Abstract

A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF THE AYURVEDIC CONCEPT OF PRAKRITI AND ITS PARALLELS WITH MODERN PERSONALITY FRAMEWORKS

Dr. Raghu Krishna M. M.*, Prof. Dr. Chhaju Ram Yadav, Dr. Rashmi Prakash Gurao

Abstract

Background: In Ayurvedic medicine, every individual is fundamentally unique based on their inherent physical and psychological constitution, a foundational concept known as Prakriti, which is definitively determined at the time of conception and remains unchanged throughout a person's life. Objective: This manuscript provides a comprehensive, indepth review of the historical, physiological, and psychological dimensions of Prakriti, detailing its multifactorial formation and its immense clinical significance in daily practice. Methods: By systematically analyzing classical Ayurvedic texts, this review thoroughly explores the classifications of Deha Prakriti, which is the physical constitution governed by the Vata, Pitta, and Kapha Doshas, alongside Manasa Prakriti, which represents the mental constitution governed by the Satva, Rajas, and Tamas Gunas. Results: The study comparatively analyzes these ancient classifications against well-established modern behavioral and personality frameworks, revealing profound structural and functional parallels. Sheldon’s body personality typology, categorizing individuals into Endomorph, Ectomorph, and Mesomorph types, closely mirrors the physical and behavioral traits of the Kapha, Vata, and Pitta constitutions. Similarly, psychological and occupational traits defined in classical Ayurveda share significant conceptual symmetry with contemporary assessments, notably the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), the DISC behavioral model, and John Holland’s RIASEC occupational typology. Conclusion: Clinically, understanding an individual's unique Prakriti provides a highly predictive model essential for accurately determining disease susceptibility, tailoring appropriate drug dosages, recommending specific dietary interventions, and offering personalized career counseling. Ultimately, this extensive review highlights the enduring, universal relevance of Ayurvedic typologies, concluding that the careful integration of ancient constitutional principles with modern psychological sciences can significantly enhance personalized medicine, holistic psychological assessments, and comprehensive patient care.

Keywords: Ayurveda, Prakriti, Tridosha, Personality Theories, Personalized Medicine, Psychological Assessment.