Glossary of Ayurvedic Terms A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Abhyanga Full body Ayurvedic oil massage; self-massage is an important component of an Ayurvedic daily routine, but trained professionals also give abhyanga, either as a stand-alone treatment or as part of a deeper

cleanse, such as pancha karma.

Agni The third of five elements recognized in Ayurveda: the fire element; the principle of transformation; the digestive fire, which is responsible for digestion, absorption and assimilation; that which transforms food into

tissues, energy, and consciousness.

Ahara Diet or food (as in ahara chikitsa food-based therapy).

Ahara Rasa The end result of digested food, yielded within about 12 hours of eating. This food juice is the asthayi (raw, unprocessed) form of rasa dhatu, and the nutritive precursor of all seven dhatus (bodily tissues).

Ajna Chakra The sixth of seven chakras, which is located at the third-eye and is responsible for balancing the higher self with the lower self. This chakra is also associated with intuition our ability to trust our deepest inner knowing and is symbolized by a two-petaled lotus flower, the color indigo, the bija mantra (seed syllable) OM, and it is often linked to the pineal gland.

Alochaka Pitta One of the five subtypes of pitta; that aspect of pitta that resides primarily in the eyes and governs visual perception; functionally, it is responsible for the luster, color, and translucence of the eye, the maintenance

of an appropriate eye temperature, as well as the perception of color and light.

Ama Raw, undigested; a toxic, disease-causing substance that can accumulate in the body when foods, herbs, emotions or experiences are not fully processed, digested, or assimilated.

Amla The sour taste, which is predominated by the earth and fire elements, and is balancing to vata, but aggravating to pitta and kapha.

Anabolic A constructive type of substance or metabolic process; in biology, a category of metabolic processes that synthesizes more complex molecules from simpler ones, builds up organs and tissues, produces growth and

differentiation among cells, and that requires energy in order to occur. This term generally corresponds to the

Sanskrit word, brmhana.

Anahata Chakra The fourth of seven chakras, which is located at the heart center and is responsible for balancing the higher self with the lower self. This chakra is also associated with intuition the ability to trust our deepest inner knowing and is symbolized by a two-petaled lotus flower, the color indigo, the bija mantra (seed syllable) OM, and it is often associated with the pineal gland.

Anna Maya Kosha The first of five bodily sheaths, or coverings of the Self; because this kosha is made of flesh and is directly nourished by our food, it is also known as the food body or the sheath made of food. The Anna Maya Kosha is the grossest, most physical of all the koshas.

Anupan A substance that serves as a medium for taking herbs; many anupans are valued for their ability to carry herbs and formulas deeper into specific tissues; common Ayurvedic anupans include water, ghee, honey, milk, and

aloe vera juice or gel.

Apana Vayu One of the five subtypes of vata; that aspect of vata that resides primarily in the colon and the pelvic cavity and governs downward moving energy the body; functionally, it is responsible for urination, flatulence,

defecation, ovulation, the movement of sperm, conception, and it is activated in the mothers body during birth; apana vayu also absorbs minerals and nourishes the bones through the mucous membrane of the colon.

Artava Dhatu The female reproductive tissue, including the ovaries, ova, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, and vagina; the deepest dhatu (human tissue) in the Ayurvedic tradition, and the last one to receive nourishment

through cellular nutrition; responsible for procreation and emotional release; associated with the production of ojas.

Asana A Sanskrit word literally meaning seat; a physical yoga posture; the third limb of yoga described in Patanjalis Yoga Sutras, which define asana as a state of stability, strength, and ease in the body.

Asthayi Raw, unprocessed, immature, unstable; refers to a particular stage in tissue formation when nutrients and food precursors have been selected by the tissues, but have not yet been assimilated into mature tissue.

Asthi Dhatu The fifth of seven dhatus (human tissues) in the Ayurvedic tradition; the bone tissue; responsible for providing structure to the body, supporting movement, and protecting the vital organs; also associated with

cartilage, teeth, hair, and nails.

