Want to discover and understand your own unique constitution

Prakriti means nature or psychobiological constitution, every individual is born with this inbuilt constitution which does not change throughout the life time .

All three dosha's (vata, pitta and kapha) have their own specific qualities and are present in every individual but their proportion varies from person to person, so you find different temperaments and characteristics even in members of same family so much so that even the twins are not  born with the same qualities

The dosha's predominant in the parents during the time of union of sperm and ovum, combines to form the constitution of a new born and it also depends on the genetics, diet, lifestyle, season and current emotion of the parents

For example if father is pitta predominant and mother is vata predominant, and pitta factor is stronger than vata and union take place on hot summer night after eating a spicy dinner, then the baby will have pitta predominant constitution

In Ayurveda there are seven different combinations which forms seven body types

Eka dosha types - which is considered as inferior quality

Vata

Pitta

Kapha

Dwidosha types (combination of two) - medium quality

Vata + pitta

Pitta + kapha

Kapha + vata

Tridosha type (combination of three) - superior quality

Vata + Pitta + Kapha

Most of us have one or two dosha's predominant, only a few fortunate individuals are born with a constitution in which all three dosha's are equally present

The three dosha's qualitative and quantitative balance maintains health and their imbalance leads to disease

This does not mean you should try to have equal proportion of vata, pitta and kapha. Rather, you have to balance your dosha's to that you born with, to maintain health

Certain conditions such as weather changes, dietary choices, stress, fatigue, emotional state and excess or lack of exercise alters the balance of the dosha's in our mind- body system. This discrepancy between your Prakriti and present state of dosha's is called as vikriti which leads to disease and sufferings. Once it is treated, brings back health.

Chart to know your body type

This self assessment chart will enable you to determine your unique constitution according to Ayurveda and guide you to plan your diet, exercise regimen, and other aspect of your lifestyle for healthy life.

However it should be remembered that this chart can provide only a rough guideline and the detailed conditions can be accurately assessed only by a qualified physician.

Best is to fill the self assessment chart twice

First time - based on your choices consistently true about your life as a whole, this indicates your Prakriti

Second time - consider only the recent feelings of present or last month or two, this is your vikriti or present condition

It is often helps to have a spouse or good friend verify your answers as they may have good insights and some objectivity to offer as you make your responses

After filling out the chart, add up the number of marks under vata, pitta, and kapha to discover your own balance of the dosha's in your Prakriti and vikriti

Highest among three, one after the other decides your Prakriti and vikriti respectively