Genomics and Its Relevance With Prakriti

Abstract

Genomics is the study of an organism’s total or partial genetic or epigenetic sequence information, with the goal of understanding the structure and function of those sequences as well as downstream biological products. Prakriti is the nature of the body in relation to dosha and is determined at the time of conception based on the dosha predominance. In this article we are going to discuss why Genomics and Prakriti are correlated to each other and a detailed study about the Prakriti. So let’s study about this!!!

Introduction

Genomics is a branch of genetics concerned with the sequencing and analysis of an organism’s genome. It entails the investigation of all genes at the mRNA, DNA and proteome levels, as well as the cell or tissue level. It helps in analyzing the health issues in a person by testing until the minute levels which means by testing the genes. The genetics and hereditary of the person never changes the same as that is the concept of Prakriti in Ayurveda. Firstly let’s discuss the concept of genomics and then we will discuss the concept of Prakriti in Ayurveda in detail.

History of Genomics

Genomics is a concept pioneered by Fred Sanger in the early 1970s, when he sequenced the entire genomes of a virus and a mitochondrion. Walter Fiers and his research group were the first to sequence a gene in 1972. They sequenced the MS2 gene belonging to the bacteriophage. Hamilton O Smith and his colleagues were the first to sequence the genome of a free-living organism, Haemophilus influenzae, in 1995.

Types of Genomics

The genomic research can be divided into two categories: structural genomics and functional genomics.

Structural Genomics

Structural genomics is the first stage of genome analysis, which includes creating genetic and physical maps of a genome, identifying genes, annotating gene features, and comparing genome structures.

Functional Genomics

The study of how genes and intergenic areas of the genome relates to various biological processes is known as functional genomics. The aim of functional genomics is to figure out how the various components of a biological system interact to produce a specific phenotype. The fluctuating expression of DNA products in a particular setting, such as at a particular point in development or during disease, is the focus of functional genomics.

As discussed above about the Genomics that it helps in analyzing Genes or its changing during a disease. Same as that is with the Prakriti as per Ayurveda. The patient’s Prakriti remains the same throughout the life but it may vitiate if the disease occurs. Let’s discuss what is Prakriti and how one can analyze the Prakriti and what is the role of Prakriti in Ayurveda.

Concept of Prakriti in Ayurveda

Prakriti refers to a person’s character, nature and constitution. According to Ayurveda, everyone is born with different Dosha proportions. Some doshas predominate from birth and this dosha predominance is not pathological. It’s just the way the person is.

Etymological interpretation of the term Prakriti

प्रकृतिस्तु स्वभावः। (Ch. Vi 8/95)

प्रकृतिः नाम जनम मरणान्तर काल भाविनी, गर्भावक्रान्ति समये स्वकारणोदरेक जनिता निर्विकारिणी दोष स्थितीः। (Rasa Vaisheshika)

Prakriti refers to that which remains constant from birth to death and is formed during the development of the fetus. This pseudo-pathological increase in doshas, or in an individual lasts his entire life.

Types of Prakriti

Prakriti is classified into two types

1. Doshaj Prakriti: Prakriti that develops as a result of the dominance of three doshas that are Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.
2. Manasika Prakriti: Psychological Characteristics.

Doshaja Prakriti

There are seven types of Doshaj Prakriti

1. Vataja
2. Pittaja
3. Kaphaja
4. Vata Pittaja
5. Vata Kaphaj
6. Kapha Pittaj
7. Vata Pitta Kaphaj

The first three are single dosha Prakriti, which are extremely rare. Vata constitutions are considered heena (bad), Pitta constitutions are considered madhyama (moderate), and Kapha constitutions are considered Uttama (best). Dwandvaja prakritis (humoral constitutions) are the next three, most of us have this type of constitution, which is known as nindniya (denounced). A balanced constitution is the seventh type which is known as sama dosha prakriti. This type of constitution is also uncommon because achieving a balance between all three doshas is difficult due to an unhealthy diet and lifestyle. This type of constitution is thought to be superior.

Manasika Prakriti

Mansika Prakriti is of 3 types

1. Satva
2. Rajas
3. Tamas

One of these three satviks is free of flaws because it is endowed with auspiciousness. The Rajsik personality type is flawed because it fosters a wrathful disposition. The tamsik one is similarly flawed because it is ignorant. Body types that are totally Vata, totally Pitta, or totally Kapha. People with such body constitutions were prone to disease. Most of us have a mixed body constitution, meaning we have a combination of two doshas with only a few symptoms of the third dosha. Body constitutions with a balanced proportion of all three doshas are also uncommon. A person with such a body constitution almost never gets sick.

Characteristic Features of Dhoshaj Prakriti

1. Vata Body Type

People who have a dominant Vata type of body have characteristics associated with air variability, accessibility, and dry state. They are erratic, impulsive, and vibrant. They can be impulsive in nature, have far short friendships, and start projects but fail to complete them. They are also very involved in sports. Vata body types are slim, with small features and amazing dark skin and hair.

2. Pitta Body Type

Those with a dominant pitta constitution have the characteristics of fire that are fluidity, intensity and lightness. Their behaviour is more predictable but they can be very aggressive and passionate. They have sharp, brilliant minds and long memories. They are also responsible for decisions and organisation, but they can be critical and judgemental. They are moderately athletic in their physical activities. Pitta body types are medium-sized, muscular, and have average features. They typically have fine hair that’s either light or reddish in colour.

3. Kapha Body Type

Those with a dominant kapha type of body are stable. smooth and calm, similar to water. They have calm demeanors and are slow to frustration. They are loyal, patient and forgiving. They learn at a slower pace but have vivid recalls. They take their time making decisions, and sometimes even procrastinate. The Kapha body type is dense and strong, but it is prone to being overweight. They have pale thick skin, prominent features, and thick, voluminous hair.

Correlation of Doshaj Prakriti with Mansik Prakriti

People are classified as Satvik, Rajasik, or Tamsik based on their mental characteristics. Here are some simple examples: Satvik people are spiritually focused and truthful; Rajsik people are aggressive and angry; and Tamsik people are lazy and overly sleepy. However, these characteristics can be examined using the tridosha prism. Prakriti analysis only considers mental factors that fall under the domain of tridosha. Vata characteristics include excessive talkativeness, wandering nature, and erratic decisions. Pitta personality traits include short temper, feelings, dominance and argumentative nature. The kapha type has a calm, focused, calculative, and organised mind. As a result, there is no need to include satva, etc., in a prakriti analysis; it can be done separately.

Why It Is Important to Know Prakriti

Prakriti, according to Ayurvedic texts, describes an individual’s susceptibility to developing specific types of diseases over the course of his life. A beautiful example is when a Vata body type person acquires vataj disorder and the prognosis is difficult. If a kapha or pitta type person acquires similar vataj disease, the prognosis is better and the condition is more likely to be easily cured. Prakriti Analysis using Tridoshas of the body is very important in the identification and management of diseases. Not only that, but this Diagnostic tool also informs you about specific dietary regimens and herbs not to consume or prefer. Prakriti Analysis also assists us in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Conclusion

Genomics that it helps in analyzing Genes or its changing during a disease. Same as that is with the Prakriti as per Ayurveda. The patient’s Prakriti remains the same throughout the life but the dosha may be disbalanced if the disease occurs. Prakriti, according to Ayurvedic texts, describes an individual’s susceptibility to developing specific types of diseases over the course of his life. So it is better to know your Prakriti to live a healthy and disease free life. For Prakriti Analysis you can visit this link: https://www.planetayurveda.com/prakriti-analysis/.