Avalambaka Kapha One of the five subtypes of kapha; that aspect of kapha that resides primarily in the lungs, respiratory tract, heart, and spine; it governs the delivery of prana to every cell, tissue, and organ, maintains the

tone and permeability of the alveoli, protects the heart muscle, and tends to the tone of the muscular portion of the

bronchi.

Ayurveda A 5,000 year old system of healing with origins in the Vedic culture of ancient India. The Sanskrit word Ayurveda is derived from the root words ayuh, meaning life or longevity, and veda, meaning science or knowledge. Ayurveda therefore means the science of life.

Ayurvedic Of or belonging to the Vedic tradition of Ayurveda; see Ayurveda.

Basti A therapeutic enema using herbal tea or oil; an important means of eliminating excess vata via the colon; one of the five cleansing actions involved in pancha karma.

Bhastrika Pranayama A yogic breathing practice also known as the Bellows Breath, which consists of a deep and active inhalation and a forceful exhalation that causes a slightly exaggerated expansion and contraction of the

abdomen much like a bellows; this breath is heating, kindles the digestive fire, increases circulation, and refreshes the deep tissues.

Bhrajaka Pitta One of the five subtypes of pitta; that aspect of pitta that resides primarily in the skin; it governs the complexion, color, and temperature of the skin as well as the tactile sense of touch, pain, and temperature

perceived through the skin.

Bhramari Pranayama A very calming yogic breathing practice, also known as Humming Bee Breath, that soothes the nervous system and helps to connect us with our truest inner nature; this practice consists of inhaling

into the belly and exhaling while making a humming sound at the back of the throat like the gentle humming of a bee.

Brmhana A constructive type of substance, process, or treatment therapy (also known assantarpana) that is tonifying, building, and nourishing anabolic in nature; the opposite oflanghana.

Catabolic A deconstructive type of substance or metabolic process; in biology, a category of metabolic processes the breaks down more complex molecules into simpler ones, releasing energy in the process. This term generally

corresponds to the Sanskrit word, langhana.

Chakra A Sanskrit word for wheel or turning, but that, in the yogic context, is better translated as vortex or whirlpool; one of seven primary energetic vortices (or nerve plexus centers) that form part of the subtle, energetic body; the seven primary chakras are found near the spinal cord, where a number of subtle energy channels known

as nadis meet and intersect. Each chakra has its own representative color, mantra, number of petals or spokes, and

associated qualities or energies.

Channels Physical or energetic pathways that carry substances or energy from one place to another in the body. Channel is a somewhat inadequate translation for the Sanskrit term Srotas(singular; Srotamsi is the plural form). The grossest, most physical Ayurvedic srotamsi largely correspond with the systems of western medicine: the

circulatory system, the urinary system, the digestive system, etc. See Srotas.

Chikitsa Any type of Ayurvedic treatment or therapy intended to correct or manage an imbalance or a specific disease (e.g., ahara chikitsa food-based treatment; shodhana chikitsa cleansing therapies; rasayana chikitsa rejuvenation therapy).

Chyavanprash A traditional Ayurvedic herbal jam made primarily of amalaki, but containing a number of other complementary ingredients; chyavanprash is frequently used as a rejuvenative and is particularly balancing for

pitta.

Dashamula A traditional Ayurvedic formula revered for its ability to remove excess vata from the system; dashamula literally means ten roots; it is named after the traditional ingredients in this grounding formula and it very effectively directs vata in the body downward.

Dhatu One of seven tissues identified in the human body: rasa dhatu (plasma), rakta dhatu (blood), mamsa dhatu (muscle), meda dhatu (fat), asthi dhatu (bone), majja dhatu (nervous tissue), and shukra dhatu (male reproductive

tissue) or artava dhatu (female reproductive tissue).

Dinacharya A daily routine; an important part of an Ayurvedic lifestyle that helps to align our bodies with the daily rhythms of nature; the traditional dinacharya includes a wide variety of daily self-care practices including a

rich personal hygiene routine, exercise, spiritual practice, meals, and sleep.

Dosha One of three functional energies in nature: vata, pitta, and kapha. In the body, it is the unique ratio of these three humors that determines an individuals constitution. When the doshas are present in appropriate quantities, they support the health and integrity of the body; when they are out of balance, they can cause illness and disease.

