Prakriti — Know Your Dosha
Self-assessment guide to determine your Ayurvedic body constitution
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How to Assess
Body Traits
Mind & Emotions
Habits & Preferences
Understanding Results
Prakriti (प्रकृति) = your innate constitution, determined at birth. This self-assessment helps identify your dominant dosha. For each trait, note which description matches you MOST of the time (not during illness or stress). Count your V (Vata), P (Pitta), and K (Kapha) answers — the highest count is your primary dosha.
How to Take This Assessment
Answer based on your lifelong tendencies, not current state. Think about what was true for you in your 20s-30s if you're older.
For each row, mark V, P, or K based on which column describes you best. At the end, tally your scores. Most people get a dual-dosha result (e.g., 12V-8P-5K = Vata-Pitta).
For each row, mark V, P, or K based on which column describes you best. At the end, tally your scores. Most people get a dual-dosha result (e.g., 12V-8P-5K = Vata-Pitta).
Body Traits Assessment
| Trait | Vata (V) | Pitta (P) | Kapha (K) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Body Frame | Thin, light, difficulty gaining weight | Medium, muscular, proportionate | Heavy, stocky, gains weight easily |
| Skin | Dry, rough, thin, cool, dark | Warm, oily, sensitive, freckled | Thick, oily, smooth, cool, pale |
| Hair | Dry, thin, curly, prone to dandruff | Fine, oily, early greying/balding | Thick, wavy, lustrous, dark |
| Eyes | Small, dry, darting, dark | Sharp, penetrating, green/hazel | Large, calm, attractive, blue/brown |
| Teeth | Irregular, protruding, thin gums | Medium, yellowish, bleeding gums | Large, white, strong gums |
| Nails | Dry, rough, brittle, dark | Pink, soft, medium, flexible | Thick, smooth, white, strong |
| Joints | Prominent, cracking, thin | Medium, loose, flexible | Large, well-padded, sturdy |
| Body Temperature | Cold hands and feet | Warm, runs hot | Cool but not cold, steady |
| Sweating | Minimal, no body odor | Profuse, strong body odor | Moderate, pleasant body odor |
| Voice | Weak, hoarse, fast-talking | Sharp, clear, commanding | Deep, pleasant, slow, melodious |
Mind & Emotions Assessment
| Trait | Vata (V) | Pitta (P) | Kapha (K) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mind Speed | Quick, restless, many ideas at once | Sharp, focused, penetrating | Slow, steady, methodical |
| Memory | Quick to learn, quick to forget | Sharp, precise, good retention | Slow to learn, never forgets |
| Under Stress | Anxiety, worry, fear, panic | Anger, irritation, criticism, blame | Withdrawal, depression, attachment |
| Dreams | Flying, running, fearful, active | Fiery, colorful, violent, vivid | Water, romantic, calm, few dreams |
| Spending | Spends impulsively, hard to save | Spends on quality, moderate saving | Saves easily, careful with money |
| Social Style | Talkative, makes friends quickly, scattered | Selective, leader type, debater | Loyal, few close friends, listener |
| Decision-Making | Indecisive, changes mind often | Quick, decisive, rarely wrong | Slow, deliberate, sticks to decision |
| Emotional Pattern | Enthusiastic → anxious → back quickly | Passionate → angry → cools slowly | Calm → complacent → slow to change |
Habits & Preferences Assessment
| Trait | Vata (V) | Pitta (P) | Kapha (K) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appetite | Irregular, forgets to eat, variable | Strong, cannot skip meals, hangry | Steady, can skip meals, mild hunger |
| Digestion | Gas, bloating, constipation | Fast, acid reflux, loose stools | Slow, heavy after meals, mucus |
| Sleep | Light, disturbed, insomnia tendency | Moderate, vivid dreams, can function on less | Deep, heavy, hard to wake up, loves sleep |
| Food Preference | Warm, oily, sweet, sour foods | Cool, sweet, bitter foods | Light, warm, spicy, dry foods |
| Climate Preference | Warm, humid climates | Cool climates, hates heat | Warm, dry climates |
| Exercise | Bursts of activity, tires quickly | Competitive, enjoys challenge | Slow start, great endurance once going |
| Daily Routine | Irregular, spontaneous, dislikes routine | Organized, efficient, time-conscious | Loves routine, resistant to change |
Understanding Your Results
Tally your scores: Count V, P, and K marks from all three sections (25 traits total).
Interpreting:
• 15+ in one dosha = Strong single-dosha constitution (e.g., "Pure Vata")
• 10-14 primary + 8-12 secondary = Dual-dosha (e.g., "Vata-Pitta")
• 8-9 in each = Tridoshic (rare, balanced constitution)
Your primary dosha determines your main dietary and lifestyle guidelines.
Your secondary dosha adds modifications — pay attention to it during its aggravated season.
Remember: This is a self-assessment guide. For precise Prakriti determination, consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner who will also check your pulse (Nadi Pariksha), tongue, eyes, and other clinical signs.
Interpreting:
• 15+ in one dosha = Strong single-dosha constitution (e.g., "Pure Vata")
• 10-14 primary + 8-12 secondary = Dual-dosha (e.g., "Vata-Pitta")
• 8-9 in each = Tridoshic (rare, balanced constitution)
Your primary dosha determines your main dietary and lifestyle guidelines.
Your secondary dosha adds modifications — pay attention to it during its aggravated season.
Remember: This is a self-assessment guide. For precise Prakriti determination, consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner who will also check your pulse (Nadi Pariksha), tongue, eyes, and other clinical signs.