Why knowledge of Prakriti is important?

Why knowledge of Prakriti is important?

 

The word 'Prakriti' means 'nature' and this reflects the natural state of human beings on an anatomical, physiological, and psychological level. In Ayurveda, no two people are alike, or we can say that every person is born with a definite genetic constitution. The Prakriti, which may also be referred to as Dosha, is vital in determining our body type, behavior patterns, needs, and our predispositions. A specific combination of elements gives us our Doshas which are our specific body constitutions. The Doshas are three forms of energy that work as a team in the body, like executives of an organization. The three predominant Doshas, Vata, Pitta and Kapha, are the forces that create one's Prakriti.

 

Knowledge of Prakriti is invaluable in the treatment of disease. The initial diagnosis of an Ayurvedic Physician (Vaidya) lies in determining the nature (Prakriti) of an individual. This information allows the Vaidya the ability to ascertain inherent weaknesses, vitiation and an effective and appropriate mode of treatment. In sharp contrast, conventional medicine fumbles in the dark, often prescribing the same "magic bullet" for patients who exhibit similar symptoms. This hit and miss approach may on one hand work for some, on the other hand may cause no noticeable change in others, or thirdly, may make matters worse. For the individual, basic knowledge of the Prakriti is a  vital tool in helping one determine the most auspicious lifestyle factors that will ensure wellness and longevity ― appropriate foods, herbs, exercise regimes, medicines, therapies, and even suitable professions. Knowing one's Prakriti holds the key to health, liberation, and ultimately, self-realization.

 

Knowledge of Prakriti, therefore, is very important and useful for us. Just take a look at some of the basis, which helps us  to understand the importance of Prakriti in an individual:

 

1. Understanding of human life with the help of Prakriti

The following factors of a human life can be applied to  understand the variations in  different persons by the help of Prakriti, and on the basis of this, an individual is able to understand him/herself better and able to live according to his/her 'nature, thus carving out a more appropriate  life for him/herself.  

q       Life span of an individual

q       Sadavritta (Social life)

q       Measuring of an individual

q       To choose the perfect partner in marital affairs

q       To choose an appropriate profession / occupation

 

2. Observation of Health status according Prakriti

According to Ayurveda, Prakriti reveals everything about a particular individual. We can therefore assess his/her status of health, such as strength (physical and mental), appetite, adaptability, compactness of his body, etc., and on the basis of these findings we can form some conclusions about his health status.

 

3. Disease susceptibility and Prakriti

As stated earlier, each person in the universe has a unique combination of Doshas in their body, known as Prakriti. Due to faulty dietary habits or lifestyles or by not following a regimen according to his/her Prakriti, a person can be more prone to diseases  that are caused by the very same Dosha of his Prakriti. It is also described in Ayurveda that Vata Prakriti persons are more prone to diseases, so such a person should adhere to the suggestions and rulings   regarding  food and lifestyle according to his/her Prakriti.

 

4. Preventive and promotive health care according Prakriti

A person is able to prevent various disorders from developing and is also able to promote his health by knowledge of his/her Prakriti. It helps in analyzing and observing dietary habits, lifestyles, daily and seasonal regimens etc. Ayurveda also prescribes various foods and lifestyles according to one's Prakriti and suggests that one should follow these guidelines to prevent various disorders and to promote health.  

To adopt healthy dietary habits in the reference of Dincharya and Ritucharya.

To adopt healthy lifestyle in the reference of Dincharya and Ritucharya.

 

5. Diagnosis of the diseases and Prakriti

In Ayurveda, analysis of Prakriti is very important to diagnose the underlying disorders and to treat that patient. By observing the Prakriti, diagnosis of a particular disease becomes more simple, as it not only provides an idea about the vitiated Dosha but also provides the treatment principles for that person.

 

6. Treatment is mainly dependant on or according to Prakriti

Treatment is dependant on the acceptability of body to medications. Prakriti shows us which types of herbs, diets, and lifestyles will help in the treatment of that person. With the help of Prakriti we can assess the patient very well for his physical and mental strength, appetite, likes and dislikes and his adaptability to food and medicines, etc.

 

Thus, analysis or knowledge of Prakriti is essential for all persons to remain healthy and to achieve the goals of a human life.

 

Source: http://chakrapaniayurveda.comnews/july1207.html