A CRITICAL ANALYSIS ON THE CONCEPT OF PRAKRITI AND ITS CLINICAL UTILITY IN HUMAN BEINGS

Abstract

Prakriti is defined as an individual's natural state, determined by their genetic constitution. In Ayurveda, each person has a fixed Prakriti established at the moment of conception, when the sperm and ovum unite. The predominance of one, two, or all three Doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) in an individual's constitution dictates their Prakriti. This encompasses genetically determined anatomical, physiological, and psychological traits. Prakriti also influences a person's response to environmental factors, medications, and disease susceptibility, making it one of the earliest principles of preventive and personalized or genomic medicine. In contrast to Prakriti, Vikriti represents the diseased state of an individual. Understanding one's normal Prakriti is crucial for identifying abnormalities, highlighting its importance in diagnosis, preventive medicine, and therapeutic interventions. Although Prakriti assessment should ideally occur at birth, its influence extends throughout an individual's life. Within Shalyatantra (surgery), Prakriti plays a pivotal role. Despite limited literature explicitly addressing Prakriti's significance in Shalyatantra, understanding and considering Prakriti when determining treatment is essential, particularly in surgical and para-surgical techniques, as these procedures demand greater Manasika bala (mental strength).

KEYWORDS -Prakriti, Doshas, Vikriti, Clinical Diagnosis, etc.