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Abhyanga TOP
An ayurvedic oil massage practiced by two medics who massage to let go the warm oil into the tissues of the entire body. This helps loosen and facilitate the removal of accumulated ama (toxins) and the doshas (vata, pitta and kapha) from the body.
Aadaan kala: the first half of the year
According to Ayurveda, a year is divided into two periods or kalas : adaan and visarga. Aaadan kala is also called utarayana (northern solstice). During this period the sun and wind become strong and take away the cooling properties of the earth. It starts from mid January to mid July. Ritus (seasons) included are Sisra (cold and dewy season); Vasanta (spring season) and Grisma ritu (summer season).
Aadharniya vega;
non suppression of natural urges It means the natural urges which should not be suppressed by force as a habit.
Aayschotana;
Type of Eye salves It is a type of eye treatment in which drops of herbal liquids are put into the eyes. This therapy prevents excess lacrimation, burning sensation and redness of eyes.
Abhakta aushadha;
empty stomach medication intake Ayurveda describes various methods of intake of medicine depending upon the dosha imbalanced. Empty stomach medicine intake is one of the methods The medicine is given early in the morning empty stomach. It is mostly recommended to patients who are strong enough to take medicine empty stomach and in aggravation of kapha.
Adhobhakta;
Intake of medicine after meals The medicine is given immediately after the meals. It is recommended in imbalance of vyaan vayu.
Agada tantra
Toxicology, a branch of Ayurveda dealing with poisons.
Agantuka
External or a stranger.
Ahamkara
Conception of one’s individuality, egoism, pride or haughtiness.
Ajirna
Indigestion, weak digestion.
Akasa
Free open space, ether, sky or atmosphere.
Akriti
Physical appearance or external shape.
Alabu
A vessel made of dried gourd.
Alocaka (Pitta)
A type of Pitta governing vision, causing to see.
Amala (Amalaki)
An Ayurvedic herb, Emblica officinalis (Emblica myrobalan)
Amavata
A disease caused by ama and vata, comparable to arthritis in modern medicine.
Amla
Sour taste.
Anjana
Black pigment applied in eyes and eyelashes.
Anna-vaha srotas
The channels transporting grains or food, the digestive system, alimentary canal.
Anupana
A fluid vehicle for medicine; drink taken with or after medicine, drink after eating.
Anurasa
A secondary flavor (as a little sweetness in sour fruit), a subordinate feeling.
Anuvasana (Basti)
Enema given with an oily substance.
Apa
The element water or water.
Apana
One of the five types of vata, which goes downward and is responsible for expulsion of faces, flatus, urine, menstrual blood etc.
Aparadha
Offence, sin, wrong action or misuse.
Apara-ojas
One of the less important of two types of vital fluid (ojas) present in the body, inferior, lower.
Ardhavabhedaka
A kind of migraine affecting half of the head or skull.
Arsha
Saintly, pious, and sacred.
Asana – Yogasana
Posture, seat or position.
Asatmendriyartha samyoga
Improper contact of senses with their objects.
Asatmya
Unwholesome, bad, improper.
Ashtanga Ayurveda:
The eight branches of Ayurveda
Astanga Hrdya
An ancient Ayurvedic text written by Vagabhatta.
Agni
Agni is the form of fire and heat that is the basis of the digestive system and the process of release of energy. The term includes the body heat, body temperature, sight, the digestive fire; its function is transformation, absorption, elimination and discrimination is agni.
Ahara rasa
It is the nutrient substance that is acted upon in the digestive tract by the enzymes or the bile juice.
Akasha
It is the free space or void; also related to the property of sound and is one of the aggregate elemental processes.
Alochaka [pitta]
It is one of the five varieties of pitta and helps in catching the image of external objects.
Ama
It is the toxins that enter the blood stream and are circulated in the whole body. Toxins or ama are produced in the body by the raw, undigested food products that become fetid. Retention of toxins in the blood results in toxemia. Almost every disease is a result of toxicity ormits crisis. Toxins are vital for prana (vital life energy), ojas (immunity), and tejas (cell metabolic energy).
Apana [vata]
This medicine acts in the downward direction of the body and regulates exhalation and excretion.
Artha
It relates to meaning, the final essence of every thought, it is an object of pursuit, which is desired and desirable and satisfies the acquisitive tendency in every individual.
Asthi
It is one of the seven components and the bone tissues that supports the body by giving it protection, shape, nourishment and longevity.
Atman
Atman means the true self, which is the cause of consciousness and all functions by the mind.
Atreya
Atreya is the author of Charaka Samhita.
Aum
Also said as OM, the god’s name has in itself the sounds for all omniscience, omnipresence and omnipotence. A, U, M, represent the outer, the inner, and the super conscious stages of consciousness, waking, dream, and the state of extreme sleep.