Ghee Clarified butter (made by gently heating unsalted butter until the milk solids can be removed); an important substance in Ayurveda that is used in cooking and for therapeutic purposes. Ghee is also considered an important

anupan, capable of carrying herbs deeper into specific tissues.

Guna A quality or characteristic; most commonly referring to one of 20 primary gunas used in Ayurveda to describe different substances, and to predict their effects on the body.

Hingvastak A traditional Ayurvedic formula designed to pacify vata in the digestive tract.

Ida Nadi One of three nadis in the subtle body considered to be the most important (along with pingala nadi and sushumna nadi); all three are responsible for carrying the flow of prana and awakening higher states of

consciousness. Ida nadi is the lunar, feminine channel associated with the left side of the body; it is situated to the

left of the spinal cord, travels from the base of the spine to the crown of the head, and is associated with the left

nostril.

Kapalabhati Pranayama An active yogic breathing practice, also known as Skull Shining Breath, which consists of a rapid succession of forceful exhalations and passive inhalations. This practice is cleansing, invigorating,

balancing to vata, pitta, and kapha, and it purifies the pranic channels (srotamsi) without creating heat.

Kapha One of the three doshas, functional energies in nature. Kapha is predominated by the earth and water elements and governs structure and cohesiveness; it is heavy, slow, cool, oily, smooth, dense, soft, stable, gross,

and cloudy.

Kashaya The astringent taste, which is predominated by the air and earth elements, and is balancing to pitta and kapha, but aggravating to vata.

Katu The pungent taste, which is predominated by the fire and air elements, and is balancing to kapha, but aggravating to vata and pitta.

Khavaigunya A weak or defective space in the body typically caused by past injury, illness, trauma, or familial genetic patterns; khavaigunyas tends to attract ama and excesses in the doshas, making them especially vulnerable

to frequent or chronic imbalance.

Kledaka Kapha One of the five subtypes of kapha; that aspect of kapha that resides primarily in the stomach and gastrointestinal tract; it is liquid, soft, oily, slimy, and it is maintains the gastric mucous membrane, provides the

liquid medium in which digestion occurs (in the stomach), hydrates the cells and tissues, and is absorbed via the

stomach wall to nourish rasa dhatu andkapha everywhere in the body.

Kosha One of 5 sheaths, or coverings of the Self both gross and subtle that together comprise the physical and energetic aspects of our beings.

Langhana A deconstructive type of substance, process, or treatment therapy (also known asapatarpana) that is reducing and lightening catabolic in nature; the process of fasting; the opposite of brmhana. Langhana is one type of shodhana chikitsa a cleansing therapy.

Lavana The salty taste, which is predominated by the water and fire elements, and is balancing to vata, but aggravating to pitta and kapha.

Lekhana Scraping action; a food or herb that scrapes or removes fat and toxins from the body; a treatment therapy that employs specific foods, herbs, and practices to scrape and remove accumulated fat and toxins.

Lekhana is one type of shodhana chikitsa a cleansing therapy.

Madhura The sweet taste, which is predominated by the earth and water elements, and is balancing to vata and pitta, but aggravating to kapha.

Maha Guna Great Quality; usually referring to one of three universal attributes, or qualities of consciousness, from which all phenomena arise: sattva, rajas, and tamas. The plural, Maha Gunas, generally refers to all three of

these qualities.

Majja Dhatu The sixth of seven dhatus (human tissues) in the Ayurvedic tradition; includes all nervous tissue, connective tissue, and bone marrow; responsible for filling spaces in the body, as well as communication and

sensation; also associated with the endocrine system and with hormones.

Mamsa Dhatu The third of seven dhatus (human tissues) in the Ayurvedic tradition; includes all muscle tissue in the body; responsible for form, movement, support, protection, and plastering (cohesiveness); also gives strength,

courage, and confidence.

