According
to Ayurveda, every living and non-living being in this universe
is a combination of five basic eternal elements, called 'Pancha
Maha Bhootas'. Our human body is also constituted by these elements
is various compositions. Hence it can be conceived that every cell
of our body is possessed with all the properties of life. The only
difference of the human body from the external world is the expression
of 'Chaithanya' or consciousness or soul. The five basic elements
being Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Ether.
These eternal elements
manifest in the Human body as three basic principles or subtle energies or humors
('Tridosha' in Sanskrit). The word 'Dosha' literally means that which maintains
and controls the body. The Tridoshas are Vatha, Pitha and Kapha. The Pancha Maha
Bhootas and Tridoshas are not prevalent to the naked eye, but they are conceived
on comprehensive terms in which all physical structures and physiological functions
of the body are included. The Air and Ether elements combine to form the Vatha
principle. The fire element constitutes the Pitha principle. Earth and Water elements
combine to form Kapha principle. These three basic principles govern all biological,
physiological and physio-pathological functions of the body, mind and consciousness.
They act as basic constituents and protective barriers for the body in its normal
physiological conditions.
The 'Prakruti'
or basic constitutional nature of each individual is determined at the time
of conception. At this stage, the constitution of the individual is determined
by the permutations and combinations of the five basic eternal elements that
manifest in the parents 'Sukra' and 'Arthava' - Male and Female gametes. Once
birth has made it's elemental imprint, we cannot alter it to suit our needs.
While we may be influenced positively or negatively by our culture, society
and environment, our basic nature at birth is established from the interlacing
of the five eternal elements and the combination of these elements present on
birth remains constant. However, the combination of the elements that go to
the continuous physiopathological events in the body alters in response to the
changes in the environment, food habits and daily routine e.t.c.
A person can be
of any one Prakruti, combination of two Prakruti (Sanisaragaj) or combination
of all three (Sannipataj). According to Ayurveda there are seven Prakrutis:
