytical Abilities | Less Vocal; with Good Communication Skill |
| Initiation Capabilities | Quick, Responsive | Moderate, Understanding | Slow |
| Memory | Quick Grasping but Poor Retention | Moderate Grasping and Retention | Slow Grasping but Good Retention |
| Emotional Temperament | Fearful, moody, unpredictable | Aggressive, Jealous, Impatience | Calm, Attached, Likeable |
| Pulse | Thready, Feeble, Moves like a Snake | Moderate, Jumping like a Frog | Slow, Moves like a Swan |
Food According to Different Prakriti:-
A) Vata Prakriti:
Beneficial Foods
The food which are beneficial to Vata Prakriti are those that are sweet and hot in properties. Since Vata Prakriti people have variable digestive capacity, it is recommended to them to follow an appropriate dietary routine. Food should be consumed in small quantities. Ginger and garlic shall be used to maintain proper digestive abilities. Cereals such as wheat, sesame.
Pulses such as black gram, green gram. Milk products such as curd, ghee, butter, cheese. Oils such as sesame oil, castor oil, cod liver oil. Vegetable such as white gourd, drumstick, onion, asparagus, radish. Fruits such as mango, coconut, grapes, dates, pineapple, almonds, figs.
Non-Beneficial Foods
Food which are not beneficial to Vata which are dry, cold and astringent in properties.
Cereals such as barely, horse gram.
Pulses such as sprouted pulses, peas, masur, chana.
Vegetables such as dry leafy vegetables, potato, bitter gourd.
Fruit such as jamun, cucumber, watermelon.
Spices such as chillies, pepper.
Honey and sugarcane juice are not beneficial.
B) Pitta Prakriti:
Beneficial Foods
Food which are cold , dry, sweet and bitter are beneficial to Pitta Prakriti. Cereals such as wheat, barley.
Pulses masur, greengram, channa.
Ghee, butter, fresh buttermilk.
Vegetables such as snake gourd, white gourd, carrot, beetroot.
Fruits such as dried grapes, apple, pomegranate, ripe bananas.
Old jaggery.
Spices such as coriander, rock salt.
Meat of deer or goat.
Non-Beneficial Foods
Food which are hot, pungent and sharp (teekshna) in properties are not beneficial to Pitta Prakriti.
Pulses such as blackgram, horsegram, sprouted pulses.
Sour curds and butter milk.
Beef, mutton, sea fish.
Vegetables such as bringal, drumstick, green leafy vegetables.
Fruits such as oranges, lime, tamrind, unripe mango.
Spices such as garlic, pepper, chillies, asafoetida.
C) Kapha Prakriti:
Beneficial Foods
Food which are light, hot, dry, pungent in properties are beneficial to Kapha Prakriti.
Cereals such barley.
Pulses such as masur, horse gram, green gram.
Oil such as mustard oil, sesame oil.
Vegetables such as bitter gourd, drumstick, snake gourd, onions.
Fruits such as pomegranates, lemon.
Spices such as dry ginger, black cumin seeds, garlic, pepper.
Meat of deer.
Old wine and substances such as honey.
Non-Beneficial Foods
Food which are sweet, cold, heavy in property are not beneficial to Kapha Prakriti.
Cereals such as fresh rice.
Pulses such as black gram.
Buffalo’s milk, curd, ghee, butter.
Oils from animal fat.
Vegetables such as sweet potato, cabbage.
Fruits such as banana, guava, grapes, coconut, jack fruit.
Mutton, egg, fresh water fish.
Sugarcane juice, jaggery.
Freshly prepared beverages.
Spices such as coriander.