Mano Vaha Srotas The bodily channel associated with the mind and responsible for mental functions such as thinking, feeling, inquiry, discernment, communication, and memory; this channel is rooted in the heart and the ten

great vessels (ten subtle energetic pathways also rooted in the heart), includes the entire body, and opens to the five

sense organs (the eyes, ears, nose, tongue, and skin).

Marga The pathway or passage through the body for any given Ayurvedic srotas (channel system).

Meda Dhatu The fourth of seven dhatus (human tissues) in the Ayurvedic tradition; includes all adipose tissue in the body; responsible for lubrication, insulation, protection, and energy storage; also gives shape and beauty to the

body, and sweetness to the voice.

Mukha The mouth, opening, or entrance into any given Ayurvedic srotas (channel system), and sometimes, the point at which one srotas becomes another; the mukha is therapeutically significant because it is often used as an

access point for treating the srotas as a whole.

Mula The root or point of origination for any given Ayurvedic srotas (channel system); the mula often reveals connections that are significant to the overall health of the srotas.

Nadi A Sanskrit word with many meanings, including river, channel and passageway. Ayurveda acknowledges thousands of nadis both gross and subtle that carry various substances and energies from one place to another throughout the body and the energetic field. Nadi also refers to the pulse, one of the most

important tools for clinical assessment in Ayurveda.

Nadi Shodhana Pranayama A yogic breathing practice also known as Alternate Nostril Breathing, but that literally means channel cleansing; this practice consists of inhaling and exhaling in a particular pattern, through alternate nostrils. Nadi Shodhana Pranayama is balancing to the left and right hemispheres of the brain, deeply

calming to the nervous system, and revitalizing to the mind.

Nasya A therapeutic practice of applying plain or herbalized oil (or medicinal herbs) to the nasal passages; an important means of eliminating excess vata, pitta and kapha from the head, neck, throat and the senses via the nasal

passages; one of the five cleansing actions involved in pancha karma.

Neti (or Jala-Neti) A therapeutic practice of cleansing the nasal passages with saline water; an important means of eliminating excess dust, pollen, mucus, and other blockages from the nasal passages. A neti pot is the vessel

used to pour the saline solution into one nostril so that it can flow out the other nostril.

Ojas The positive subtle essence of kapha, which gives the body strength, vigor, vitality, and immunity; the end product of perfect digestion. Ojas shares a subtle functional integrity with tejas and prana.

Pachaka Pitta One of the five subtypes of pitta; that aspect of pitta that resides primarily in the small intestine and stomach; functionally, it governs the breakdown of ingested food, making the nutrients available for use in the

body.

Pachana A substance that neutralizes toxins and ama in the body; a treatment (also known aspachana chikitsa) that cooks or neutralizes toxins in the body, helping to eliminate ama; one of the palliative therapies (shamana chikitsa) often employed as treatment when more intense cleansing therapies (shodhana chikitsa) are

contraindicated.

Pancha Karma A Sanskrit term literally meaning five actions; a deep Ayurvedic cleanse focused on returning excess vata, pitta, kapha, and ama to the digestive tract in order to be eliminated from the body; pancha karma

refers to the five traditional Ayurvedic cleansing actions that are used to eliminate these disturbances from the

digestive tract: vamana (therapeutic vomiting), virechana (therapeutic purgation), basti (therapeutic enema), rakta

moksha (therapeutic blood letting), and nasya (therapeutic administration of herbs and oils to the nasal passages).

Pingala Nadi One of three nadis in the subtle body considered to be the most important (along with ida nadi and sushumna nadi); all three are responsible for carrying the flow of prana and awakening higher states of

consciousness. Pingala nadi is the solar, masculine channel associated with the right side of the body; it is situated

to the right of the spinal cord, travels from the base of the spine to the crown of the head, and is associated with the

right nostril.

Pitta One of the three doshas, functional energies in nature. Pitta is predominated by the fire and water elements, and it governs transformation; it is light, sharp (or penetrating), hot, oily, liquid, and spreading.

Poshaka Kapha The physical precursor of kapha dosha that nourishes kapha throughout the body; a natural waste product that forms as rasa dhatu matures.

Prana The vital life force that enters the body primarily through the breath, but that can also come from food and water; the flow of cellular intelligence, perception, and communication that is the positive subtle essence of vata.

