Introduction

Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, emphasizes a personalized approach to diagnosis and treatment based on an individual's constitution, or Prakriti. Prakriti Parikshan is a fundamental diagnostic tool in Ayurveda that helps in understanding a person’s inherent physiological and psychological makeup, thereby aiding in predicting disease susceptibility, prognosis, and personalized treatment strategies. Unlike conventional medicine, which follows a generalized protocol for disease identification and management, Ayurveda focuses on an individualized perspective by classifying people into Vata, Pitta, and Kapha categories, each with distinct characteristics and predispositions.

Understanding the significance of Prakriti in disease manifestation enables physicians to adopt preventive, curative, and lifestyle-oriented measures, ensuring long-term health benefits. Individuals with a Vata-dominant Prakriti tend to have variable digestion, susceptibility to anxiety, and neurological disorders, while those with a Pitta-dominant Prakriti are more prone to inflammatory conditions, ulcers, and metabolic disorders. Kapha-dominant individuals typically exhibit a tendency toward weight gain, respiratory issues, and cardiovascular diseases. Ayurvedic texts like Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita elaborate extensively on the importance of Prakriti-based diagnosis and its impact on clinical management.

Recent advancements in Ayurgenomics have provided scientific validation for the genetic basis of Prakriti classification. Studies have demonstrated correlations between Prakriti types and biomarkers, genetic markers, and metabolic patterns, establishing Ayurveda’s relevance in contemporary medical research. Additionally, pharmacogenomics studies have shown that drug responses vary significantly based on Prakriti types, highlighting the need for personalized medicine. The concept of Dashavidha Pariksha (tenfold examination) further refines disease diagnosis by considering age, body constitution, genetic influences, and environmental factors, ensuring holistic patient care. The integration of Prakriti-based assessment with modern medical diagnostics holds great potential. Pulse diagnosis (Nadi Pariksha), questionnaire-based Prakriti evaluation, and genetic profiling can collectively enhance diagnostic accuracy and disease prediction models.

In Indriyasthana, 1^st chapter, “Varnaswareeyam Indriya Adhayaya”, Jatyadi Prakruti is explained.

Sushruta Samhita:

In Sharirasthana, 4^th chapter “Garbhavyakarna Naama Shareera”, detail description of Vatadi seven types of Prakruti, Panchabhoutika Prakruti and Manasa Prakruti Laxanas have been explained.

Ashtanga Hridaya:

In Sutrasthana, 1^st chapter, “Ayushkaamiya Adhyaya”, 7 types of Deha Prakruti is mentioned & detail description is mentioned in Shareerasthana, 3^rd chapter Angavibhaaga Adhyaya.

Ashtanga Sangraha:

In Sutrasthana 1^st chapter “Ayushkaamiya Adhyaya”, seven types of Dehaprakruti is mentioned.

In Shareera Sthana, 8^th chapter, “Prakruti Bhediya Shareera Adhaya”, detail description of seven types of Deha Prakruti, Manasa Prakruti and Jatyadi Prakruti is mentioned.

Laghutrayees:

Madhava Nidana:

He hasn’t explained Prakruti in detail but Vijay Rakshita Srikanthadatta while commenting on Charakas views in the treatment aspect of Prameha, mentioned the word Prakruti.

Sharangadhara Samhita:

In Prathama Khanda, 6^th chapter “Aahaaraadigati Kathanam” Adhayaya, description of Prakruti is mentioned.

Bhavaprakasha Samhita:

In Purvardha, 4^th chapter “Baala Prakarana” description of Prakruti is mentioned.

Other Samhitas:

Bhela Samhita:

In Vimanasthana, 4^th chapter “Roga Prakruti Vinishchaya Adhyaya”, description of Vataadi of Prakruti is mentioned.

Haarita Samhita:

In Prathama Sthana, 5^th Adhyaya description of Vataadi Prakruti is mentioned.

• Lifestyle Needs: Light, warm foods, regular exercise, and stimulating activities.

4. Dual-Dosha Prakriti (Combination Types)^[7]

Some individuals exhibit characteristics of two Doshas:

• Vata-Pitta: Energetic, sharp-minded, but prone to stress and digestive issues.
• Pitta-Kapha: Strong, determined, but may struggle with inflammation and weight gain.
• Vata-Kapha: Creative yet grounded, but can experience fluctuating energy levels.

5. Tridosha/Sama Prakriti (Balanced Dosha)^[8]

• Rare individuals have an equal balance of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.
• They tend to have stable health but must maintain equilibrium through diet and lifestyle.