Aushadha:
Medicine ,Aushadha means medicine to be given for cure of the disease. Charaka states aushada as one of the constituent of Chiktisa Chatushpada(Four essential constituents of treatment). Based on action, aushadha mainly of two types: Shodhana (Purifactory therapy) and Shamana (Palliative therapy). Depending upon its origin aushadha is of two types: Sthavar (plant origin) and Jangam (animal origin).
Avagaha sveda;
Sitz bath. The herbs to be used are boiled in water. The patient is asked to dip the affected part in it. It’s most commonly used in arsh (piles).
Avalambaka [kapha]
It is a type of kapha. It is located in the heart and the sacrum and has the vital function of nourishing them both, lubricating and protecting the heart and support the sacrum.
Avyakta
It refers to indistinct, not evident and inarticulate.
Ayurveda
Constituted of two words, Ayur meaning life and Veda meaning knowledge, ayurveda means the knowledge of life. Another accurate translation of ayurveda is ‘the knowledge of longevity. The roots of ayurveda rest in the ancient Indian culture. Ayurveda can be thoroughly understood by getting woven up in the fabric of nature.
Bala TOP
This is a Sanskrit word which means strength.
Balya
It is an energizer that gives strength to the body.
Bhasma
A mineral ingredient of Ayurvedic preparations prepared in an often lengthy processes of repeated heating with herbs.
Bheda
Division, variety and distinction.
Bhrajaka (Pitta)
A type of Pitta that gives color or shining to the skin.
Bhutagni
The fire (enzyme) that digests elements (bhuta).
Bhuta-vidya
The science dealing with microorganisms and evil spirits, demonology.
Bhakti
It means devotion for the almighty, faithfulness, worshipful service, homage and loyalty towards the creator.
Basti
It refers to the enema therapy of panchkarma. Basti is the most effective treatment of vata disorder. Vata is a predominant site in the colon. In ayurveda basti involves the introduction of herbal solution of sesame in the rectum.
Basti relieves constipation, distention, chronic fever, cold, sexual disorders, kidney stones, heart pain, backache, sciatica and other joint pains like arthritis, rheumatism, gout, muscle spasm and headaches.
Bhedaniya
These are the substances that break down fecal matter and help remove it out of the body thus cleaning the colon.
Bhrajaka pitta
Located in the skin of the whole body it is one of the five sub types of pitta And has the function of giving color to the skin and provide luster.
Bodhaka[Kapha]
Located at the root of the tongue and the pharynx it is one of the five subtypes of kapha and enables perception of taste.
Brahma
It is the name of the first god in the Hindu God trinity. Considered as the creator of all mankind, all that lives and constitutes the mortal universe he has the universe as his body that manifests the energy of creation.
Bruhaniya
These are the herbs / natural substances that promote growth.
Buddhi
Refers to the intellect of the living beings, the faculty of wisdom, intelligence and discrimination. There are two types of buddhi namely: pitta buddhi which is sharp and has the capability of discrimination, understanding and appreciation providing a strong remote and recent memory, whereas the other one i.e.: the kapha buddhi is slow, dull and capability to understand little with the capacity to retain it.
Brahmacharya
A state of continence followed during student life, routine followed while studying Vedas.
Brahma-muhurta
Time period (two hours) preceding sunrise.
Chaksu TOP
Eye.
Chakhyushya
Natural ayurvedic herbs that are good for eyes and increase the tone of the ciliary muscles.
Chakra
These are the energy centers in the body that are related to the nerve plexus center, which govern the body functions.
Charaka
Charaka meaning the wanderer is believed to have spent many years between the wild animals in dense jungles, which enabled him to coin his experiences in the book considered as the bible of ayurveda and called the Charaka Samhita.
Charaka’s encounter with nature and its beings for many years led to the writing of the great text relating ayurveda, naturotherapy and use of natural substances for curing and preventing diseases when mankind was unaware of the medicinal values of these substances and the various measures quoted by him.
Churna
It is a Sanskrit word that means powder.
Chikitsa
Treatment, a therapy to retain balance of Doshas, practice or science of medicine.
Chitraka
Name of an herb, Latin Name: Plumbago zeylanica.
Citraka- mula – The root of the herb citrak (Plumbago zeylanica). Its root is good for increasing the strength of the digestive power.
Citrakadi vati – An Ayurvedic medicine made using citrak as the main ingredient
Deva TOP
They are considered as the angles, celestial beings without physical body structure.
Danti mula
Root of the herb “danti” (Latin Name: Baliospermum montanum).
Desa
Region, country, area, and kingdom.
Dhanvantari
According to the Hindu mythology during the churning of the ocean, Vishnu, the physician of gods is believed to be produced with a cup of nectar in his ahnd that represents the true healer in all beings.
Dharana
This Sanskrit word means absorbing information into the memory and reproducing the same.
Dharma
It refers to one’s character, one’s true self and about being a whole human being by the virtue of righteousness, virtue, attribute, duty, nature of disposition and prescribed code of conduct.
Dhatu
It is the basic structural and nutritional body factor that supports or nourishes the seven body tissues. These seven tissues of our body includes the rasa, rakta, mamsa, meda, asthi, majja and shukra.