Prana shares a subtle functional integrity with ojas and tejas.

Prana Vayu One of the five subtypes of vata; that aspect of vata that resides primarily in the head and that governs the descent of prana and consciousness into the body; functionally, it is responsible for inhalation, higher

cerebral function, and the movement of the mind: thoughts, emotions, sensations, and the flow of perception.

Prana Maya Kosha The second of five bodily sheaths, or coverings of the Self; because this kosha is made of prana (the vital life force that is connected to the breath), it is also known as the breath body, or the sheath made of breath. The Prana Maya Kosha pervades the entire Anna Maya Kosha, or food body, and extends beyond the flesh.

Prana Vaha Srotas The bodily channel responsible for receiving and circulating prana, the vital life-force; functions include respiration, thinking, emotional feeling, and communication with the higher self; this channel is

rooted in the heart and the digestive tract, includes the entire respiratory tract and the lungs, and opens to the

exterior of the body at the nose.

Pranayama The fourth limb of yoga, as described in Patanjalis Yoga Sutras; yogic breathing practices that work directly with the vital life energy of prana and that are intended to increase awareness and to prepare the mind and

body for meditation. Each individual pranayama has specific indications and benefits.

Rajas One of the three maha gunas, universal attributes (or qualities of consciousness) that give rise to all phenomena in nature. Rajas is the principle that ignites energy, movement, passion, and the ability to act.

Rajasic A substance, experience, or mental state infused with the qualities of rajas: kinetic energy, movement, passion, and action.

Rakta Dhatu The second of seven dhatus (human tissues) in the Ayurvedic tradition; it can be roughly equated with blood, but more specifically with the oxygen-carrying portion of the blood: the red blood cells (which

Ayurveda distinguishes from rasa dhatu: the plasma, lymph and white blood cells). Rakta dhatu is responsible for

the maintenance of life, oxygenation, and the transportation of nutrients.

Rakta Moksha A therapeutic practice of blood letting or blood cleansing; an important means of purifying and eliminating excess pitta from the blood; one of the five cleansing actions involved in pancha karma.

Ranjaka Pitta One of the five subtypes of pitta; that aspect of pitta that resides primarily in the liver, spleen, and stomach, and gives color to all the tissues of the body; functionally, it is responsible for the formation of red blood

cells in the bone marrow, bile in the liver, and white blood cells in the spleen.

Rasa A Sanskrit word with many meanings, including taste, flavor, essence, experience, juice, sap, and plasma or chyle. Ayurveda identifies six primary tastes: madhura (sweet), amla (sour), lavana (salty), katu (pungent), tikta (bitter), and kashaya (astringent). As a taste, rasa is our first experience of an ingested substance.

Other common uses of this word include ahara rasa (food juice or chyle) and rasa dhatu (plasma).

Rasa Dhatu The first of the seven dhatus (human tissues) in the Ayurvedic tradition; includes the plasma, the lymph, and the white blood cells. Because it is the first dhatu to receive nourishment from ingested food, rasa dhatu

is responsible for delivering nutrition and energy to every cell and tissue in the body.

Rasa Vaha Srotas The bodily channel responsible cellular nutrition and for the circulation of lymph and plasma throughout the body; rasa vaha srotas is also associated with immunity, faith, and with regulating both blood

volume and blood pressure; this channel is rooted in the heart and the ten great vessels (ten subtle energetic

pathways also rooted in the heart), includes the venous and lymphatic systems, and opens to the arteriole venous

junction.

Rasayana A substance that nourishes and tones the entire body; the Ayurvedic practice of rejuvenation therapy (also known as rasayana chikitsa) a specific process of offering deep nourishment to the cells, tissues, and organs of the body in support of their healing, renewal, and regeneration. The practice of rasayana is indicated in a

number of different situations (e.g., after a deep cleanse like pancha karma) and is believed to enhance immunity,

stamina, and longevity.

Rejuvenation The therapeutic process of offering deep nourishment to the cells, tissues, and organs of the body in support of their healing, renewal, and regeneration. This therapy is indicated in a number of different situations

(e.g., after a deep cleanse like pancha karma) and is believed to enhance immunity, stamina, and longevity.

