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. 0

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)

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

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

Bala

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.

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

Chaksu

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.

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.

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

Danti mula

Root of the herb "danti" (Latin Name: Baliospermum montanum).

Deva

They are considered as the angles, celestial beings without physical body structure.

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.

Dhatus

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

Flora

Healthful bacteria which are present in various parts of the body, list of plants of a particular place

Fomentation

Treatment by warm and moist application to skin

Gandharva

Celestial musicians, Heavenly singers.

Gati

Quality of the pulse

Ghrta (Ghee)

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.

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.

Gout

Metabolic disease marked by acute arthritis and inflammation of the joints.

Govinda

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

Grahani

Chronic diarrhoea, malabsorption syndrome in the small intestine.

Guduci

Name of an herb: Latin name: Tinospora cordifolia.

Guggulu

A gum from the herb called Indian bedellium, Latin name: Commiphora mukul.

Gulma

Any tumor, lump or diverticulosis.

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.

Guru

Type of attribute, heavy, spiritual teacher, Grishma, Summer, Teacher

Halasana

Plough posture.

Haritaki

Chebulic myrofalan, Latin name: Terminalia chebula.

Harsh

Deligh, pleasant.

Hath Yoga

Yoga of physical postures.

Hemant

Early winter.

Hemoptysis

Coughing up of blood from the respiratory tract.

Hemostatic

A substance that checks the flow of blood.

Hima

Type of attribute, cold.

Hina yoga

Insufficient, deficient.

Hing

Asafoetida.

Hives

Eruptions of very itchy skin caused by an allergic substance.

Hrid roga

Heart disease.

Ida

Type of Yoganadi.

Indrya

Faculty of sense, organ of sense.

Infusion

The steeping of a substance in water to obtain its active principles.

Isabgol

An herb commonly used as laxative. Latin Name: Plantago ovata.

Iccha

It is a Sanskrit word meaning "the will".

Isha diety

Diety of anahata chakra.

Isvara

Means the God or the Lord who is exists forever, free and where the Lordship reaches extremity God exists

Jaggery:

Dried, unprocessed sugarcane juice.

Jala

Water, fluid.

Jala

The element and universal organizing principle of liquidity and cohesion.  Also known as the water element.

Jala neti

Yogic cleansing of nasal passages by water.

Jalauka

Leech.

Japa

Repetation of mantras.

Jathara

Stomach, belly or abdomen.

Kala

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.

Kapalabhati

Kriya and pranayama that cleanses respiratory tract.

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.

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.

Karna

It is a Sanskrit word meaning ear.

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.

Keshyam

These are the natural herbs and substances that strengthen hair and the hair root.

Khale kapota nyaya

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

Khara

Type of attribute, rough to touch.

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.

Kleda

Subtle waste product.

Kledaka

Wet, moist or phlegm in stomach.

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.

Kledaka kapha

Form of kapha governing digestion.

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.

Kriya

Action, practice, applying a remedy.

Kriyakala

Duration of an action.

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.

Ksira Dadhi nyaya

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

Kubera

The God of riches and treasure.

Kuhu

Nadi in yoga.

Kundalini

Meaning the spiritual life force, Shakti kundalini is the residue that remains after material consciousness is dissolved.

Kurma

Type of vata in yoga.

Kuti

Cottage or hut.

Kutipravesika rasayana

Entering or living in a cottage for the purpose of rejuvenation (Rasayana chikitsa)

Laghu

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.

Leucoderma

Localized loss of skin pigment.

Leucorrhea

A condition that causes a whitish, viscid discharge from the vagina and uterine cavity.

Lohita

Second layer of skin.

Lymphadenitis

Inflammatory condition of the lymph nodes.

Macrocosm

The universe itself; a system regarded as an entity containing subsystems.

Madh

Honey - Madhu is sweet in taste and non-ctuous. It increases vata, heals wounds, good for cough, dyspnoea and also for vision.

Madakari

That which causes intoxication.

Madanaphala

Emetic nut, Latin name: Randia spinosa.

Madhura

Sweet taste of flavor, pleasant, charming, delightful.

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.

Madhyama marga

Middle pathway, (deep tissue).

Madya

Any intoxicating drink or substance.

Mahabhuta

Basic five elements (space, air, fire, water and earth).

Mahad tattva

Intellect, great principle.

Mahamarma

One of the three major marma.

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.

Majja-vaha srotas

Channels transporting bone marrow.

Malabsorption syndrome

A condition in which there is no proper digestion, absorption and assimilation of food in the gastro intestinal tract.

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.

Malinikarana

The act making impure, staining.

Mamsadhatu

Muscle tissue.

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.

Mantra

Sacred sounds.

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.

Matsaya

Fish.

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.

Medha

Mental power, intelligence, wisdom, and prudence.

Medo-vaha srotas

Channels transporting fatty tissue.

Medya

That which enhances wisdom, mental power and intelligence.

Microcosm

A diminutive representative world; a system more or less analogous to a much larger system.

Mithya-yoga

Wrong use, wrong employment.

Moksha

It means liberation, freedom in every aspect and every way of life.

Moong

A type of pulse.

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.

Muladhara chakra

First chakra.

Mutra

Urine.

Mutra-vaha srotas

Channels transporting the urine.

Odana

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.

Om

Seed mantra.