Dhi
intelligence; that part of mental function that captures information.
Dhrti
that part of mental function that retains information.
Dhyana;
Meditation, One of the practices done for mental stability. When the manas (mind) attain the state of stability it is called dhyana. While in dhyana one should try to concentrate on one particular thing only.
Dipaniya
These are the natural substances that kindle the gastric fire and augment the appetite.
Dravya
According to the vaisheshika system of philosophy dravya menas substance or the substratum of properties of the nine eternal substances i.e. the earth, water, fire, air, ether, time, space, self, and mind.
Dushti / Duhkha
It is a Sanskrit word that means unhappiness. Vata persons tend toward a duhkha of insecurity, anxiety, fear and loneliness whereas with Pitta constitution individuals tend towards a duhkha involving judgment, nothing to do, being judged, criticism, and lack of acknowledgement. The Kapha duhkha relates to too much physical activity and hardships
Emetics TOP
It is any substance that eliminates the impurity from the upper part of the body.
Etiology
It is the study of the causes of all diseases. In ayurveda the cause of most of the diseases is due to the overuse, misuse or no use of the five senses.
Ghrta (Ghee) TOP
Ghruta ia a sanskrit word meaning ghee. It is the clarified butter made by heating unsalted butter. The ghee may be stored without refrigeration and can be used for most of the preparations that need oil or butter as the basic ingredient.
Guna
All material entities including the mind are the composites of the three gunas, namely the sattva, rajjas and tamas. These are the attributes whose imbalance leads to creation.
Gandharva
Celestial musicians, Heavenly singers.
Gridhrasi;
Sciatica , It is vattaj roga. The aggravated vata and kapha invades the hip region leading to stiffness, pain and pricking sensation in the waist, back , thigh, knee and calf region.
Goksur
Medicinal herb – Puncture vine, Latin name: Tribulus terrestris.
Guduci
Name of an herb: Latin name: Tinospora cordifolia.
Guggulu
A gum from the herb called Indian bedellium, Latin name: Commiphora mukul.
Haritaki TOP
Chebulic myrofalan, Latin name: Terminalia chebula.
Harsh
Deligh, pleasant.
Hina yoga
Insufficient, deficient.
Indrya TOP
Faculty of sense, organ of sense.
Isabgol
An herb commonly used as laxative. Latin Name: Plantago ovata.
Iccha
It is a Sanskrit word meaning “the will”.
Isvara
Means the God or the Lord who is exists forever, free and where the Lordship reaches extremity God exists
Jiva TOP
It is the empirical self, individual soul or the living being.
Jala
Water, fluid.
Jalauka
Leech.
Jathara
Stomach, belly or abdomen.
Jatharagni
Fire located in stomach, digestive fire, gastric juices, digestive enzymes.
Jati
Jasmine.
Kala TOP
Time period, season.
Kalka;
Paste The herbs to be used for medicinal purposes are taken and are kneaded along with juice or herbal waters to convert into lumps. This form is called kalka.
Kamya
Desirable, amiable, performed for desiring an object.
Kama
It is a sexual desire apart from the other two i.e. the dharma and artha which are mostly desired by men and are the three things from which a yogi, the saint must keep himself away from besides greed, fear, sleep and wrath.
Kanthya
It is the natural substances that improve the hoarseness of voice and are good for throat, speech and voice.
Kapha
It is one of the three doshas i.e. the water humor, the intracellular fluid and the extra cellular fluid that plays significant role in the nutrition and existence of body cells and tissues.
Karma
Action; work; a complex concept, the word originally denoted a religious act or rite and gradually assumed other shades of meaning, as in, action, work, past actions as producing good or evil results; the accumulated effect of deeds in lives, past and present.
Kama
It refers to the healthy and spiritual use of senses. In ayurveda it is believed that the remedy of the disease is to be found in the the cause itself so the senses have a vital role to play in curing the ailment.
Karna
It is a Sanskrit word meaning ear.
Keshyam
These are the natural herbs and substances that strengthen hair and the hair root.
Khumbhaka
In yoga it is a breathing exercise in which the breath is retained in a state of suspense when the mind is relaxed. This exercise re vitalizes the nervous system.
Kichadi
It is meal that is prepared with basmati rice and split mungdal. Sometimes few other legumes and vegetables are also used.
Kledaka [kapha]
It is one of the five subtypes of kapha. It has the vital function of moistening the food and liquefying the digested contents in the stomach.
Kosha
It refers to the subtle bodies, the sheaths. Human body has five sheaths in all, namely the sheath of knowledge, the sheath of bliss, the sheath of prana, the sheath of mind and the sheath of food.
Kundalini
Meaning the spiritual life force, Shakti kundalini is the residue that remains after material consciousness is dissolved.
Karana
Doing, making, effecting, causing.
Karanja
Indian beech, Latin name: Pongamia pinnata.
