Vikriti (or vikruti), according to Ayurveda is the deviation of Prakriti from its normal state. Prakriti is the constitution of body and mind that keeps them healthy. Vikruti in Ayurveda is a state of disease for body or mind or both. Vikriti occurs when tridoshas are not in equilibrium or a balanced state.

According to Ayurveda vikriti or deviation from normal body constitution is responsible for diseases. An Ayurvedic physician considers different elements of body constitution like the state of doshas, the principle type for the person, age, his/her physical capabilities (bala), the geographical location (desha) and the season and time (kala). In other words, an Ayurvedic physician canÂ’t come to conclusions based exclusively on external symptoms.

Taking into consideration all the above elements will enable the physician to accurately suggest a curing method that will give complete results. If diagnosis is impaired, the results too will be faulty.

According to Ayurveda, any physical or mental ailment is caused due to imbalance in any one or more of three dynamic forces called Tridoshas.

Tridoshas (three doshas) or three dynamic natural forces (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha in Sanskrit and Vatham, Pitham and Kapham in Malayalam) composed of the five principal elements of creation are responsible for the physical, physiological, and psychological well being of a person existing in a state of equilibrium.

These natural forces composed of the elements of nature (akash – space, bhumi – earth, jal – water, vayu -air and agni – fire) determine the cycle of growth, wellness, death and decay. Vata is combination of Vayu and Akash, Pitta is combination of Agni and Jal and Kapha is combination of Bhumi and Jal.

It is health, when the doshas are in harmony or balance, a state of equilibrium. Every single aspect of physical and mental characteristic of a person has explanations in the concept of tridoshas.

When the equilibrium or balance of any one of the doshas is affected, it affects the balance of other doshas too.

In persons too, the Doshas of a person change with time.

Ayurveda classifies people into three categories according to the dominance of a specific kapha in that person. Most persons have only one Dosha dominating; some have two Doshas and only in rare instances, all three Doshas of the tridosha dominate.

Pitta prakriti is associated with Agni (fire). It is responsible for maintaining body temperature and digestion of food. Pitta prakriti persons have medium sized body with a good muscle tone. Skin is oily, hence susceptible to diseases like pimples, moles, acne, etc. Medium sized neck, medium eyes, pink nails, etc are symptoms of a pitta prakriti person. They generally have got a gift of jab, but are susceptible to irritability, anger and other negative emotions. Weak pitta types are susceptible to digestive problems, liver diseases and anemia. The strong pitta are assertive, and tolerant.

Ayurveda says Pitta dosha is one among the three doshas in tridoshas. It is composed mainly of Agni (fire) and some Jal (water).

This balances the metabolic activities of our body. Pitta dominates digestive system, blood, nervous system (brain), eyes, and skin. This force is responsible for the maintenance of body temperature. It is also responsible for the production of digestive juices, melanin (the pigment that gives color to skin and hair), hemoglobin, etc.

You can thus find that Pitta dosha has influences on

· Metabolism
· Temperature control
· Vision or eye sight
· Proper thinking and comprehension and
· Healthy appearance of skin

The activities that affect the balance of Pitta are

· Consumption of alcoholic beverages
· Consumption of spicy food items
· Spend long hours in sun
· Short temperedness
· Over physical exertion and
· Indigestion of food

Controlling the lifestyle activities thus becomes integral part to keep Pitta dosha in equilibrium.

Kapha dosha is constituted of prithvi (earth) and jal (water). kapha is responsible for the body composition. Bones, muscles, fat and fluids are all included as kapha. The kapha prakriti persons are strong with good physique. They have large pink lips and gums. Broad shoulders and well developed chest. They are tolerant and can pursue difficult physical actions. They have strong immune system. They pursue spiritual activities and are generally loyal and reliable persons. If there is an imbalance in kapha, the person will be prone to different diseases that affect chest and upper parts of the body. Weak kapha types have a fatty body. Their metabolism is slow and are prone to diabetes. Others take advantage of this type persons is a sad thing.

Kapha Dosha is a dosha among the three doshas of tridosha, according to Ayurveda.

This force is composed mainly of Jal (water). It also has some element of Bhoomi (earth). Thus kapha dosha is considered to be heaviest of all doshas. When hearing heavy, donÂ’t assume the dosha is material. It is a dynamic force, which controls the Jal and Bhoomi within our body.

Kapha is responsible for:

1. Body mass
2. Fertility and virility
3. Strength
4. Stability of mind and body
5. Memory

Kapha dominates the regions of chest, and up.

The reasons for imbalances to Kapha are:

· Eating too much of sweet, cold food
· Daytime sleeping and
· Consuming certain dairy products and fatty food

Normalizing your eating and sleeping habits can help check imbalances to Kapha dosha.