Prakriti and lifestyle: An Ayurvedic perspective on personalized health and holistic well-being
Synopsis
Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, offers a unique, personalized approach to health through the concept of Prakriti, which defines an individual's inherent physiological and psychological constitution. This principle aligns with modern precision medicine, where treatments are tailored based on genetic and environmental factors. The interplay between Prakriti and lifestyle choices is crucial in determining an individual’s health status, disease susceptibility, and overall well-being. Ayurvedic texts emphasize that a harmonious lifestyle, diet, sleep, and mental balance according to one's Prakriti can prevent diseases and enhance longevity.
Scientific research has validated the correlation between Prakriti and genomic variations, metabolic functions, gut microbiota composition, and disease predisposition. The World Health Organization (WHO) supports traditional medicine integration into mainstream healthcare, emphasizing the need for scientific validation and standardization of Ayurvedic concepts (WHO, 2013). Advances in bioinformatics, artificial intelligence, and computational modelling are facilitating the development of personalized medicine based on Prakriti assessment.
This chapter explores the intricate relationship between Prakriti and lifestyle, integrating ancient wisdom with modern scientific insights.
Keywords: Ayurveda, Prakriti, constitution, lifestyle, preventive medicine, holistic approach