The central principle of Ayurvedic belief is the uniqueness of each individual. The combination of the tridoshas is unique to each person. This is his prakriti. Each individual is born with a typical prakriti. This prakriti is determined by the state of the parental doshas at the time of conception. But our diet, environment, stress, trauma, injury etc. can cause an imbalance in our doshas leading to a state known as vikriti Knowing our constitution or prakriti helps us understand ourselves better. It enables us to plan changes in out diet and our lifestyle for achieving a richer life through holistic well-being.

• Vata Constitution Vata's dominant elements are air and space, the mover for bodily processes and persons with vata prakriti are hence associated with motion. They are on the move physically and mentally. They are blessed with a creative and sharp mind. They are active, quick and restless. They are quick at doing things -quick at learning, quick at forgetting, quick at getting excited and equally quick at losing that excitement. Vatas are often anxious and frightened. They can be extroverted and introverted by turn. Vatas have a temper that is unpredictable. They tend to be emotionally insecure. Vatas sleep little and their sleep is often disturbed. They eat little. They like sweet, sour and salty foods. Vatas' energy comes in bursts. Sometimes they are brimming with energy and at others they are totally drained. Vatas are the archetypal impulse buyers. Vata people have trouble making decisions. Vatas are sensitive and avoid confrontation. Vatas need warmth at all levels-from their environment, from their relationships and from their food.

• Fire and water are pitta's elements and hence the fiery quality of persons with pitta prakriti. Pittas have immense resources of initiative and energy. It is very important for them to channelise their creative fire to constructive purposes. They are determined and strong-willed. They are intelligent and have a clear memory. Pittas are efficient, precise and orderly. They are articulate and proud. They can be aggressive, impatient and short-tempered. Pittas tend to be emotionally intense. Pittas can be stubborn in their beliefs. They hate heat. They prefer cold climates and cooling foods. Pittas love to eat. Pittas are perfectionists and can be critical of those who are less efficient than them. They tend to gray soon. Pittas enjoy light sleep.

• Kapha persons are blessed with strength, endurance, and stamina. Their elements are earth and water, which explains their attributes of calmness and groundedness. They gain weight more easily and lose it with more difficulty than do other constitutions. They need time to think calmly and rationally. They can be calm and caring and also lazy and possessive. They tend to accumulate money more easily than do other people. Lust, greed and attachment are their shortcomings. Kaphas have a tendency to cling to old beliefs and attitudes. Kaphas can tolerate intense exercise better than other prakritis. They can also fast better as they have ample body store to keep them going. Kaphas need stimulation in their environment, their relationships and their food. Overcoming stagnation is Kapha's biggest challenge. Kaphas enjoy deep sleep. They like the slow relaxed life. Kaphas eat, walk and talk slowly. They are slow to learn but have a good memory. Kaphas are emotionally secure people.