DoshaQuiz
Research-informed · based on peer-reviewed genomic studies

Know your body.
Live in balance.

Discover your Ayurvedic constitution (Prakriti) with a 15-question assessment — and receive a personalised, evidence-grounded report you can download.

Take the Free QuizLearn About Doshas
15 Questions~5 minutes
Science-Backed10+ studies
PDF ReportFree download
Free Assessment

Discover your Prakriti

Answer 15 questions based on your lifelong tendencies — not how you feel today. Results include research context and a downloadable PDF report.

15Questions
3Categories
~5Minutes

No sign-up required.

The Three Constitutions

Understanding the Doshas

Ayurveda identifies three bio-energetic principles that govern physiological and psychological function. Modern genomic research at institutions like CSIR-IGIB has found these classifications correlate with measurable genetic and biochemical differences.

🌬️Air & Space

Vata

Movement & Communication

LightDryColdMobile

Vata governs all movement in the body and mind — from nerve impulses and circulation to breathing and speech. When balanced, Vata types are creative, quick-thinking, and adaptable.

Physical Characteristics

  • Thin, light frame
  • Dry skin and hair
  • Cold extremities
  • Variable appetite

Mental Tendencies

  • Creative thinking
  • Rapid comprehension
  • Enthusiastic
  • Restless mind

Research Finding

Genomic studies identified distinct whole-genome expression signatures in Vata-dominant individuals, particularly in genes related to neural signalling and cellular transport.

Prasher et al., Journal of Translational Medicine, 2008
🔥Fire & Water

Pitta

Metabolism & Transformation

HotSharpLightSpreading

Pitta governs transformation, metabolism, and digestion — physical and mental. When balanced, Pitta types are sharp-minded, courageous, and natural leaders with robust digestion.

Physical Characteristics

  • Medium, muscular frame
  • Warm body temperature
  • Strong appetite
  • Prone to redness

Mental Tendencies

  • Sharp intellect
  • Goal-oriented
  • Decisive
  • Intense focus

Research Finding

Research has identified correlations between Pitta dominance and variants in metabolic genes, particularly PGM1, which plays a role in carbohydrate metabolism.

Govindaraj et al., Scientific Reports, 2015
🌿Earth & Water

Kapha

Structure & Stability

HeavySlowCoolStable

Kapha provides structure, stability, and lubrication — the foundation for strength, immunity, and emotional groundedness. When balanced, Kapha types are calm, loving, and deeply resilient.

Physical Characteristics

  • Solid, strong frame
  • Smooth, oily skin
  • Strong endurance
  • Slow metabolism

Mental Tendencies

  • Calm and steady
  • Excellent memory
  • Loyal and patient
  • Methodical approach

Research Finding

Studies in PNAS found Kapha-dominant individuals show variants in EGLN1, a gene involved in oxygen sensing and high-altitude adaptation, suggesting efficient energy metabolism.

Aggarwal et al., PNAS, 2010
Discover Your Dosha
Evidence-Based

The science behind Prakriti

Modern genomic and physiological research has begun to investigate the scientific basis for Ayurvedic constitutional classification. We summarise peer-reviewed findings here.

Key Research Findings

genomics

Genomic Validation of Prakriti

A landmark 2008 study published in the Journal of Translational Medicine found that individuals classified into extreme Prakriti types showed distinct whole-genome expression profiles and biochemical parameters, providing molecular evidence for Ayurvedic constitutional classification.

Prasher B et al., 2008
genomics

Genome-Wide Association Studies

Research published in Scientific Reports (2015) conducted genome-wide SNP analysis on 262 healthy individuals, identifying significant correlations between Prakriti types and genetic variants, particularly in genes related to metabolism and immune function.

Govindaraj P et al., 2015
genomics

EGLN1 and High-Altitude Adaptation

A study in PNAS demonstrated that the EGLN1 gene, which confers high-altitude adaptation, shows differential distribution across Prakriti types — with Kapha individuals showing variants associated with better oxygen metabolism.

Aggarwal S et al., 2010

Traditional Wisdom & Modern Science

Expand each principle to see how they compare

Traditional View

Ayurveda holds that each individual is born with a unique constitution (Prakriti) determined at conception, which remains constant throughout life and influences physical, physiological, and psychological characteristics.

Scientific Context

Modern research suggests Prakriti correlates with measurable phenotypic and genotypic variations. Studies have identified distinct gene expression profiles, SNP patterns, and biochemical markers associated with each constitutional type.

Prasher B et al., 2008Govindaraj P et al., 2015
Traditional View

Vata (air/space), Pitta (fire/water), and Kapha (earth/water) are three bio-energetic forces that govern all physiological and psychological processes. Health results from their dynamic equilibrium.

Scientific Context

While "bio-energy" lacks a direct scientific equivalent, researchers have mapped dosha descriptions to observable phenotypes: body composition, metabolic rate, thermoregulation, digestive patterns, and psychological tendencies — many of which show genetic correlations.

Rotti H et al., 2014Dey S et al., 2017
Traditional View

Ayurveda prescribes diet, lifestyle, and therapeutic interventions tailored to an individual's Prakriti to maintain balance and prevent disease.

Scientific Context

The concept of constitution-based personalization aligns with precision medicine. Preliminary pharmacogenomic studies suggest Prakriti may help predict drug response, though larger clinical trials are needed to validate specific recommendations.

Juyal RC et al., 2012Patwardhan B et al., 2014

What Research Supports

  • Multiple independent studies have found statistically significant correlations between Prakriti types and genetic variants.
  • Whole-genome expression profiling shows distinct molecular signatures for extreme constitutional types.
  • The Prakriti concept offers a framework for phenotypic stratification that may complement genomic approaches.
  • Traditional descriptions of dosha characteristics align with observable physiological and psychological traits.

Current Limitations

  • Most studies have small sample sizes (typically < 500 participants) and are observational.
  • A 2023 systematic review found only 6 of 64 Prakriti assessment tools met rigorous psychometric criteria.
  • Randomized controlled trials validating specific Ayurvedic interventions remain limited.
  • The mechanistic basis for dosha-based classifications requires further investigation.

Scientific consensus: While preliminary genomic research provides intriguing support for Ayurvedic constitutional classification, the field is in early stages. Most experts recommend viewing Prakriti as a complementary framework for self-understanding rather than a diagnostic tool, pending larger-scale validation studies.

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