Karavira
Indian oleander, Latin name: Nerium indicum.
Karmendriya
An organ of action, the working sense.
Kashaya
Astringent taste or flavor.
Kathina
Hard, firm, stiff, harsh, inflexible, cruel.
Katu
Pungent taste or flavor.
Katuka
An herb, Latin name: Picrorhiza kurroa.
Kaumarabhrtya
The branch of Ayurveda that deals with child- care ( pediatrics ).
Kaya
Body, habitation.
Kay-cikitsa
Treatment of body diseases, Internal Medicine.
Kedari kulya nyaya
Irrigation canal analogy, a theory described in Ayurveda to explain the formation of tissues.
Khale kapota nyaya
The grain pigeon analogy, a theory described in Ayurveda to explain the formation of tissues.
Kledaka
Wet, moist or phlegm in stomach.
Ksharas;
alkali preparations Their properties depend mainly on the herbs from which they are made. In general they are sharp, hot, light, unctuous, softening and stimulative. For e.g. tavak-kshara.
Kriya
Action, practice, applying a remedy.
Kriyakala
Duration of an action.
Ksira Dadhi nyaya
A theory described in Ayurveda to explain the formation of tissues.
Kubera
The God of riches and treasure.
Kuti
Cottage or hut.
Kutipravesika rasayana
Entering or living in a cottage for the purpose of rejuvenation (Rasayana chikitsa).
Laghu TOP
Light, small, minute.
Langhana;
depletion therapy According to Ashtang Sangraha it is one of dvividha upkarma(two kinds of therapy). It can be called as slimming therapy and indicated for those who are obese due to overeating. This therapy makes body thin and light.
Lassi
Buttermilk, drink made by mixing water in yogurt and churning it.
Lavana
Salty taste of flavor.
Lavana-bhaskara choorna
An Ayurvedic powder popularly used to enhance digestion.
Lekhaniya
They are the natural substances that remove fat from the body by scraping the nonessential adipose tissue. The natural herbs used here are good for cellulite removal also.
Madhyama TOP
In Sanskrit this word means trunk of the body. In ayurvedic terminology it refers to the sound rising form the heart that is felt by the ears and not heard.
Majja
It means the bone marrow. Being one of the seven dhatus it is soft and has the main function of filling up the asthi and nourishing the shukra.
Malas
It means the waste products that are excreted out of the body by some or the other phenomenon. It primarily includes urine, feces and sweat.
Madh
Honey – Madhu is sweet in taste and non-ctuous. It increases vata, heals wounds, good for cough, dyspnoea and also for vision.
Mantram
These are the sacred words or phrases that have a spiritual significance and power. These are of two types: one that is expressed or said by voice and are heard whereas others are non- uttered but are repeated internally.
Marmas
These are the nerve crossings where nerves come to the fascia and relate to the vital human body organs. Marmas are the 365 vital energy points in the body of which 108 are of great importance in ayurveda. They are also called door receptors.
Maya
Literal meaning is illusion whereas in spiritual terms it refers to god’s creative energy, cosmic illusion. The illusion here is not an illusion in terms of it being unreal but in terms of the divine acts, sport or lila played by the cosmic deities.
Meda
It is the fat tissue supported by mamsa dhatu. The main function of this one of the seven bodily tissues is to support the human body and lubricate it. Meda’s presence in excess can cause obesity and physical weakness.
Moksha
It means liberation, freedom in every aspect and every way of life.
Madakari
That which causes intoxication.
Madanaphala
Emetic nut, Latin name: Randia spinosa.
Madhura
Sweet taste of flavor, pleasant, charming, delightful.
Madya
Any intoxicating drink or substance.
Mahabhuta
Big elements, gross elements, being great.
Mahad tattva
Intellect, great principle.
Majja-vaha srotas
Channels transporting bone marrow.
Malinikarana
The act making impure, staining.
Mamsa-vaha srotas
Channels transporting muscles.
Manas
Mind.
Manda
Slow.
Manda;
Rice preparation The drained water after boiling rice resembling thin fluid is called manda. It helps in easy digestion of food and eases bowel movements. It also relieves thirst and exahustion.
Mandagni
Weakened state of digestive fire.
Medha
Mental power, intelligence, wisdom, and prudence.
Medo-vaha srotas
Channels transporting fatty tissue.
Medya
That which enhances wisdom, mental power and intelligence.
Mithya-yoga
Wrong use, wrong employment.
Matsaya
Fish
Moong ki daal
A variety of green dry beans used for cooking or making sprouts.
Mrudu
Soft, delicate, tender.
Mudra
A sign, position, image commonly practiced in Yoga or religious worship.
Mutra
Urine.
Mutra-vaha srotas
Channels transporting the urine.
Nadi TOP
Pulse, any tubular organ such as vein or artery.
Nasya
Herbal medication of nasal is called nasya. In the medictaion the excess bodily humors that accumulate in the sinus, throat, nose or head is eliminated by the means of the nearest possible opening, the nose.
