Ayurvedic Medical Glossary

Ayurveda is not merely herbal remedies; it is a complete, codified medical system with its own anatomical, physiological, and pharmacological terminology. This glossary serves to demystify these terms for our patients. All treatments are conducted exclusively at our medical centre: 27/11, Swaraj Garden Road, Pimple Saudagar, Pune.

Synchronised full-body medicinal oil application performed by trained therapists following specific lymphatic and nerve pathways, followed by herbal steam (Swedana) to loosen deep tissue toxins.

The biological and digestive fire responsible for enzymatic digestion, cellular metabolism, nutrient absorption, and immune resistance. Healthy Agni prevents disease formation.

Toxic, sticky, undigested metabolic byproduct that forms in the gastrointestinal tract due to weakened digestive fire (Mandaagni), circulating through micro-channels (Srotas) and triggering systemic inflammation and auto-immune reactions.

The revered Kerala Ayurvedic physician lineage that mastered all eight classical branches (Ashtanga) of Ayurveda, renowned worldwide for developing specialized oil procedures and curative chikitsa traditions.

Administration of herbal decoctions (Kashaya Basti) or medicated oils (Sneha Basti) into the rectum. Recognized in classical texts as the 'half of all medical treatment' because it directly controls Vata dosha at its prime anatomical seat.

Localised pooling of warm therapeutic herbal oil over the cervical vertebrae of the neck to nourish intervertebral discs, relieve muscle spasm, and resolve cervical spondylosis and cervicogenic headaches.

A specialised non-invasive Panchakarma upakarma where a reservoir of black gram flour dough is placed around the knee joint and filled with warm medicated oils (such as Mahanarayana Taila) to regenerate synovial lubrication, soothe cartilage wear, and treat osteoarthritis.

The biological anabolic principle composed of Earth and Water elements. Governs physical structure, joint lubrication (Shleshaka Kapha), tissue cohesion, and weight stability. Excess causes fluid retention, cysts, and metabolic sluggishness.

An intensive spinal therapy where a dough dam is constructed over the lumbosacral region (L4-L5/S1) and filled with warm medicated herbal oil for 45 minutes to relieve nerve root compression, disc herniation, and sciatica.

Classical Ayurvedic pulse diagnosis technique performed at the radial artery using three fingers to assess the qualitative balance of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas, evaluate metabolic fire (Agni), tissue health (Dhatus), and detect subclinical disease before symptoms manifest.

Administration of therapeutic herbal oils or powders through the nasal passages. Described in classical Ayurveda as the direct channel to the brain and head, effective for cervical spondylosis, migraine, sinusitis, and sleep disorders.

A unique Kerala Ashtavaidya rejuvenation therapy where special organic medicinal rice (Shashtika Shali) cooked in herbal milk decoction is tied in cloth boluses and applied across the body to restore wasted muscle and nourish nerve roots.

The supreme subtle essence of all seven bodily tissues (Dhatus), representing vital resilience, innate immunity, mental stability, and longevity in classical Ayurvedic medicine.

The premier five-fold classical biological detoxification protocol in Ayurveda: Vamana (emesis), Virechana (purgation), Basti (medicated enema), Nasya (nasal therapy), and Raktamokshana (bloodletting), designed to purge deep cellular metabolic waste (Ama).

A therapeutic fomentation procedure using boluses filled with medicinal herbal leaves fried in medicated oils, applied rhythmically over stiff joints and muscles to reduce swelling, spasm, and arthritic pain.

The biological thermal principle composed of Fire and Water elements. Governs enzymatic digestion, cellular thermogenesis, hepatic metabolism, and hormone synthesis. Imbalance causes inflammatory skin diseases, acidity, and burning sensations.

An individual's unique genetic and constitutional bio-type determined at conception by the proportion of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas, dictating metabolic traits and disease predispositions.

Rejuvenation and longevity therapeutics in classical Ayurveda that enhance cellular nutrition, prevent premature tissue degeneration, promote tissue regeneration, and boost immunity.

The continuous, rhythmic pouring of a stream of warm herbal oil or medicated buttermilk (Takradhara) across the forehead over the Ajna Marma. Proven to activate parasympathetic nervous system response, lower cortisol, and relieve insomnia and anxiety.

The macroscopic and microscopic bodily channel networks through which biological fluids, nutrients, and waste products flow. Clearing blocked channels (Sroto-shodhana) is a core aim of Panchakarma.

A gentle specialised Panchakarma procedure performed by female physicians where medicated oils are administered into the intrauterine tract to treat PCOD, thin endometrium, tubal blockage, and recurrent reproductive disorders.

The biological kinetic principle composed of Space and Air elements. Governs all neuro-muscular movement, breathing, nerve transmission, and joint articulation. When aggravated, causes dryness, joint pain, sciatica, and degeneration.

The current state of dosha imbalance or pathological deviation away from an individual's natural constitutional baseline (Prakriti), evaluated during clinical consultation to plan therapy.

Medically controlled therapeutic purgation using classical herbal decoctions and castor preparations to cleanse Pitta dosha and toxins from the liver, gallbladder, and small intestine. Highly effective for psoriasis, eczema, and PCOD.

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