Prakriti and the Ayurvedic doshas

In Ayurveda, the five fundamental elements—Ether, Air, Fire, Water, and Earth—manifest in the human body as three energies, known as the three DOSHAS.

The five fundamental elements (ether, air, fire, water, and earth) manifest in the human body as the three intelligent energies or basic principles, known as the three dosha, in Sanskrit.

The formation of the doshas in Ayurveda

From the union of ether and air, the dosha vata is born; from fire comes the dosha pitta, and from earth and water comes the dosha kapha.

The three dosha govern all biological, physiological, and pathophysiological functions of the body, mind, and consciousness. They act as fundamental constituents and protectors of the state of normality in the body, mind, and psyche; however, if they become unbalanced, they give rise to processes of imbalance and disease.

Functions of the doshas

The dosha characterize us in a unique and unrepeatable mix, also giving rise to natural tendencies or preferences towards certain foods, flavors, temperatures, colors, smells...; on the physical level, they govern the creation, maintenance, and destruction of body tissues as well as the elimination of waste products.

On the psychological level, they generate emotions; in short, we could define the three dosha as the psychosomatic and physiological foundation of humans.

Prakriti, the constitution at birth

The basic constitution (prakriti in Sanskrit, meaning nature, creativity) of each individual is determined at conception. During the union of the ovum and sperm, the parents transfer to the individual their own balance, their own unique and unrepeatable combination of elements.

It is easy to deduce that healthy and balanced individuals will be more likely to give the same health and balance to the newborn; for this reason, it is advisable to start detoxifying and rebalancing treatments before conception.

The goal is to keep prakriti in balance

The aim of every individual, from the determination of their prakriti onwards, will be to keep their birth constitution as balanced as possible. This balance, throughout each person's life, will be constantly affected (for example, in the interaction between the external and internal world) in a logic of movement and change.

To return to balance, the only systems that the individual can use in Ayurveda are rational control of diet, changes in habits and lifestyle, and daily self-care practices for the body.

Benefits of knowing your Ayurvedic constitution

According to Ayurveda, the first step to healing oneself and others is a clear understanding of the three dosha and the precise identification of one's own constitution. Therefore, for the harmonious growth of the child, it is essential to identify their constitution as soon as possible.

This will allow a deeper and more respectful knowledge of the child, paying attention to their natural inclinations and attitudes, which should not only be recognized but also respected, at the most appropriate times and in the most appropriate ways. Both as a child and as an adult.

References to doshas and energy belong to the Ayurvedic tradition. This content is for information and wellbeing and does not replace professional medical advice.