Naimittika
A cause to achieve a specific result.
Nanatmaja
A result (disease) caused by single factor (dosa).
Neem
Margosa tree, Latin name: Azadirachta indica.
Netra
Eye.
Nidana
Causes, Nidaan refers to the etiology or cause of the disease. Its knowledge helps in treatment of disease. Its synomyns are hetu,aaytan.
Nidra
Sleep.
Nija
Innate, one’s own, internal.
Niruha (Basti)
An enema not of an oily kind.
Niyama
Restrain, regulate, to fix upon, control, check.
Odana; TOP
boiled rice Boiling the rice and then draining the water. The solid with or without fluid portion is called odana. It is very easily digestible.
Ojas
Vigor, strength and vitality that is the essence of all tissues (dhatus). It means the life sap or the essence of immune system and spiritual energy. Ojas is a protoplasmic substance called the albumin and globulin that is formed during the biosynthesis of bodily tissues and strengthens the tissues.
As ghee is the pure essence of milk, in the same way this protoplasmic biological substance is the pure essence of biological tissue. In the churning process to make ghee, agni is created, electricity is created, which ionizes and separates the molecules of butter from buttermilk. In the same way, the end product of digested food plus agni(fire or warmth, body heat) creates the nutritional precursor called ahar rasa. Rasa dhatu agni transfers the immature ahar rasa into mature sthay rasa. Asthayi means mobile, unstable, unprocessed, and immature. Sthay means stable, permanent, and mature. In that transformation, dhatu waste products, dhatu by products and ojas is created
Pachaka TOP
It is the combination of bile and pancreatic juices located in an area between the stomach and the duodenum. It is one of the five subtypes of pitta and when malfunctions it causes burning sensation, increases appetitie, thirst, insomnia and jaundice,
Pachaniya
These are the natural substances that help in proper digestion.
Paka
It is a Sanskrit word meaning decoction, boiling, and fermentation.
Panchakarma
According to ayurveda this refers to the five cleansing therapies i.e. vaman, virechan, basti, nasya and rakta moksha. In literal terms these internal purification refer to vomiting, purgation, decoction enema, oily enema, and nasal medications.
Pitta
It is one of the three doshas i.e. the bile humor, entire hormones, enzymes, coenzymes and agencies responsible for the physiochemical processes of the body.
Prakopa
(Abnormal increase) Charaka describes Prakopa as second stage in the pathogenesis of any disease. The unbalanced dosha
Prakruti
According to the Samkhya definition this means unconscious, inherent relationship between self and matter. In other words it means one’s life consumption.
Prana [vata]
Literally meaning outgoing moving air, this is first of the five-vayu subdoshas and is responsible for respiratory functions and regulating inhalation.
Pranayama
It is a breathing exercise for purifying the blood and vitalizing the inner organs. The three aspects of this exercise are inhalation, retention and exhalation with the aim of increasing the span of each aspect and more controlled.
Pratyahara
It is the fifth stage of yoga and means withdrawal and liberation of mind from the sense sand the objects.
Prayatna
It is a Sanskrit word meaning effort. Effort of vata is light, rapid whereas pitta’s effort is sharp, penetrating and skillful and kapha’s effort is heavy, dull and sleepy.
Puraka
It is the inhalation aspect of pranayama i.e. the in breathing process.
Panir
A type of fresh cheese made by curdling milk.
Para-ojas
High quality or superior vital fluid located in the heart.
Pariksa
Examination, inspection or investigation.
Pascata karma
Post action, therapies induced after the main action (therapy).
Peya
Rice gruel or any drink mixed with a small quantity of boiled rice.
Pichila
Slimy, lubricous, slippery, smeary.
Pippali
Long pepper, Latin name: Piper longum.
Pitta
Fire, bile, one of the three main biological energy in the body.
Prabhava
Effect, prominent, peculiar or special action of an herb.
Prajna
Wisdom, intelligence, knowledge.
Prajnaparadha
Not using intellect, offending the wisdom.
Prakopa
Vitiation, aggravation.
Prapti
Obtaining, attaining.
Rajas TOP
It refers to the law of nature that maintains life. It is one of the three gunas characterized by action, energy, passion and stimulation that leads to the life of sensual enjoyment, pleasure and pain, efforts and restlessness.
Rakshasa
It is a synonym for demons or demonic beings whose minds are unable to distinguish between right and wrong and is diverted towards conflicts and anger.
Rakta
Literally meaning the blood, rakta is one of the seven dhatus supported by rasa and is responsible for the nourishment of the permanent dhatus, providing physical strength and color to the body. This circulating blood vessel is considered as the basis of life.
Ranjaka pitta
Located in the stomach, liver and spleen it is one of the five pitta subdoshas, liver and spleen. Its function is to give color to the lymph chyle when it is transformed into blood as it passes through the liver and spleen.
Rasa
It is derived from the digested food and is circulated the entire body by channels. The main function of this first of the seven dhatus is to provide nutrition to all cells of the body and the plasma dhatu.