Rejuvenative A substance that nourishes and tones the entire body.

Sadhaka Pitta One of the five subtypes of pitta; that aspect of pitta that resides primarily in the brain and the heart; functionally, it governs conscious thinking, knowledge, understanding, appreciation, and the

emotions; sadhaka pitta transforms sensations into feelings and emotions, metabolizes and processes them, and

regulates neurotransmitters throughout the body; this subtype of pitta is also responsible for the ego (the sense of

Self, and I am).

Samana Vayu One of the five subtypes of vata; that aspect of vata that resides primarily in the small intestine and navel and that governs digestion, absorption, and assimilation in the body; functionally, it is responsible for the

movement of the small intestine, peristalsis, as well as the secretion of digestive juices, liver enzymes, and bile; it

also plays a key in creating hunger.

Sattva One of the three maha gunas universal attributes (or qualities of consciousness) that give rise to all phenomena in nature. Sattva is the principle that gives rise to equilibrium, clarity, light, intelligence, compassion,

insight, and wisdom.

Sattvic A substance, experience, or mental state infused with the qualities of sattva: light, clarity, intelligence, compassion, and wisdom.

Shamana Chikitsa Ayurvedic palliative therapies that gently pacify the doshas in support of a return to balance. These therapies are often employed when more intense cleansing therapies (shodhana chikitsa) are contraindicated.

Sheetali Pranayama A yogic breathing practice also known as the Cooling Breath, which consists of drawing the breath in through a curled tongue (as if breathing through a straw) and exhaling through the nose. This breath is

cooling, deeply pacifying to pitta, and helps to reduce excess heat and inflammation throughout the body.

Sheetkari Pranayama Another yogic breathing practice known as the Cooling Breath an effective substitute for Sheetali Pranayama for those who cannot roll their tongues; this breath consists of drawing the breath in along the

sides of the tongue (and through the corners of the mouth) and exhaling through the nose. Like Sheetali Pranayama

this breath is cooling, deeply pacifying to pitta, and helps to reduce excess heat and inflammation throughout the

body.

Shleshaka Kapha One of five sub-types of kapha found in all of the joints; a fatty substance that lubricates and cushions the joints, protects the bones from deterioration, and allows for freedom of movement.

Shodhana Chikitsa Ayurvedic cleansing therapies aimed at removing excess dosha, ama, and other toxins from the body. The five cleansing therapies for which pancha karma is named are examples of shodhana chikitsa, but

there are others, such as fasting (langhana) and scraping fat (lekhana).

Shukra Dhatu The male reproductive tissue; the deepest dhatu (human tissue) in the Ayurvedic tradition, and the last one to receive nourishment through cellular nutrition; responsible for procreation and emotional release;

associated with the production of ojas.

Sitopaladi A traditional Ayurvedic formula that promotes immunity and fosters overall health and wellbeing; sitopala literally means rock candy, an important ingredient in this formula that soothes pitta and calms vata; the suffix adi means etcetera and refers to the fact that this formula is a mix of several different complementary ingredients.

Sneha A Sanskrit word meaning both oil, and love which is noteworthy, given the regularity with which Ayurveda uses oil as a therapeutic substance. The connection between these two meanings is particularly

significant to the practice of abhyanga, which involves the therapeutic application of oil (and love) to the entire

body.

Snehana The therapeutic practice of applying oil to the body both internally and externally; an important part of the Ayurvedic cleanse known as pancha karma. Snehana softens the tissues, lubricates the srotamsi (channels of

the body), and supports the release of deep-seated doshas, ama (toxins), and unresolved emotions from the tissues.

Soma Lunar energy; cosmic plasma; the subtlest form of matter; the subtle essence of ojas, which feeds the cells, RNA/DNA molecules, and eventually becomes consciousness. In the body, soma is related to the pineal gland,

serotonin, and feelings of bliss. In the Vedic texts, soma refers both to a mysterious sacred plant, and to a drink

made from the juice of that plant; the drink is said to be an elixir of life, giving immortality to anyone who drinks

it.

