Prakriti vs Vikriti: documenting constitution and current imbalance
Prakriti is the constitution a person is born with. Vikriti is the state of imbalance they present with today. Confusing the two is one of the most common documentation errors in Ayurvedic practice, and it leads to plans that treat the constitution instead of the disease.
Prakriti
Prakriti is set at conception and stays stable through life. It describes tendencies, such as body frame, digestion, sleep, temperament and response to seasons. It is usually expressed as a dosha combination, for example Vata-Pitta.
Because it does not change, Prakriti should be assessed carefully once and then referenced, not re-scored at every visit.
Vikriti
Vikriti is the current deviation from that baseline. It changes with season, diet, stress and disease, and it is what the treatment plan addresses.
A Kapha-predominant person can present with a Vata Vikriti. Recording both separately keeps the plan aimed at the right target.
Practical documentation tips
- Record Prakriti with the evidence behind it (physical, physiological, psychological), not just the label.
- Record Vikriti per visit, with the signs that support it.
- Note seasonal context (Ritu). The same Vikriti reads differently in Varsha than in Hemanta.
- Keep agni and koshtha observations next to Vikriti; they change with it.
Questions practitioners ask
- Can an online dosha quiz determine Prakriti?
- Quizzes are screening tools at best. Clinical Prakriti assessment combines history, examination and observation over time, and it is the practitioner's judgement.
- Should Prakriti appear on every visit note?
- Reference it, but do not re-assess it. Re-scoring Prakriti each visit usually means Vikriti is being recorded in the wrong field.