Rasayana
Literally means rejuvenation i.e. the therapy that rejuvenates or regenerates body- mind, prevents decay and postpones aging.
Rechaka
It refers tot he exhalation aspect of pranayama, the out breath.
Rasa-vaha srotas
Channels carrying plasma or lymph.
Rasi
Quantity, a measure for quantity, a heap, a pile, mass.
Ratricarya
Routine to be followed in night or evening, night regime.
Ritucarya
Seasonal regimes, routine to be followed in various seasons.
Ruksa
Dry, arid, not greasy, emaciated, thin.
Rupa
Sign, symptoms, mark (of diseases)
Sadhaka TOP
Located in the heart and responsible for intelligence, knowledge, memory, enthusiasm and consciousness by maintaining rhythmic contraction sadhaka is one of the five-pitta subdoshas.
Samadhi
It is the stage of self realization where harmony, calmness, concentration, awareness and mastery over mind, desires and body is achieved.
Samagni:
normal digestive activity. It is normal digestion in which all the doshas are balanced. The food is digested properly and no above symptoms are seen.
Samana vayu
It means equalized movement of air. Located in the stomach and the duodenum this type of vata subtypes has the function of digestion of food materials, separation of waste products, regulation of composition of body fluids, body temperature and the movement of pitta and kapha.
Sambhakta aushadha;
Medicine taken mixed with food The medicine is mixed with the food and taken. It is usually given in this form to children/infants and to the individuals who hate taking medicines.
Samudga aushadha;
intake of medicine before and after the meals Ayurveda describes various methods of intake of medicine depending upon the dosha imbalanced. Samudga aushadha means taking the medicine at the beginning and the end of the meal. It is mostly given in the form of avaleha(paste ) or churna(powder).
Samkhya
This word means both “discriminative knowledge” and “enumeration”. It is one of the schools of Hindu philosophy founded by Kapila that gives a systematic account of cosmic evolution according to twenty-five categories, namely:
Purusha or cosmic spirit
Prakruti or cosmic substance
Mahat or cosmic intelligence
Ahamkara or individuating principle
Manas or cosmic mind
Indriyas or ten abstract sense powers of cognition and action
Tanmatras or five subtle elements
Mahat bhutas or the five great elements
Samskara
The impression left in ones mind followed by any experience, imprints or some incident of the past consciously or unconsciously leaves samskara. It represents the root impressions derived from past experiences maybe of recent past or distant past.
Sandhaniya
It means to join. There are natural herbs that helps the body in healing of broken bones and torn ligaments and in uniting fractured and divided body parts.
Sat-Chid-Ananda
It means existence, reality, pure consciousness, the spirit, brahman, a being, bliss and delight.
Sattva
It means purity. First of the three gunas, it is the purest aspect and the sentient principle characterized by purity, luminosity, lightness, harmony and the production of pleasure.
Sattvic
It refers to the qualities that are pure, realistic and have the clarity of perception , which is responsible for goodness and happiness.
Shakha
It is a Sanskrit word meaning extremity.
Shirsha
In Sanskrit it means head.
Shleshaka
Located in the body joints of the body, it is the fifth subtype of kapha, is viscous and oily and has the function to protect the bony joints by keeping them firm and united. It also helps in keeping the bones’ function smooth.
Shodan
It refers to the cleansing methods. There are basically five cleansing methods, namely: Vaman or therapeutic vomiting or emesis
Virechan or purgation
Basti or enema
Nasya or elimination of toxins through the nose
Raktamoksha or detoxification of the blood
Shukra
It is the last of the seven dhatus, the semen or the male reproductive tissue and has the major functions of producing sensation of ejaculation, fondness and strengthens the body.
Skandhas
It is a Sanskrit word meaning a heap, pile or aggregate. They are important tools for understanding the Buddhist doctrine of no self as they include with them all transitory, impermanent phenomena. The Five Skandhas as they are found in the body are as follows:
Body form Feelings of enjoyment and pleasure. Cognition of how to get what you want? How to actually indulge in pleasure? Formations Consciousness
Smrti
Memory; that part of mental function that utilises retained information.
Srotas
Literally means the source. It is a canal for nutrition in the body. All the dhatus have their own minute channels or srotas made up of extremely fine pores, originating from the heart cavity, and spreading throughout the body; they transport the nutrient fluid to all parts of the body for nourishment and growth.
Sukha
It is a Sanskrit word meaning happiness. Vata persons’ experience of sukha is boring as in vata, sukha is superficial, physical, and shaky. Pitta sukha involves solving problems, understanding, and solving puzzles whereas Kapha sukha is passive, involving napping, eating or sitting.
Surya
It means the sun.
Sushumna Nadi
Nadi is the subtle energy field or channel by which the movements and configurations of sentient beings are controlled. Sushumna nadi starts from the first chakra and extends up to the crown chakra.
Sabda
Sound, tone, voice.
