Glossary

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Abhyanga

  • An ayurvedic oil massage practised by two medics who massage to let go the warm oil into the tissues of the entire body. This facilitates the removal of Kapha, Vata and Pitta doshas and toxins (Ama) as well.

Adhobhakta

  • Taking medicine after meals. This is to cure the imbalance of vyaan vayu.

Agada tantra

  • This is related to Toxicology, a branch of Ayurveda that deals with poisons.

Agantuka

  • A stranger.

Ahamkara

  • Better known as ego.
Glossary

Ajirna

  • Indigestion

Akasa

  • Ether or sky

Akriti

  • Appearance or shape

Alocaka (Pitta)

  • Pitta that governs the vision.

Amavata

  • A disease caused by ama and vata, like arthritis.

Amla

  • Sour taste.

Anjana

  • Black pigment applied in eyes.

Anuvasana (Basti)

  • Enema that is given with an oily substance.

Apa

  • The element water.

Ayurveda

  • Constituted of two words, Ayur (life) and Veda (knowledge).

Apana

  • One of the vatas, which goes downward such as urine, menstrual blood etc.

Aparadha

  • Sin or offence

Apara-ojas

  • Inferior of the two types of vital fluid (ojas) present in the body.

Arsha

  • Sacred and pious

Asana – Yogasana

  • Posture or position

Asatmya

  • Bad or 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 related to the digestive system and release of energy.

Ahara rasa

  • It is the nutrient substance that enzymes act upon in the digestive tract.

Artha

  • It relates to meaning and the essence of a thought.

Asthi

  • Bone tissues that supports the body by giving it shape, protection and longevity.

Atman

  • The true self that governs the consciousness.

Atreya

  • The author of Charaka Samhita.

Aum

  • Aum represents the inner, outer and the super conscious stages of consciousness.

Aushadha:

  • Medicine

Avagaha sveda;

  • Sitz bath. Herbs are boiled in water before use.

Avyakta

  • Indistinct or not evident
  • Bala: A Sanskrit word that means strength.
  • Balya: An energiser that strengthens the body.
  • Bhrajaka: A type of Pitta that makes the skin shiny.
  • Bhutagni: The enzyme that helps in digestion process.
  • Bhuta-vidya: Demonology, the branch of science concerned with evil spirits.
  • Bhakti: Devotion and worship of the almighty.
  • Basti: Enema therapy of panchkarma. It relieves constipation and chronic fever.
  • Bodhaka: One of the five subtypes of taste located at tongue root which enables perception of taste.
  • Brahma: God in Hindu mythology, who is considered to be the creator of the universe and mankind.
  • Bruhaniya: Herbs that promote growth.
  • Buddhi: Intellect, intelligence and wisdom
  • Brahmacharya: State of continence followed during student life while studying Vedas.
  • Brahma-muhurta: Two hours of time period before sunrise.
  • Carminative: natural ayurvedic herbs that cure intestinal gas and pain.
  • Caksu: Ayurvedic herbs considered good for eyes.
  • Chakra: Energy centers in the body, related to the nerve plexus center.
  • Churna: Sanskrit word for powder.
  • Consciousness: State of awareness through emotions, thoughts and sensations.
  • Cure: State of being remedied from illness.
  • Cikitsa: Science of medicine; therapy to cure illness.
  • Citraka Mula: A herb that improves digestive power.
  • Citrakadi vati: – An ayurvedic medicine that consists citrak as the primary ingredient.