Article: ANCIENT ARCHIVES OF DEHA-PRAKRITI (HUMAN BODY CONSTITUTIONAL TRAITS) IN AYURVEDIC LITERATURE: A CRITICAL REVIEW

Article Category: Review articles

DOI: 10.7897/2277-4343.100355

Pages: 18-26

Author: Rajkumar Chinthala *, Shubhangi Kamble, A. S. Baghel, NNL Bhagavathi

Abstract: Since antiquity, Ayurveda possesses a unique identity by defining some distinct principles in which Prakriti is the one. Assessment of body constitution is the first and foremost factor in Dashavidha parikshas (10 important aspects to be examined by a physician). Dashavidhaparikshas are very essential to assess the strength of an individual and also the severity of the involved Doshas. Based on the descriptions available in Ayurvedic literature, Prakriti is a conglomeration of anatomical, physiological, psychological and sociological characters. Assessment of body constitution (Deha-Prakriti) is essential for every physician as it helps in selection of the drug or therapeutic procedure, determination of the drug dosage, mode of administration, and in prescribing wholesome, unwholesome diet and lifestyle. It also helps in the prediction of disease susceptibility and in the estimation of disease severity or prognosis. But these characters are not completely enlisted in a single compendium, they are scattered among different texts. Keeping this in view, the present research paper has been planned to collect all the characters (traits) related to body constitution, segregate and classify them as per different sections. This information will help in the development of an appropriate and reliable questionnaire to assess the precise and well-defined body constitution of an individual thereby facilitating a lot in clinical practice.

Keyword: Ayurveda, Dashavidha parikshas, Deha-Prakriti, Diet, Disease, lifestyle