Sada
Six.
Sadavidha
Six types.
Sadhaka (Pitta)
Energizing, effective, accomplishing, one of the five types of pitta.
Salakya tantra
Science using probes or cylindrical sticks for investigation and treatments, branch dealing with eyes, ears, nose and throat.
Salya tantra
Splinter (extraction) science, surgery.
Samanyaja
A result (disease) caused my many factors (two or all three dosas).
Samhita
Methodically arranged collection of verses, texts.
Samprapti
Pathogenesis, the complete route of manifestation of disease.
Samsarjana karma
Diets and activities practiced after a treatment to get back to normal routine and food.
Samyaka
Accurate, proper, correct.
Samyoga
Combination, connection, conjunction.
Sancaya
Accumulation, collection, gathering.
Sandra
Dense, thick, solid, compact.
Sankhapuspi
An herb used as a tonic for nervous system: Latin Name: Convolvulus pluricaulis.
Sanskrit
Purified, sanctified, the language used in Vedic age.
Santarpana;
nourishing therapy It is the therapy that accelerates the normal functions of the doshas and dhatus in the body. It gives strength to weak and emaciated.
Sarpi;
ghee or butter fat Same as ghrit.
Sarshapa taila;
mustard oil This oils extracted from the seeds of mustard. It is used for cooking and massage. It is easily digestible and hot in potency.
Sapta
Seven.
Sapta-dhatu
The seven constitutional elements or tissues of the body.
Sara
Liquid, fluid, moving, wandering.
Sharira
Body, physical body.
Sarpa
Snake, serpent.
Sarpagandha
Name of an herb used for lowering high blood pressure- Latin name: Rouwolfia serpentina.
Sarvangasana
A yoga posture.
Satvavjya chikitsa;
Psychotherapy It is one of the methods of treatment as described in Ayurveda. It is mainly used for manas-roga (psychological diseases) by controlling mind. For example by controlling anger, fear, greed, hatred and by meditation.
Shastriya
According to original texts (Sastra), confirmable to sacred precepts.
Savasana
Dead body posture of Yoga.
Shilajita
A black sticky mineral that leaks out of some mountains, black bitumen.
Sira
Any tubular vessel in the body – a vein, nerve or artery.
Shira
The head, skull.
Shirodhara
Pouring oil or any other liquid on forehead from a special pot.
Shirsasana
Head stand posture of Yoga.
Shita
Cold, chilly, frigid.
Slakshana
Smooth, polished, soft, tender, gentle.
Slesaka
Attaching, connecting.
Snehana
Lubricating, anointing, rubbing with oil, unction.
Snigdha
Sticky, viscid, unctuous, smooth, adhesive.
Sodhana
Cleaning, purifying, refining.
Sparsa
Touching, sense of touch.
Sringa
Horn.
Srvanam
The act of hearing, acquiring knowledge by hearing, transportation, carrying.
Sthana samsraya
Location in a place, relocation of dosas.
Sthira
Firm, hard, solid, compact, strong, immovable, fixed.
Sthula
Large, thick, big, gross, massive, stout.
Sura;
Wine It is included in madya varga(group of wines). It is hard to digest. It mitigates vata and increases kapha and fat in the body.
Svarasa;
Juice The herbs to be used for medicinal purposes are taken and their juice is expressed either manually or by machines. The expressed juice is called svarasa.
Svedana;
Sudation therapy This therapy is given after snehana and before Panchkarma. It is useful for disease caused due to vitiation vata and kapha either alone or together.
Swasthvritta;
healthy code of conduct The code of conduct or regimen to be followed for a happy and healthy life is called swasthvritta. It is foundation for arogyaawastha(healthy condition). Dincharya(daily regimen) and rtucharya(seasonal regimen) are to be followed for personal hygiene whereas sadavritta(right code of conduct) is to be followed for mental hygiene.
Tiksna TOP
Sharp, hot, fiery, pungent.
Tikta
Bitter taste or flavor.
Tri
Three.
Tridosha
It refers to the combination of three humors, morbid substances i.e. the vata, pitta and kapha. The human body is a combination of these three essential factors and these three doshas are responsible for maintaining the integrity of human body and for governing the physical structure and functions of the living beings.
Tridoshic
Relating to tridoshas (see tridosha above).
Triguna
The three qualities of Nature.
Triphala
An Ayurvedic recipe made by mixing equal quantities of fruits of three particular herbs.Read
Trivrita
An herb (Indian jalap) used for purgation, Latin name: Operculina turpethum.
Tulasi
Holy Basil. Latin Name: Ocimum sanctum.
Tamas
It refers to the darkness, inertia, heaviness and the materialistic attitude.
Tanmatra
It is the subtle essence of the five elements in the body i.e. sound, touch, sight, taste and smell.
Tantra
It is a non vedic form of yoga leading divine ecstasy through certain rites that emphasize the erotic and forbidden. It is also known as kundalini-yoga it is centered on the divine female power; rule, ritual, scripture, religious treatise, loom, warp.