Srotas A physical or energetic pathway or channel that carries substances or energy from one place to another in the body; one of the innumerable physiological and energetic systems in the body. The plural of srotas is srotamsi.

The grossest Ayurvedic srotamsi largely correspond with the systems of western medicine: the circulatory system,

the urinary system, the digestive system, etc.

Srotamsi The plural of srotas; a set of physical or energetic pathways that carry substances or energy from one place to another in the body. The grossest Ayurvedic srotamsi largely correspond with the systems of western

medicine: the circulatory system, the urinary system, the digestive system, etc.

Sushumna Nadi One of the three most important nadis in the subtle body (along with ida nadi and pingala nadi), which are responsible for carrying the flow of prana and awakening higher states of consciousness. Sushumna nadi

is the central channel associated with the balance and integration between masculine and feminine forces; it travels

from the base of the spine to the crown of the head through the center of the spinal cord, intersecting each of the

seven chakras, and opening to sahasrara chakra. Sushumna nadi is associated with breathing through both the left

and the right nostrils simultaneously.

Svedhana The therapeutic practice of gently sweating, usually after applying oil to the body; an important component of the Ayurvedic cleanse known as pancha karma. Svedhana helps to loosen ama (toxins), excess

doshas, and unresolved emotions from the deep tissues of the body and encourages them to move toward the

digestive tract, where they can be easily eliminated.

Talisadi A traditional Ayurvedic formula that promotes immunity, healthy respiration, and overall wellness; talisadi contains all of the ingredients in sitopaladi plus a few more that intensify its heat, increase its capacity to

kindle agni (the digestive fire), and encourage it to burn ama (toxins). This formula is balancing to all three doshas

in moderation but, in excess, may aggravate pitta.

Tamas One of the three maha gunas universal attributes (or qualities of consciousness) that give rise to all phenomena in nature. Tamas is the principle responsible for inertia, darkness, heaviness, slowness, sleep, and

decay. Tamas also gives rise to the five elements and their subtle attributes, the five objects of perception

(tanmatras): sound, touch, form, taste, and smell.

Tamasic A substance, experience, or mental state infused with the qualities of tamas: inertia, darkness, heaviness, slowness, sleepiness, and decay.

Tanmatra One of the five objects of perception: smell, taste, form, touch, and sound; the most subtle energetic form of each of the five elements: earth, water, fire, air, and ether.

Tejas Solar energy; the positive subtle essence of agni and of pitta that governs intelligence, discernment, enthusiasm, and all types of digestion and transformation. Tejas shares a subtle functional integrity with ojas and

prana.

Ten Great Vessels A set of ten subtle energetic pathways (nadis) described in the Vedic texts that are rooted in the heart and travel to the ten gates of the body: the two eyes, two ears, two nostrils, mouth, genital organ, anus,

and the crown of the head. The ten great vessels are intimately connected to mano vaha srotas (the channel of the

mind) and rasa vaha srotas (the channel of the plasma and lymph)both of which are also rooted in the heart. Of the ten, three are said to be the most important: ida, pingala, and sushumna nadis, which open to the left nostril, the

right nostril, and the crown of the head, respectively.

Tikta The bitter taste, which is predominated by the air and ether elements and is balancing to pitta and kapha, but aggravating to vata.

Tridoshic Pacifying or balancing for all three doshas: vata, pitta, and kapha.

Trikatu A traditional Ayurvedic formula composed of three pungent herbs pippali, ginger, and black pepper and is an effective rejuvenative for kapha. This formula is traditionally used to kindle agni (the digestive fire), burn

excess fat and ama (toxins), while supporting healthy metabolism, clear respiratory channels, and the lungs.

Trikatu is a rejuvenative for kapha.

Triphala A traditional Ayurvedic formula composed of the powders of three dried fruits: amalaki, bibhitaki, and haritaki; triphala is revered for its unique ability to gently cleanse and detoxify the digestive tract, support

regularity, and simultaneously offer deep nourishment to the tissues.

