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Prakriti - Constitutional Type
The five great elements " pancha
mahabhutas "-namely space, air, fire, water, and
earth--manifest in the human physiology and psyche as
three fundamental bioenergies known as the three doshas
From space and air comes Vata, which regulates our
energies and movements. From fire and water comes Pitta,
which gives us warmth and perception and the capacity to
transform substances within our bodies. From water and
earth comes Kapha, which make s up our structure, our
flesh and secretions, and creates solidity and
cohesiveness.
Through the action of the tridosha we
replicate the great Cosmic Forces in our own bodies and
participate in the eternal cosmic dance of creation,
maintenance, and destruction. The ancient sages observed
that although every individual is constituted of the
three doshas, each of us inherits them in differing
proportions. This accounts for our differences in appea
rance, preferences, aversions, behavioral patterns, and
emotional tendencies. The proportion of the three doshas
present in an individual at birth will determine his or
her essential constitution or prakriti. Prakriti comes
from two Sanskrit roots which means "the initial
creation" or alternatively this interesting word can
also mean "to come forth into creation". It represents
how we initially come into life before any deviations
have taken place.
The prakriti remains unchanged during
the course of one's lifetime and is genetically
determined. Prakriti represents the proportion of the
doshas, which represents the ideal state of balance, and
it serves as the goal for us to strive toward. It will
manifest in us throughout our lifetimes through our
physical characteristics, natural urges, likes and
dislikes, and psychological predilections as we have
stated above. However, one's prakriti will also
determine to a great extent how one will develop the
highest order of human qualities: love, compassion, and
pure consciousness. Thus the proportion of the three
doshas which a person inherits will be at the foundation
of his or her experience and existence. From the
perspective of the Ayurvedic physician, precise
determination of the prakriti is absolutely mandatory as
the first step in formulating a course of action for
each patient. Knowledge of an individual's prakriti will
instruct the physician of the following:
o Most effective
means to prevent disease from arising
o Prognosis of both simple and
complex diseases
o The most effective treatment
o The recuperative capacity of an
individual
o The best dietary regimen for
that individual
o How to compound herbal
formulations to best advantage
o The most beneficial
rejuvenative program
What Determines
The Prakriti
There are five factors which influence
the essential constitution prakrit of an individual.
1. The state of the doshas in the bodies
of the mother and father at the time of conception is
the most influencial factor.
If the father has an excess of Kapha
dosha, sperms which flourish in a Kapha environment will
predominate in the ejaculate. If, on the other hand, the
mother happens to have an excess of Vata dosha at the
time of intercourse, her vaginal and uterine
environments will produce ova with Vata-dominant
energies. Thus the resulting child will inherit a
Vata-Kapha (or Kapha-Vata) prakriti.
2. The mental state and intentions of
the mother and father at the time of conception.
The reproductive tissues of human beings
are the most highly evolved in the entire physical body
and as such are most affected by the subtle energies of
thought and emotion. Changes in the chemical
environment, pH, viscosity, temperature, and blood flow
of the genitalia and their respective seeds will occur
due to psychological effects. Sexual intercourse for
pleasure (Kapha), out of "duty" (Pitta), with a stranger
(Vata), out of fear (Vata), in anger (Pitta), for money
(Kapha), or for any intention will have a corresponding
effect on the doshic pattern in the child.
In fact, Ayurveda recommends that all
couples contemplating having a baby first undergo a
complete purification therapy. This would eliminate any
doshic excesses and make it more likely that the parents
would be healthy during the succeeding sexual activity.
Dietary regimens and restrictions are also recommended
for prospective parents. Men should avail themselves of
milk, ghee, ashwagandha root, licorice root and raisins
while avoiding red meat, very spicy foods, eggplant, and
cold drinks. Women should have basmati rice, ghee,
sesame oil, mung dal, amalaki, and asparagus while
avoiding poultry, game, red meat, green salads in
excess, garlic, and raw vegetables. Ayurveda compares
the creation of a new human life to the creation of a
new universe and to maintain this perspective is an
important step to preserving the sanctity of the act of
sex. This can have an enormous be nefit to the mental
characteristics of the child. .
3. The familial hereditary
characteristics.
There are certain tendencies which run
in families such as the tendency to obesity, tendency to
athleticism, or artistic or scientific aptitude. This
can exert an effect on the doshic combination of entire
family trees.
4. The diet and daily activities of the
mother during pregnancy.
The strange food cravings which develop
during pregnancy are well documented. The predominance
of one specific taste or food it em (e.g. sardines with
vanilla ice cream seems to be popular!) can certainly
influence the developing child. If the mother is
working, attending school, staying home, or living with
her parents during pregnacy this will also register on
the doshic patter n of the newborn. The home climate,
weather, patterns of exercise and rest, sleep patterns,
and recreation will similarly have an effect. Any
arguments or negative emotions should be avoided if
possible.
5. The conditions dominant in the uterus
during pregnancy.
Any trauma to this area of the mother's
body will be detrimental to the developing baby.
Conversely, loving attention to the womb, talking to the
baby, stroking and touching the area by both parents,
and soothing, sattvic music can be balancing
influences. |
