Ayurveda Glossary

A

Abhyanga

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.

Acara

Good conduct, an established rule of conduct.

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.

Ajasrika

Activities that promote positive health.

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

Posture, seat or position.

Asatmendriyartha samyoga

Improper contact of senses with their objects.

Asatmya

Unwholesome, bad, improper.

Astanga Hrdya

An ancient Ayurvedic text written by Vagabhatta.

Adaptogens

Herbs that improve body’s ability to adapt to stress, including infection, mental stresses and fatigue. It supports the adrenal glands and the pituitary glands and changes the threshold of resistance to damage.

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.

Alternatives

Alternatives alter existing nutritive and excretory processes gradually restore normal health; cleanses and purifies the blood. Alternatives improve the tissue ability to metabolize and eliminate waste to restore the proper function of the body. Most of the alternative herbs that have their initial action on the liver or kidneys can be considered.

Alochaka

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).

Anodynes

They are the herbs that reduce the sensitivity of the nerves and reduce. They have a similar reaction as that of the analgesics.

Antihydrotics

It is the herbs that decrease sweating.

Anthelminthics

This herb destroys or expels the parasitic worms from the digestive system.

Anticoagulant

They are herbs that resist the coagulation in the affected area and helps in massage also.

Anti-inflammatory

It restrains inflammation and counteracts to its effects.

Antioxidants

These medicines absorb or attach themselves to the oxygen free radicals that are highly receptive to compounds that attack the cell membranes, enzymes etc.

Antispasmodic

These medicines help preventing and relieving spasm.

Apana

This medicine acts in the downward direction of the body and regulates exhalation and excretion.

Aphrodisiac

It acts as a stimulant and when consumed heightens senses and stimulates sexual drive.

Appetizer

The medicine is a good stimulant and increase appetite by stimulating it.

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.

Astringent

This medicine has a binding effect as it checks hemorrhages and secretions.

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.

Avalambaka

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.

Ayurveda encompasses the secrets of why Man needs to cooperate with Nature completely in order to insure his well being.

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B

Bala

This is a Sanskrit word which means strength.

Balya

It is an energizer that gives strength to the body. 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

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

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.

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C

Carminative

These are the natural ayurvedic herbs that relieve intestinal gas, pain and distention and promote peristalsis.

Caksu

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.

Consciousness

It refers to the state of being hat is characterized by sensations, emotions, thoughts and awareness within oneself.

Heal

According to the literal meaning the word heal refers to the any diseased person’s state of being remedied from his ailment. In ayurveda it is clearly stated that no physician since the beginning of time has been able to heal even the simplest disease, also that all the therapeutic efforts only expedite the processes of nature. It is believed that all diseases are created and since everything that is created exists for sometime and then is destroyed even the disease has some seeds of destruction in itself since its origin.

The thought conveyed could be phrased by this saying: A good musician can make melody with a defective instrument, and a good doctor can create harmony from malady.

Cikitsa

Treatment, a therapy to retain balance, practice or science of medicine.

Citraka

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.

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D

Deva

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

It a Sanskrit word that means understanding.

Dhrti

It is a Sanskrit word that means holding or retaining.

Dipaniya

These are the natural substances that kindle the gastric fire and augment the appetite.

Disease

It is a condition in which one or body parts impair the performance of the vital functions and thus bring the absence of ease. Desire is considered to be the root cause of all diseases. It is said that desires pull the individuals form awareness and affection and this creates imbalances.

Diuretic

It refers to the natural substances that promote the activities of bladder, kidney and increase urination.

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.

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E

Emetics

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.

G

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..

Ghrta

It ia a sanskrit word meaning ghee. Govinda

It is one of the most common name of the Hindu God, Lord Krishna, the rescuer of the earth.

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.

Goksuru

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.

H

Haritaki

Chebulic myrofalan, Latin name: Terminalia chebula. Harsani

Delightful, pleasant.

Hina yoga

Insufficient, deficient.

I

Indrya

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.

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J

Jiva

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.

K

Kala

Time period, season.

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

It refers to the religious act or rite but now has the literal meaning of action, work, deeds in life for one’s present, past and future.

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-taila

It is a Sanskrit word meaning oiling the ears.

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.

Krishna

It refers to the most popular earthly incarnations and romantic god in the Hindu mythology. Krishna is considered to be the ninth incarnation of Vishnu and is the embodiment of love and divine joy that destroys all pains and sufferings.

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.

Kasaya

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

Irrigation canal analogy, a theory described in Ayurveda to explain the formation of tissues.

Khale kapota

The grain pigeon analogy, a theory described in Ayurveda to explain the formation of tissues.

Kledaka

Wet, moist or phlegm in stomach.

Kriya

Action, practice, applying a remedy.

Kriyakala

Duration of an action.

Ksira Dadhi

A theory described in Ayurveda to explain the formation of tissues.

Kubera

The God of riches and treasure.

Kuti

Cottage or hut.

