Prakruti and Vikruti
The distinction between prakruti and vikruti is the foundation of Ayurvedic diagnosis and treatment. Prakruti is your constitutional type — the unique proportion of doshas you were born with. This is fixed. It does not change. Understanding your prakruti tells you your natural baseline, your strengths, and the imbalances you are most vulnerable to.
Vikruti is your current state — where you are right now. It is determined by season, stress, diet, sleep, life events, and daily habits. Vikruti changes constantly. This is what treatment addresses. When you go to an Ayurvedic practitioner, they are not trying to change your prakruti. They are trying to address your vikruti — to bring you back into balance from your current imbalanced state.
The doshas are always moving. The goal is not to eliminate one and amplify another. The goal is to understand your baseline and notice when you are drifting from it. The closer you stay to your prakruti, the better you feel.
The fastest way to use Vata, Pitta and Kapha is to know your own mix. Take the free dosha quiz to find your dominant dosha and get guidance tailored to your constitution.
Ready to eat for your type? Start with the Vata diet plan, the Pitta diet plan, or the Kapha diet plan.
FAQ
What are the three doshas in Ayurveda?
The three doshas are Vata, Pitta and Kapha. They are combinations of the five elements that govern movement, transformation and structure in the body and mind. Vata controls motion and the nervous system, Pitta controls metabolism and heat, and Kapha controls stability and lubrication.
How do I know which dosha I am?
You have all three, but usually one or two dominate. You can identify your pattern from consistent traits: Vata types tend to be light, quick and variable, Pitta types sharp, warm and intense, and Kapha types steady, calm and heavy. A dosha quiz gives you a clearer starting point.
Can you have more than one dominant dosha?
Yes, most people are a blend of two doshas, such as Vata-Pitta or Pitta-Kapha, with one leading. Single-dosha and balanced tri-dosha constitutions exist but are less common.
What is the difference between prakruti and vikruti?
Prakruti is your natural constitution, the balance you were born with, while vikruti is your current state of imbalance. Ayurveda works by noticing how far your vikruti has drifted from your prakruti and gently guiding you back.