AUTHOR(S): Srivastava Niraj

ABSTRACT:
Traditional Indian medicine such as Ayurveda classifies the human population into three major constituents or Prakriti known as Vata, Pitta and Kapha type. The idea of dividing population into specific constitutional type is not limited up to Indian system of medicine only but it is well described in other health care system as Sasang, and traditional Chinese system of medicine. Assessment of Prakriti in children (Balyavastha) is essential and enables the Ayurvedic pediatrician to evaluate metabolic imprinting, individual physiology and susceptibility to specific disease, its diagnosis, prevention, treatment as well as the prognosis after illness. There are many criteria to determine the Prakriti in adults, but as far as infants and children are concerned, no detail description is available in Ayurvedic classics. Individual Prakriti can be determined as per the characteristics specified in Brihattrayi and Laghutrayi, which classify in the physical, Physiological and Psychological characteristics. Development of questionnaires and its assessment methodology for each characteristic is main tool for Prakriti determination in children. Psychological characteristics can consider as Prakriti Assessment parameters after 10 years of age. This article explores the questionnaire preparation on the light of described physical characteristic in Samhitas for Prakriti and development of methodology for assessment.

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