Kutipravesika

Entering or living in a cottage for the purpose of rejuvenation.

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L

Laghu

Light, small, minute.

Lassi

Buttermilk, drink made by mixing water in yogurt and churning it.

Lavana

Salty taste of flavor.

Lavana-bhaskara

An Ayurvedic powder popularly used to enhance digestion.

Lakshmi

In Hindu mythology Laksmi is considered to be the goddess of fortune and beauty. The consort of Lord Vishnu, she is the created energy of the lord and the divine mother of all universe, the cosmic power of physical abundance, fortune and wealth. 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.

Lord Shiva

In the Hindu godhead trinity he is the Lord. In literal terms, Shiva means good or auspicious. Also known as Rudra and many other names Shiva has eight qualities in all, namely, purity, knowledge, independence, omniscience, omnipotence, freedom from mala, benevolence and the bliss.

M

Ma

In Hindu mythology ma means the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi. According to ayurveda ma is the giver of heart i.e. the heart comes form the mother and thus the way of one’s thinking, his way of life, feelings, memory that is circulated throughout his body is the gift form ma.

Madhyama

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.

Madhura

It means sweet.

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.

For more information on mantras, see our article on mantra.

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.

Mahendra

A great king or leader, the great Indra. Indra is the king of demigods

Majja-vaha srotas

Channels transporting bone marrow.

Malinikarana

The act making impure, staining.

Mamsa-vaha srotas

Channels transporting muscles.

Manas

Mind.

Manda

Slow.

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.

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N

Nadi

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

Cause of disease and investigating it.

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.

O

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.

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P

Pachaka

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.

Pakya

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.

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

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.

Purgative

These are the herbs, natural substances that stimulate the bowel movement by eliminating the impurity from the lower part of the body.

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.

Pasava

Animal type, belonging to cattle or animal family.

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.

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R

Rajas

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.

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.

Ram

In Hindu mythology ram is the seventh incarnation of Vishnu and the warrior hero of the holy Hindu epic, the Ramayana. He is also regarded as the embodiment of righteousness.

Ranjaka

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).

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S

Sadhaka

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. 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.

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.

Sarasvati

In Hindu mythology she is regarded as the goddess of speech and learning and is represented as the wife of Brahma.

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.

Shirah

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

It is a Sanskrit word meaning the memory

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.

Sakuna

Relating to birds, having the nature of a bird, bird catcher.

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.

Sapta

Seven.

Sapta-dhatu

The seven constitutional elements or tissues of the body.

Sara

Liquid, fluid, moving, wandering.

Sarira

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.

Sastriya

According to original texts (Sastra), confirmable to sacred precepts.

Savasana

Dead body posture of Yoga.

Silajita

A black sticky mineral that leaks out of some mountains, black bitumen.

Sira

Any tubular vessel in the body – a vein, nerve or artery.

Sira

The head, skull.

Sirodhara

Pouring oil or any other liquid on forehead from a special pot.

Sirsasana

Head stand posture of Yoga.

Sita

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.

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T

Takra

Buttermilk, a drink made by mixing water in yogurt and churning it Tamaka svasa

A kind of asthma.

Tiksagni

Strong digestive fire, increased activity of digestive fire.

Tiksna

Sharp, hot, fiery, pungent.

Tikta

Bitter taste or flavor.

Tri

Three.

Tridosa

The three dosas.

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.

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.

Tri-dosha

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.

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

It means thirst

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U

Udaka-vaha srotas

Channels transporting water or watery liquids in the body.

Upa-dhatu

Not a main tissue, a secondary tissue that supports the main tissue.

Upasaya

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.

Upyokta

User

Usna

Hot, warm, passionate, sharp.

Uttanapadasana

A Yoga posture (asana).

Udana

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.

V

Vaisheshika

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. Vamathu It means 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.

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.

Vishnu

In Hindu mythology lord supreme Vishnu is all pervading. His divine qualities are for knowledge, strength, lordship, power, virility, splendor and the preservation.

Vitamin

These are essentials for growth of the body and healthy functioning of all organs. There are following types of vitamins:

Vitamin A is a growth promoting vitamin.

Vitamin D is the anti-rickets vitamin.

Vitamin E is anti-sterility.

Vitamin K helps coagulation.

Vitamin P is called hesperidin. It is anti-hemorrhagic.

Vitamin B1 is anti-neuritic..

Vitamin B2 pacifies vata, builds up pitta and kapha.

Vitamin B6 is called pyrodoxine..

Folic Acid. pacifies vata, increases pitta, reduces kapha.

Vitamin C. Vitamin C is ascorbic acid whenever there is cold and congestion, Vitamin C is used.

B12 is cyanocobalamin and is used in sciatica.

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.

Vanaspatya

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.

Y

Yantra

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

To link, to add, to join, a progressive method to become self-realized and link the soul to super soul, there are several types of yogas.

Yusa

Soup generally made from various kinds of pulses