Living in Harmony: Prakriti’s Role in Cultivating Positive Health

Abstract

Health and Well-being are the cardinal integrant of the Ayurvedic definition of ‘Swasthya’. The ancient Indian system of medicine, emphasizes the importance of understanding one’s Prakriti or natural constitution, in promoting overall health and well-being. Ayurveda is based on its own sidhantas (principles), among these are the “Triguna and Tridosha sidhantas”, which govern the psycho-physiological processes of the body. The physical body is composed of the tridoshas (vata, pitta and kapha), whereas the individual’s views and behaviours are influenced by the trigunas (sattva, rajas and tamas). Each dosha and gunas has unique traits of its own and these attributes determine how the dosha and guna work in the body. The homeostatic balance of tridoshas and trigunas is central to the holistic concept of health, which encompasses the body, mind and spirit leading to a state of Ananda (bliss) and the imbalance causes poor health or illness even resulting in psychiatric disturbances. This review paper explores the concept of Prakriti and its role in cultivating Positive Health. Drawing from traditional Ayurvedic texts, contemporary research and philosophical insights, this paper examines how aligning with one’s Prakriti can lead to a state of balance and harmony, ultimately contributing to optimal health outcomes.