Abstract: This research article investigates the Ayurvedic idea of constitution (prakr̥ti), health, and disease by studying the 'caraka saṁhitā ' sūtrasthāna chapter 7, verses 39–41. These verses focus on how the natural makeup of different constitutional types (doṣa prakr̥ti) affects health and illness. A person's constitution is set at the time of conception through the combination of genetic (śukra and śoṇita – sperm and egg). The state of existence of doṣas in dominance in śukra (sperm), ārtava (ovum), in garbhiṇī (pregnant woman), bhojya (her diet), cesta (her activities), garbhāśayā (uterus) and during r̥tu (period of ovulation) are determinative in deciding the seven prakr̥ti inside the womb (garbhāvasthā). Constitution (prakr̥ti) is a normal state of the body fluids (doṣas) that exists in everyone from birth to death. Some people have ‘sama Prakṛti’ (balanced phenotype; robust homeostasis) representing physiological equilibrium. Others may have a constitution dominated by one of the three forces (vāta, pitta, kapha) which can lead to imbalances in body functions, immunity, or metabolism. Individuals with a balanced constitution are less likely to get sick, as their body maintains balance. Vatala are neurotic, Pittala are inflammatory and Slesmala are hypometabolic phenotypes. Those with a dominant doṣa constitution may have minor imbalances from birth, even if they do not show symptoms. The study shows that Ayurveda believes each person is unique with a different body makeup and suggests personalized prevention and treatment based on this. Therefore, prakr̥ti is important in understanding a patient and predicting their future health risks. The aim of this literature research is to understand how each person's unique mind-body makeup connects to health, illness, and personalized wellbeing.
Satpute et al. (Sun,) studied this question.
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