Abstract

CRITICAL APPRAISAL OF MANAS PRAKRITI IN MANIFESTATION OF DISEASE

Harshita Gaur*, Babita Sharma

Abstract

Manas Prakriti (mental constitution) is a fundamental concept in Ayurveda that plays a vital role in determining an individual's psychological characteristics, behaviour, health status, and susceptibility to disease. The mental constitution is governed by the predominance of the three Gunas—Satva, Rajas, and Tamas—which influence emotional responses, mental strength, and overall well-being. Ayurveda recognizes that an imbalance in these mental attributes can contribute to the initiation and progression of various diseases. The present review aims to study the concept of Manas Prakriti in the context of Vyadhi and to establish its interrelationship with disease manifestation. Information for this study was collected from classical Ayurvedic texts such as Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Ashtanga Samgraha, and Ashtanga Hridaya, along with their commentaries, relevant scientific literature, and Ayurveda-related resources. The review reveals that Rajasa-dominant individuals are more prone to conditions such as anxiety, hypertension, and Amlapitta due to heightened restlessness, emotional instability, and stress-related disturbances, whereas Tamasa-dominant individuals show greater susceptibility to obesity, psoriasis, and poor disease management owing to lethargy, lack of motivation, and unhealthy lifestyle practices. A combined Rajasa– Tamasika Manas Prakriti is frequently associated with disorders such as Diabetes Mellitus and acid-peptic diseases. Modern psychophysiological evidence further supports the Ayurvedic view by demonstrating the influence of chronic stress, neuroendocrinedysregulation, immune alterations, and inflammatory processes in disease causation. Knowledge of Manas Prakriti can therefore serve as an important tool in predicting disease susceptibility, planning preventive strategies, and individualizing treatment approaches. Thus, understanding Manas Prakriti provides a holistic framework for the promotion of health, prevention of disease, and achievement of overall well-being.

Keywords: Manas Prakriti, Vyadhi, Satva, Rajas, Tamas, Mental Constitution, Psychosomatic Disorders, Disease Prevention.