Ayurveda Glossary
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Ayurveda with Initial – A
Abhyanga
An ayurvedic oil massage practiced by two medics who massage 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 poison.
Agantuka
External entity 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 like the sky or atmosphere.
Akriti
Physical appearance or shape.
Alabu
A vessel made of dried gourd.
Alocaka (Pitta)
A type of Pitta governing vision that facilitates sight.
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 and food, the digestive system, alimentary canal
Anupana
A fluid base 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 feces, flatus, urine, menstrual blood etc.
Aparadha
Offence, sin, wrong action or misuse
Apara-ojas
One of the less important 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 objects
Asatmya
Unwholesome, bad, improper.
Astanga Hrdya
An ancient Ayurvedic text written by Vagabhatta
Adaptogens
Herbs that improve the 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 body heat, body temperature, sight, the digestive fire; its function is transformation, absorption, elimination and discrimination
Ahara rasa
It is the nutrient substance that is acted upon in the digestive tract by the enzymes or the bile juice
Akasha
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 restoring normal health. They also cleanse and purify 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 here.
Alochaka
It is one of the five varieties of pitta and helps in catching the image of external objects
Ama
These are toxins that enter the blood stream and are circulated in the whole body. Toxins or ama are produced in the body by raw, undigested food products that become fetid. Retention of toxins in the blood results in toxemia. Almost every disease is a result of toxicity or its crisis. Toxins are vital for prana (vital life energy), ojas (immunity), and tejas (cell metabolic energy)
Anodynes
These are herbs that reduce the sensitivity of the nerves and have a similar reaction as that of the analgesics
Antihydrotics
These are herbs that decrease sweat
Anthelminthics
This herb destroys or expels parasitic worms from the digestive system
Anticoagulant
These are herbs that resist coagulation in the affected area and helps in massage as well
Anti-inflammatory
It restrains inflammation and counteracts its effects
Antioxidants
These medicines absorb or attach themselves to the free radicals present in oxygen that are highly receptive to compounds that attack the cell membranes, enzymes etc
Antispasmodic
These medicines help on the prevention and relief of spasms
Apana
This medicine acts in a downward motion regulating exhalation and excretion
Aphrodisiac
It acts as a stimulant and when consumed heightens senses and stimulates sexual drive
Appetizer
This medicine is a good stimulant and stimulates appetite
Artha
It relates to meaning, the final essence of every thought, it is an object of pursuit that is desired and desirable and satisfies the acquisitive tendency in every individual
Asthi
It is one of the seven components of the bone tissues that support 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, reflecting both consciousness and mind
Atreya
Atreya is the author of Charaka Samhita
Aum
Also said as OM, 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 sacrum and has the vital function of nourishing them both, lubricating and protecting the heart and supporting the sacrum
Avyakta
It refers to the indistinct, that which is not evident and is 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 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 ensure his well-being.
Ayurveda with Initial – 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 shine 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, worship, service and loyalty toward 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 that provides color and luster to the skin.
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 the creator of all mankind, all that lives, 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 all 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, and. the kapha buddhi which is slow and dull and unable to understand or retain information.
Brahmacharya
A state of continence followed during student life, routine followed while studying Vedas.
Brahma-muhurta
Time period (two hours) preceding sunrise.
Ayurveda with Initial – 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 to ayurveda, naturotherapy and use of natural substances for curing and preventing diseases. This was done to help those who were 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 that is characterized by sensations, emotions, thoughts and awareness within oneself.
Cure
According to the literal meaning the word cure 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 cure 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 disease has an inherent capacity to be destroyed.
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.
Ayurveda with Initial – 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 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 include the rasa, rakta, mamsa, meda, asthi, majja and shukra.
Dhi
It is 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.
Ayurveda with Initial – 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.
Ayurveda with Initial – 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 is 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.
Ayurveda with Initial – H
Haritaki
Chebulic myrofalan, Latin name: Terminalia chebula.
Harsani
Delightful, pleasant.
Hina yoga
Insufficient, deficient.
Ayurveda with Initial – 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 exists forever, free and where the Lordship reaches extremity God exists.
Ayurveda with Initial – 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, and digestive enzymes.
Jati
Jasmine.
Ayurveda with Initial – 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. The others are greed, fear, sleep and wrath.
Kanthya
It is the natural substance that improves the hoarseness of voice and is 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 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 revitalizes the nervous system.
Kichadi
It is a dish prepared with basmati rice and split mungdal. Sometimes a 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, and 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
A 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.
Ayurveda with Initial – 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 the 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.
Ayurveda with Initial – 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 spiritual significance and power. These are of two types: one that is expressed or spoken and is heard, and the other which is silent and only 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 and 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, and 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 dal
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.
Ayurveda with Initial-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.
Ayurveda with Initial-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.
Ayurveda with Initial-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 the 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.
Ayurveda with Initial – 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 lead 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.
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 to the exhalation aspect of pranayama, the breathing out process.
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).
Ayurveda with Initial – 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 one’s 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 help 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 or transportation.
Sthana samsraya
Location in a place, relocation of dosas.
Sthira
Firm, hard, solid, compact, strong, immovable, fixed.
Sthula
Large, thick, big, gross, massive, stout.
Ayurveda with Initial – 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 to 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 functioning 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.
Ayurveda with Initial – 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
Method of usage, 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.
Ayurveda with Initial – 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.
Ayurveda with Initial – 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.