Prakruti and Vikruti also known as Prakriti and Vikriti in Ayurveda: Understanding the Balance of Life

In Ayurveda, each person is born with a unique constitution called Prakruti. This is your natural balance of the three doshas — Vata, Pitta, and Kapha — and it doesn’t change throughout your life. Prakruti is like your body’s blueprint. It defines your physical traits, mental tendencies, digestion, and even how you respond to stress or weather.

However, life constantly changes — and so do we. Our diet, lifestyle, climate, emotions, and even the seasons can disturb the natural balance of doshas. When this happens, the current state of the doshas is called Vikruti.

You can think of it this way:

• Prakruti is your original nature.
• Vikruti is your current state of imbalance.

If you eat foods that don’t suit your dosha, stay up too late, or go through stress, your Vikruti can drift far from your Prakruti. And this imbalance can eventually lead to illness.

The goal of Ayurveda is to help us recognize these shifts and bring the doshas back into balance. By understanding your Prakruti–Vikruti pattern, you can make better choices — in food, sleep, exercise, and daily habits — to support your health and happiness.

Knowing yourself is the first step to healing. And in Ayurveda, that begins with Prakruti and Vikruti.

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🧠 Quick Quiz: Is Your Vikruti Out of Balance?

Something quick and simple to see if your current state (Vikruti) is out of balance. This won’t be diagnostic, but it can spark self-awareness and curiosity.

Answer each question honestly. Keep track of how many A, B, or C answers you choose.

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1. How have you been feeling lately?
A. Anxious, restless, or spaced out
B. Irritable, impatient, or overheated
C. Sluggish, tired, or unmotivated

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2. What’s your digestion like right now?
A. Gas, bloating, or irregular appetite
B. Strong hunger, acid reflux, or loose stools
C. Slow digestion, heaviness after eating, or constipation

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3. How are you sleeping these days?
A. Light sleeper, wake up easily, trouble falling asleep
B. Sleep is okay but often disturbed by heat or vivid dreams
C. Sleeping a lot, hard to get up in the morning

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4. What’s your energy level like?
A. Energetic but scattered or easily fatigued
B. High energy but easily burned out
C. Low energy, slow to get moving

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5. Any changes in your body lately?
A. Dry skin, cold hands/feet, weight loss
B. Redness, inflammation, or feeling too hot
C. Water retention, weight gain, or congestion

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🌿 Results:

Mostly A’s – Possible Vata Imbalance
You may be experiencing excess Vata. This can show up as restlessness, dryness, and irregular digestion. Focus on grounding routines, warm foods, and calming the nervous system.

Mostly B’s – Possible Pitta Imbalance
You may have excess Pitta. Signs include irritability, overheating, or acid reflux. Cooling foods, more rest, and stress management can help restore balance.

Mostly C’s – Possible Kapha Imbalance
You may be dealing with excess Kapha. You might feel heavy, tired, or unmotivated. Try energizing movement, lighter meals, and stimulating your mind.

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🔄 Mixed results? That’s common!
Most people don’t have just one dosha out of balance. You might notice two doshas (like Vata and Pitta) showing signs of imbalance — or even all three in some cases. This is called a dual-doshic or tridoshic imbalance, and it often needs a more personalized approach.

💬 Tip: This quiz reflects your Vikruti — your current state — not your original constitution (Prakruti). If you’re unsure, consider checking in with an Ayurvedic practitioner for deeper guidance.

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💬 Tip: This quiz reflects Vikruti — your current dosha state — not your Prakruti (your original nature). For a full picture, consult an Ayurvedic practitioner!