Ayurveda explains the physical, physiological, and psychological traits of an individual. This concept is known as Prakriti (body constitutional type). This will help in individualised diet, lifestyle counselling, and treatments for diseases, as well as maintaining health. Prakriti is the basic clinical denominator that has been mentioned in the diagnosis of one’s health status in Ayurveda. This concept in Ayurveda is the classification of human beings into three doshas – vata, pitta, and kapha and their mixed constitutional types called Prakriti. The Prakriti of an individual is fixed at conception and is articulated through physical, psychological, immunological, and behavioural traits as described elaborately in original Ayurveda texts. These body types also influence the manifestation and course of diseases in an individual and response to treatments and prognosis. Therefore, the determination of one’s Prakriti is very important in the practice of Ayurveda. Mainly, there are seven body types; namely, Vataja, Pittaja, Kaphaja, Vata-Pittaja, Vata-Kaphaja, Pitta-Kapha, and Thridoshaja. These variations in body constitution bring personalised medicine and personalised lifestyles to our system. This concept will explain why we need to have personalised care in our day-to-day life and why we need personalised treatment plans when we are not well. We can compare this concept with the changes in the DNA sequences that will contribute to large phenotypic variations.
Each type of dosha has unique characteristics. Vata dosha has qualities like cold, light, dry, rough, moving, irregular, and changeable. So a person who is predominant in Vata dosha will have these qualities both physically and emotionally. Dominant individuals are energetic and have creative minds. As long as Vata is in balance, they will be lively and enthusiastic. Physically, they will have a thin, light frame and excellent agility. They are likely to experience sudden bouts of fatigue. A person with a Vata body type will typically have dry skin and hair and cold hands and feet. The skin would have a darker complexion. They will experience brittle nails and they sleep lightly and their digestion can be sensitive. Sometimes excessive action of Vata will give symptoms of constipation. Emotionally, they love excitement and new experiences. They are energetic, creative, flexible, and artistic. They also take initiative and are lively conversationalists. When unbalanced, they are prone to worry and anxiousness and often suffer from insomnia.
The second dosha Ayurveda describes is Pitta dosha. Common characteristics of Pitta are hot, light, intense, penetrating, pungent, sharp, and acidic. Individuals who have a dominant Pitta dosha will have similar qualities and they have a fiery nature that manifests in both their body and mind. Physically, they are of medium size and weight. They sometimes have brown to lighter coloured hair, but experience early greying, baldness, or thinning of hair. They have excellent digestion, which sometimes leads them to believe they can eat anything. They get hungry frequently when compared with individuals who are dominant in terms of the other two doshas. A Pitta dominant person will have a warm body temperature. They sleep soundly for short periods of time. They will have a lustrous complexion, perfect digestion, abundant energy, and a strong appetite. Emotionally they can have a powerful intellect and a strong ability to concentrate. They are good decision-makers, teachers, managers, and speakers. They are precise, sharp-witted, direct, and often outspoken. But too much Pitta can lead to a short-tempered, easily irritated, and argumentative personality.
Last not but not least, let’s have a look at Kapha dosha. Persons with a Kapha dosha have these following characteristics: heavy, slow, steady, solid, cold, soft, and oily. An individual who is predominantly Kapha dosha will have similar qualities as the dosha itself. Physically, they have a strong build and excellent stamina. Large, soft eyes; smooth, radiant skin; and thick, dark hair – some may have wavy hair and some may have curly hair. They sleep soundly and have regular digestion. Emotional individuals with Kapha are naturally calm, thoughtful, caring, and loving. They have an inherent ability to enjoy life and are comfortable with a routine. When in balance, Kaphas are strong, loyal, patient, steady, and supportive. People with an excess of Kapha tend to hold on to things, jobs, and relationships long after they are no longer nourishing or necessary.
(The writer holds a BAMS [Hons] from the University of Colombo and a Diploma in Panchakarma, and is currently reading for an Msc in Food and Nutrition from the University of Peradeniya)