the ayurvedic glossary
a
Agni
The digestive fire or metabolic energy responsible for digestion, transformation, and assimilation in the body. A balanced Agni is key to health
Ama
Toxic byproduct of incomplete digestion, often considered the root cause of disease in Ayurveda
Ayurveda
A traditional Indian system of medicine that translates to “science of life,” focusing on balancing body, mind, and spirit
b
Bhuta
The five great elements (Pancha Mahabhutas) — Earth (Prithvi), Water (Apas), Fire (Tejas), Air (Vayu), and Ether (Akasha) — which form the foundation of Ayurveda
Bhrami
A medicinal herb often used to improve cognitive function and reduce stress
c
Chakra
Energy centers in the body, often referred to in relation to mental and spiritual health
Churna
A powdered herbal formulation used for a variety of health concerns
d
Dinacharya
Daily routine practices recommended in Ayurveda to promote health and harmony with nature
Dosha
The three primary energies or body types in Ayurveda: Vata (air and ether), Pitta (fire and water), and Kapha (earth and water)
e
Ekadashi
A specific fasting day in the lunar calendar observed for detoxification and spiritual benefits
Elaichi
Known as cardamom, a spice used for its digestive and aromatic properties
f
Fomentation (Swedana)
A therapy involving the application of heat, often through steam, to open pores and eliminate toxins
Five Elements (Pancha Mahabhutas)
The building blocks of the universe — Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Ether — fundamental to Ayurvedic theory
g
Ghee
Clarified butter, considered a sattvic food that nourishes and supports digestion and overall health
Guduchi
A rejuvenating herb used for immunity, detoxification, and balancing doshas
h
Herbal Decoction (Kashayam)
A traditional preparation made by boiling herbs in water to extract medicinal properties
i
Indriya
The senses (sight, hearing, touch, taste, smell) that interact with the external world
Ishwarpranidhana
Surrender to a higher power or divine will, often a key aspect of Ayurveda’s spiritual practices
j
Jatharagni
The central digestive fire located in the stomach and small intestine, crucial for overall health
Jivaniya Herbs
A class of rejuvenative herbs that promote vitality and longevity
k
Kapha
One of the three doshas, representing the combination of earth and water elements. Kapha governs structure, stability, and lubrication in the body
l
Laddu
A sweet Ayurvedic treat, often infused with herbs like ashwagandha or turmeric for health benefits
Lavanga
Clove, an aromatic spice used for digestion, dental care, and its warming effects
m
Marma Points
Vital energy points on the body, similar to acupuncture points, used in massage and therapeutic practices
Mala
The waste products of the body, such as urine, faeces, and sweat, which must be expelled to maintain health
n
Nasya
A treatment involving the administration of herbal oils or powders through the nose to clear nasal passages and balance the head region
o
Ojas
The essence of vitality and immunity, derived from proper digestion and healthy living
Oil Pulling (Gandusha)
The practice of swishing oil (like sesame or coconut) in the mouth for oral health and detoxification
p
Pancha Karma
A series of five cleansing and rejuvenating treatments to detoxify and restore balance to the body
Prakriti
An individual’s unique constitution or natural balance of doshas determined at birth
q
Qualities (Gunas)
The attributes or properties of substances, such as hot/cold, light/heavy, dry/oily, which influence the doshas
Quenching Agni
The practice of calming an overactive digestive fire to avoid tissue depletion
r
Rasa
The first stage of digestion and also refers to taste, which plays a vital role in balancing doshas and overall health
Rasayana
Rejuvenation therapy aimed at promoting longevity, vitality, and mental clarity
s
Sattva
One of the three gunas (qualities) representing purity, balance, and harmony
Shirodhara
A therapy where warm oil is poured onto the forehead in a steady stream to calm the mind and nervous system
Srotas
Channels or pathways in the body responsible for transporting substances like nutrients and waste
t
Triphala
A blend of three fruits (Haritaki, Bibhitaki, and Amalaki) used for detoxification and improving digestion
u
Udana Vayu
A subtype of Vata dosha, responsible for speech, energy, and upward movement in the body
Upanaha
A poultice therapy used for localized pain relief and inflammation reduction
v
Vata
One of the three doshas, representing the combination of air and ether elements. Vata governs movement, communication, and nervous system activity
Virya
The potency or energetic effect of a substance (heating or cooling) on the body
w
Warm Oils
Oils like sesame or mustard, heated before use for massages or therapeutic applications
Wellness Through Balance
The Ayurvedic principle of achieving health by balancing the body, mind, and environment
x
Xerostomia
A condition of dry mouth, addressed in Ayurveda through hydrating herbs like licorice and practices like oil pulling
X-Factor of Ayurveda
Often used to describe the personalised and holistic approach that sets Ayurveda apart from other systems
y
Yoga
A sister science to Ayurveda, focusing on physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation to balance the mind and body
z
Zingiber
The botanical name for ginger, a widely used Ayurvedic herb for digestion, inflammation, and respiratory health