Process of Deha Prakruti Nirmiti

From the very time of conception some persons will have equilibrium of Vata, Pitta, Kapha while others are seen as Vaatala, Pittala or Shleshmala (i.e., having predominancy of Vata, Pitta and Kapha).^[9]

Seven types of Prakruti get formed such as by each Dosha separately, by the combination of two Doshas and by the combination of all the three Doshas.^[10]

The Utkata Dosha or the Dosha which is Predominant at the time of union of Shukra and Shonita forms the Prakruti of the person from that particular Dosha.^[11]

At the Samoorcha of Shukra and Shonita, in every individual predominance of one or more Vatadi Dosha occurs. In this way in every individual one or more Dosha becomes predominant. i.e., Ekadoshaja or Dwandwaja or Sannipataja.^[12]

The Dosha which are present in Shukra and Aartava at the time of commencement of life there arises three kinds of Prakruti, just like poisonous worms arising from poison. The constitution are Heena, Madhyama and Uttama from each of Vata, Pitta and Kapha Dosha respectively. The constitution arising from equal proportion of all are ideal, those arising from combination of two Doshas are Nindhya.^[13]

Depending on Dosha that is predominant in Shukra-Asrik, in the Grabhini Ahara – Cheshta, in Grabhashaya and in Rutu, seven kinds of Prakruti are formed.^[14]

Evolution of Prakriti-Based Diagnosis

• In ancient times, Ayurvedic physicians used Prakriti assessment to predict disease patterns and tailor treatments accordingly.
• The concept of Vikriti (pathological state) was introduced to differentiate between an individual’s natural constitution and disease-induced imbalances.
• Pulse diagnosis (Nadi Pariksha) became a key method for evaluating Prakriti and detecting early signs of disease.

Discussion

Prakriti Parikshan, a fundamental concept in Ayurveda, offers a distinctive approach to understanding individual health predispositions, disease susceptibility, and treatment personalization. The assessment of Prakriti helps in predicting an individual’s likelihood of developing certain disorders and provides guidance for preventive and curative interventions. In contemporary healthcare, integrating this approach with modern diagnostic tools could significantly enhance personalized medicine.

Predicting Disease Susceptibility through Prakriti Analysis

The importance of Prakriti Parikshan lies in its ability to identify inherent tendencies toward specific health conditions. By examining a person’s Dosha constitution - Vata, Pitta, and Kapha - clinicians can anticipate the types of diseases an individual is prone to. Several studies have indicated correlations between Prakriti types and the prevalence of certain diseases:

• Vata Prakriti individuals generally exhibit hyperactive metabolism, making them susceptible to neurological disorders, musculoskeletal issues, and conditions linked to dryness and degeneration, such as osteoarthritis and insomnia.
• Pitta Prakriti individuals tend to have heightened metabolism, which predisposes them to inflammatory conditions, acidity-related disorders, and skin diseases like psoriasis.
• Kapha Prakriti individuals often show sluggish metabolism, making them vulnerable to obesity, diabetes, respiratory ailments, and cardiovascular diseases.

• Early Detection of Imbalances: Subtle symptoms of disease manifestation can be identified through Prakriti assessment long before they become clinically apparent. For example, an individual with Pitta dominance showing early signs of acidity can be guided toward cooling diets and stress management before developing peptic ulcers.
• Preventive Dietary Interventions: Ayurveda recommends Prakriti-based seasonal adjustments, wherein individuals modify their food habits based on their constitution and seasonal changes. A Pitta individual would be advised to avoid excessive spicy foods during peak summer to prevent overheating and inflammation.
• Enhancement of Immunity and Longevity: Rasayana (rejuvenation) therapies in Ayurveda are often prescribed according to Prakriti. These therapies aim to fortify immunity, delay aging, and enhance vitality.

Future Perspectives: Ayurveda and Modern Medicine Synergy

Prakriti Parikshan is still underutilized in mainstream healthcare despite its many benefits because it lacks standardized diagnostic techniques and scientific validation. Nonetheless, contemporary studies are looking more closely at how to combine genomics and molecular biology with Prakriti classification. Prakriti- based diagnosis and personalized medicine, two new areas in modern healthcare, are based on the idea that medical interventions should be tailored to each patient's unique genetic profile.

Conclusion

Prakriti Parikshan serves as a vital resource in Ayurvedic diagnostics, providing deep understanding of disease vulnerability, tailored treatment strategies, and preventive health measures.

Its concepts resonate closely with today's personalized medicine, and additional interdisciplinary studies could improve its relevance in modern healthcare frameworks. By connecting Ayurveda with contemporary medical practices, assessments based on Prakriti could offer new methods for patient-focused care.