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Prakriti (Ayurvedic Constitution)
Prakriti Say it: PRUH-kri-tee
Your unique, lifelong mix of Vata, Pitta and Kapha — what prakriti means, how it differs from vikriti, and how it is assessed.
Prakriti means 'nature'. In Ayurveda it is your unique combination of the three doshas, set at conception and stable through life. It explains why people respond so differently to the same food, climate or routine — and why Ayurvedic advice is personal.
Types
- Vata
- Pitta
- Kapha
- Vata-Pitta
- Pitta-Kapha
- Vata-Kapha
- Tridoshic (Vata-Pitta-Kapha)
Prakriti vs vikriti
Prakriti is your natural constitution. Vikriti is your current state, which changes with season, diet, age and stress. Ayurvedic care aims to bring vikriti back towards prakriti.
How prakriti is assessed
A practitioner observes body frame, skin, hair, eyes, appetite, digestion, sleep, temperament and pulse (nadi pariksha), and asks about lifelong tendencies.
Why it matters
Knowing your prakriti helps you choose a diet, routine and exercise that keep you balanced, rather than following one-size-fits-all advice.
Traditional frameworks are labeled as such and are not biomedical diagnoses.
Safety
Online quizzes are a starting point for reflection, not a clinical assessment.
Ayurveda is a traditional system of medicine. This guide is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or qualified practitioner — never stop prescribed treatment based on it.
Questions
Can my prakriti change?
Traditionally no — but your vikriti (current balance) changes constantly.
How do I find my prakriti?
Our free dosha quiz is a good start; a consultation with a qualified practitioner is more accurate.