What is Prakriti and Vikriti?

Every individual is unique, and the key to Ayurvedic wellness is its individualised approach based on this uniqueness. It is based on “health is not a one size fits all proposition”.

Each person has a constitution that is unique to them. Therefore, any kind of deviation from that constitution is the cause for imbalances.

Prakriti is a natural body constitution that is unique to an individual and is decided at the time of conception according to the predominance of Dosha. At the time of conception, each person’s combination and proportions of Vata, Pitta and Kapha are determined according to various factors, which include  genetics, diet, lifestyle, and physical, and emotional state of the parents. Prakriti does not change during the entire lifetime.

However, there is also a current constitution reflecting one’s current state of health called Vikriti. Simply put, Prakriti is “who you are”and Vikriti is “who you have become”. In a healthy person, Prakriti and Vikriti will be the same. But in case of a disease or imbalance, the proportion of Vikriti will be different from Prakriti, which forms the basis of the treatment.

Prakriti is of seven types according to tridosha – Vata, Pitta, Kapha, Vata-Pitta, Vata – Kapha, Kapha-Pitta, Vata-Pitta-Kapha. The individuals of specific Prakriti exhibit variations in terms of structure, function, behaviour, individual response to internal and external environmental stimuli, susceptibility to different diseases, etc.

Click here to find your Prakriti (Dosha quiz)