Prakriti means nature. Nature of body and mind. It can also be called as body and mind constitution. When man in his original state without any change in anatomical or physiological functions, completely in healthy state said to be in his prakriti.

In Ayurveda, Prakriti is very important factor, being natural state of person,it helps to examination of disease. If we know the original state or prakriti and functioning of the body, it becomes easy to guide an individual or ourselves to avoid sickness and diagnosis of disease.

Prakriti helps to know about a person’s disease and its treatment.In opposition of prakriti, ‘Vikriti’ is said to be unnatural form, changed from the original state.

There are two Prakriti types-

1. Physical- Deha/ Sharirik- Vata, Pitta, Kapha, Vata Pittaj, Vata Kaphaj, Kapha Pittaj, Vata Pitta Kaphaj. 

     2.  Mental– Mansik- Satva, Rajas, Tamas.

The prakriti is combination of Doshas only Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Prakriti is formed in mother’s womb at the time of conception and affected by dosha dominance in foetal circulation.
Tridoshas are always present in each and everyone’s body but one dosha is always predominant over two. That is how the prakriti is made up and it reflects through person’s physiological and behavioural nature.

Knowing Prakriti helps a Ayurveda physician to know the disease and that person prone to get any one. It also helps to choose Diet and lifestyle habits according to their Body and Mind constitution.