Prakriti Parikshan in Clinical Practice: An Ayurvedic Diagnostic Approach—a Brief Review

Ayurveda, the science of life, aims to preserve health and prevent as well as treat disease. Among its fundamental concepts, Prakriti refers to an individual's innate constitutional makeup, determined at conception by the relative predominance of the Tridosha (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha). This constitution remains stable throughout life and represents the unique physical, physiological, and psychological characteristics of an individual. Classical Ayurvedic texts describe various types of Prakriti, including Doshaja, Manasa, Bhautika, and Jatyadi Prakriti.[1] Assessment of Prakriti is essential for understanding an individual's susceptibility to disease, prognosis, drug selection, dosage, therapeutic response, and preventive healthcare strategies. It also guides personalized recommendations regarding diet, lifestyle, and mental well-being to maintain health and prevent disease. In clinical practice, Prakriti assessment is followed by Vikriti valuation to identify the current pathological state and formulate individualized treatment. Thus, Prakriti Parikshana forms the foundation of personalized and predictive healthcare in Ayurveda and closely aligns with the modern concept of precision medicine.