Udana Vayu One of the five subtypes of vata; that aspect of vata that resides primarily between the diaphragm and throat and governs upward movement in the body; functionally, it is responsible for speech, expression,

exhalation, and the movement of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles; udana vayu is also related to memory,

creativity, and the maintenance of normal skin color and complexion.

Udvartana The practice of massaging the skin with dry powders; frequently recommended following abhyanga or snehana because it is so helpful in removing excess oil from the skin. This practice reduces kapha, increases

circulation, bolsters the health of the skin, helps to liquefy fat, and lends strength, stability, and cohesiveness to the

tissues of the body.

Ujjayi Pranayama A yogic breathing practice also known as Breath of Victory, which consists of inhaling and exhaling through a slight constriction at the back of the throat so that the breath becomes mildly audible. This

practice is mildly heating, deeply tranquilizing, pacifying to all three doshas, and is generally appropriate for

anyone. Ujjayi pranayama is commonly encouraged throughout the practice of yoga asana.

Vamana The practice of therapeutic vomiting; an important means of eliminating excess kapha from the stomach and lungs; one of the five cleansing actions involved in pancha karma.

Vata One of the three doshas, functional energies in nature. Vata is predominated by the ether and air elements and governs movement and communication; it is light, cold, dry, rough, mobile, subtle, and clear.

Vayu The second of five elements recognized in Ayurveda: the air element; wind; the principle of movement; an alternate name for vata.

Vipaka The post-digestive effect of an ingested substance, experienced in the final stages of digestion after the rasa (taste), and the virya (heating or cooling energy of a substance) have been experienced; this stage of digestion

affects the excreta and nourishes individual cells.

Virechana The practice of therapeutic purgation of the digestive tract; an important means of eliminating excess doshas (especially pitta) from digestive tract and, in particular, from the small intestine; one of the five cleansing

actions involved in pancha karma.

Virya The heating or cooling nature of an ingested substance, experienced after rasa (taste), but before vipaka (the post-digestive effect). While there is a broad spectrum of variance between hot and cold, most substances can

be described as being either heating or cooling in nature.

Vyana Vayu One of the five subtypes of vata; that aspect of vata that resides primarily in the heart and circulatory system and that governs circular movement in the body (as in circulation); functionally, it is responsible

for maintaining cardiac activity, circulation of the blood and lymph, cellular nutrition and oxygenation, as well as

movement in the joints and skeletal muscles.

Yoga A Sanskrit word that literally means to yoke or to bind together to unite. The practice of yoga is a collection of physical, mental, and spiritual disciplines intended to transform and liberate the mind-body organism.

In the West, the word yoga usually refers to the third limb of yoga, as described in Patanjalis Yoga Sutras: the practice of physical postures or asanas.

References

1 Bachman, Nicolai. The Language of Ayurveda. Victoria, BC: Trafford Publishing, 2006. Print. 47, 55, 71.

2 Lad, Vasant. The Complete Book of Ayurvedic Home Remedies. New York: Three Rivers Press, 1998. Print. 301-305.

3 Lad, Vasant. Textbook of Ayurveda Volume I: Fundamental Principles of Ayurveda. Albuquerque: The Ayurvedic Press, 2002. Print. 46-77, 155-163,

197-206, 299-314.

4 Lad, Vasant. Textbook of Ayurveda, Volume II: A Complete Guide to Clinical Assessment. Albuquerque: The Ayurvedic Press, 2006. Print. 347-358.

5 Lad, Vasant. Textbook of Ayurveda Volume III: General Principles of Management and Treatment. Albuquerque: The Ayurvedic Press, 2012. Print. 1-2,

157-160, 601-610.

6 Pole, Sebastian. Ayurvedic Medicine: The Principles of Traditional Practice. London: Churchill Livingston, 2006. Print. 341-345.

7 Welch, Claudia. The Secrets of the Mind: The Ten Channels Revealed. Big Shakti, 2005. eBook. 6-7, 16-20.

8 Shiva Svarodaya. Trans. Ram Kumar Rai. Varanasi: Prachya Prakashan, 1997. Print. 9. Shiva Svarodaya: 36.