Prakriti
Prakriti
Prakriti (pronunciation: pruh-kri-tee) is a term originating from Sanskrit, one of the ancient languages of India. The term is used in Ayurveda, a traditional system of medicine native to India, to describe the inherent nature or constitution of an individual.
Etymology
The term 'Prakriti' is derived from the Sanskrit roots 'pra', meaning 'beginning' or 'original', and 'kriti', meaning 'creation'. Thus, Prakriti can be loosely translated as 'original creation' or 'natural state'.
Concept
In Ayurveda, Prakriti refers to the unique combination of physical, mental, and emotional characteristics that define an individual. It is believed to be determined at the time of conception and remains constant throughout a person's life. Prakriti is used to understand an individual's predisposition to certain diseases and their likely response to treatment.
Prakriti is determined by the balance of the three Doshas - Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Each individual has a unique combination of these doshas, which determines their Prakriti.
Related Terms
- Dosha: The three fundamental energies that govern the physiological activities in the body.
- Vata: Represents the energy of movement and is associated with functions related to the nervous system and the process of elimination.
- Pitta: Represents the energy of digestion and metabolism and is associated with the body's metabolic systems.
- Kapha: Represents the energy of lubrication and structure and is associated with the body's physical structure and fluid balance.
See Also
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