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.

Rajasic

Having the nature of Rajas (Kings).

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.

Raktadhatu

Blood.

Raktamokshana

Blood-letting (type of panchakarma).

Raktavaha srotas

Circulatory system.

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.

Rasa-vaha srotas

Channels carrying plasma or lymph.

Rasayana

Literally means rejuvenation i.e. the therapy that rejuvenates or regenerates body- mind, prevents decay and postpones aging.

Rasi

Quantity, a measure for quantity, a heap, a pile, mass.

Ratricarya

Routine to be followed in night or evening, night regime.

Rechaka

It refers tot he exhalation aspect of pranayama, the out breath.

Rheumatism

Any of a large number of inflammatory conditions of the joints, ligaments or muscles, characterised by pain or limitation of movement.

Rhinitis

Inflammation of the mucus membrane of the nose.

Rigveda

Type of veda.

Ritucharya

Seasonal regimes, routine to be followed in various seasons.

Roga

Disease.

Roopa

Symptom.

Ruksha

Dry, arid, not greasy, emaciated, thin.

Rupa

Sign, symptoms, mark (of diseases)

Sabda

Sound, tone, voice.

Sada

Six.

Sadavidha

Six types.

Sadhaka (Pitta)

Energizing, effective, accomplishing, one of the five types of pitta.

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.

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.

Sama

With ama or toxins.

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 vata

Equalising form of five vata types.

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.

Samanyaja

A result (disease) caused my many factors (two or all three doshas).

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.

Samhita

Methodically arranged collection of verses, texts.

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

Sammurchana

Amalgamation between viliated dosha and dushya.

Samprapti

Pathogenesis, the complete route of manifestation of disease.

Samsarga

Duel vitiation of dosha.

Samsarjana karma

Diets and activities practiced after a treatment to get back to normal routine and food.

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.

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).

Samyaka

Accurate, proper, correct.

Samyoga

Combination, connection, conjunction.

Sancaya

Accumulation, collection, gathering.

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.

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.

Sapta

Seven.

Sapta-dhatu

The seven constitutional elements or tissues of the body.

Sara

Liquid, fluid, moving, wandering.

Sarpa

Snake, serpent.

Sarpagandha

Name of an herb used for lowering high blood pressure- Latin name: Rouwolfia serpentina.

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.

Sarvangasana

A yoga posture.

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.

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.

Sattvic

It refers to the qualities that are pure, realistic and have the clarity of perception , which is responsible for goodness and happiness.

Savasana

Dead body posture of Yoga.

Shakha

It is a Sanskrit word meaning extremity.

Sharira

Body, physical body.

Shastriya

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

Shilajita

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

Shira

The head, skull.

Shirodhara

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

Shirsasana

Head stand posture of Yoga.

Shirsha

In Sanskrit it means head.

Shita

Cold, chilly, frigid.

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.

Sira

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

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.

Slakshana

Smooth, polished, soft, tender, gentle.

Slesaka

Attaching, connecting.

Smrti

Memory; that part of mental function that utilises retained information.

Snehana

Lubricating, anointing, rubbing with oil, unction.

Snigdha

Sticky, viscid, unctuous, smooth, adhesive.

Sodhana

Cleaning, purifying, refining.

Sparsa

Touching, sense of touch.

Sringa

Horn.

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.

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.

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.

Surya Namaskara

The "sun salute"

Sushruta

Author of Sushruta Samhita, ancient Ayurvedic surgeon.

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.

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.

Sweda

Sweat.

Swedavaha srotas

System for sweat.

Tamaka shwasa

Bronchial asthma.

Tamas

It refers to the darkness, inertia, heaviness and the materialistic attitude.

Tamasic

Having the nature of tamas.

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.

Tapas

Self discipline.

Tarpaka

Form of kapha governing brain and nerves.

Teja

Premordial element, fire.

Tejas

Having the characteristics of light, illumination and brilliance it is the superfine essence of pitta, one of the five elements, fire.

Tikshna

Sharp, hot, fiery, pungent.

Tikta

Bitter taste or flavor.

Trataka

Steady gazing.

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).

Trikatu

It refers to the three pungents i.e. the sunthi or dry ginger, pippali or indian long pepper and maricha or black pepper.

Triphala

An Ayurvedic recipe made by mixing equal quantities of fruits of three particular herbs.

Triguna

The three qualities of Nature.

Trishna

Thirst.

Trivrita

An herb (Indian jalap) used for purgation, Latin name: Operculina turpethum.

Tulasi

Holy Basil. Latin Name: Ocimum sanctum.

Udaka-vaha srotas

Channels transporting water or watery liquids in the body.

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.

Udara

Abdomen.

Undhiya

A mixed vegetable preparation favourite among the Gujaratis.

Upa-dhatu

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

Upadrava

Complication.

Upashama

Symptoms getting relieved after treatment.

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.

Urdhwa-jatrugat

Part of the body above sholder.

Urticaria

A blood reaction of the skin. marked by the transient appearance of smooth. slightly-elevated patches which are redder or paler than the surrounding skin. This condition often is attended by severe itching.

Ushna

Hot, warm, passionate, sharp.

Uttanapadasana

A Yoga posture (asana).

Uttama anga

The word is a combination of two words i.e. uttama meaning noble, great and anga that means part of the body.