Tarpaka
Located in the head it is one of the five subtypes of kapha having to itself the functions to nourish the sensory organs and help the brain and the five sensory organs to perform their function in the body.
Tejas
Having the characteristics of light, illumination and brilliance it is the superfine essence of pitta, one of the five elements, fire.
Trikatu
It refers to the three pungents i.e. the sunthi or dry ginger, pippali or indian long pepper and maricha or black pepper.
Trishna
Thirst
Udaka-vaha srotas TOP
Channels transporting water or watery liquids in the body.
Upa-dhatu
Not a main tissue, a secondary tissue that supports the main tissue.
Upashaya
The allaying (of disease) by suitable remedies, advantageous medicine, diagnosis by the effect of medicines or food items.
Upastambha
Supporting pillars, sub- pillars.
Upyoga-samstha
using method, user manual, and instructions to use or practice a technique.
Upbhokta
User
Usna
Hot, warm, passionate, sharp.
Uttanapadasana
A Yoga posture (asana).
Udana vata
It is located in the umbilical region, chest and the neck and is the five subtypes of vata. The function of udana is to govern enthusiasm, responsibility of various vocal functions and the upward movement of aprana.
Uttama anga
The word is a combination of two words i.e. uttama meaning noble, great and anga that means part of the body.
Urdhwa-jatrugat
Part of the body above sholder.
Vaisheshika TOP
It is one of the six orthodox schools of the Indian philosophy, founded by kanada. The word means excellence or distinction.
Vamana
It is therapeutic vomiting.
Vamanopaga
These are the natural substances that are used for the stimulation of vomiting.
Varnya
These are the substances that improve the complexion of the body, its color, skin, hair and eyes also.
Vata
It refers to one of the three humors, the force that keeps pitta, kapha, all the seven dhatus and the malas in motion.
Vedas
It is a Sanskrit word meaning knowledge. Vedas are the oldest source of universal knowledge, which bloomed in the Indian culture centuries ago by rishis and holy saints. The four Vedas namely, Rig-Veda, Yajur Veda, Athrva Veda and Sam Veda have answers to mostly all the questions relating to life and living.
Vikriti
It is the modification; imbalance or disease.
Vilepi;
semi solid preparation of rice It is included in the Kritanna varga i.e. the group of prepared foods. The boiled rice with more solid portion and less of fluid is called vilepi. This is easily digestible by even weak and emaciated. It is also effective for anorexia.
Vipaka;
After digestion change of taste The food we take is acted upon by jatharagni(digestive activity) and the taste of the food changes. The original rasa(taste) changes to vipaka(new or same taste.
Virudhahar;
Incompatible food It means anything (food, drink, activities) when combined with other thing (food, drink, activities) causes imbalance of doshas and leads to disease.
Virechan
It is the medicated purgation; one of the pancha karma cleansing processes
Virecanopaga
These are the purgatives assisting the elimination of the doshas form the vital organs and helps the system get rid of the ama.
Visarga kala;
second half of the year It starts from mid-July to mid –January. The rtus included are varsha rtu (mid july – mid September), Sharad rtu (mid September- mid November) and Hemant rtu (mid November- mid January). During this half of the year the sun and wind are not too strong. The rays of moon are strong giving coolness in this half.
Vishmagni:
irregular digestive activity The aggravated vata leads to Vismagni. The digestion becomes irregular and can lead to indigestion.
Vyana
It is one of the five subtypes of vata and regulates the circulation of blood in the body, the nervous system, muscular functions and the skeletal system in the body.
Vagabhatta
A famous personality in the history of Ayurveda wrote Astanga Sangraha and Astanga Hrdya.
Vaidya
Ayurvedic doctor
Vajikarana
The science of aphrodisiac, producing virility.
Vamana
The act of vomiting, emesis.
Vanaspati
A tree, shrub or plant.
Varuna
God of waters, sea, rivers.
Vibhitaka
Belliric myrobalan, Latin name: Terminalia bellirica.
Vidahi
Heat, burning, inflammation, acid.
Virya
Potency, power, vigor, semen.
Visada
Clear, pure, spotless, shining.
Visesa
Opposite, different, not similar.
Vismagni
Irregular digestive fire, unstable digestive fire.
Visravana
To let flow, to let spread.
Vyakta
Visible, specific.
Yantra TOP
It is a visual concentration for each chakra used to channel psychic force.
Yoga Nidra
It means yoga sleep or conscious sleep.
Yama
Rules, instructions, guidelines.
Yamya
One, who takes initiative, is courageous and has leadership qualities.
Yastimadhu
Licorice, Latin name: Glycyrrhiza glabra.
Yoga
The word Yoga is derived from Sanskrit word “yug” which means to unite, to combine or to integrate. It is a state of union of parmaatma (Devine or supreme soul) with the Jeevatma (individual soul or consciousness).
Yusa
Soup generally made from various kinds of pulses.
