The
Grand
Project

© Anonym

A

abhyanga –
ambu

abhyanga

Full body Ayurvedic oil massage; self-massage is an important component of an Ayurvedic daily routine, but trained professionals also give abhyanga treatments—either as a stand-alone therapy or as part of a deeper cleanse, such as panchakarma.

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 twelve hours of eating; this “food juice” is the asthayi (raw, unprocessed) form of rasa dhatu (the plasma and lymph) 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) “Aum,” 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.

ambu

Water; bodily fluids such as rasa dhatu (plasma and lymph), rakta dhatu (blood), and fluid secretions; one of the four factors affecting fertility, conception, and prakriti—considered an important component of reproductive health; in Ayurveda, ambu vaha srotas is the bodily channel for receiving water and regulating bodily fluids.

ambu vaha srotas

The bodily channel responsible for receiving water and regulating bodily fluids such as cerebrospinal fluid, saliva, and secretions of the nose, gastric mucous membranes, and the pancreas; functions of this channel include lubrication, energy, electrolyte balance, and the maintenance of body temperature; ambu vaha srotas is rooted in the pancreas, soft palate and choroid plexus, its pathway is the GI mucous membrane, and its openings are the kidneys, the sweat glands, and the tongue; this channel is closely tied to the liquid, watery tissue of rasa dhatu (plasma and lymph), and to mutra vaha srotas (the urinary channel).

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 connected to our capacity for unconditional love; this chakra is said to house our purest self and is also linked to immunity; it is symbolized by a twelve-petaled lotus flower, the color green, the bija mantra (seed syllable) “yam,” and it is often associated with the thymus 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.

anna vaha srotas

The bodily channel responsible for taking in and carrying food. It is the upper digestive tract, which begins at the lips and includes the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine.

anupan

A substance that serves as a medium for taking herbs and other medicines; 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 in the body; functionally, it is responsible for urination, flatulence, defecation, ovulation, the movement of sperm, conception, and it is activated in the mother’s body during birth; apana vayu also absorbs minerals and nourishes the bones through the mucous membrane of the colon.

apatarpana

A deconstructive type of substance, process, or treatment therapy (also known as langhana) that is reducing and lightening—catabolic in nature; the process of fasting; the opposite of santarpana.

artava dhatu

The female reproductive tissue, including the ovaries, ova, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, and vagina; along with shukra (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.

asana

A Sanskrit word literally meaning “seat;” a physical yoga posture; the third limb of yoga described in Patanjali’s 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 five thousand 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 “sacred knowledge.” Ayurveda therefore translates as, "the sacred knowledge of life.”

A

abhyanga –
ambu

abhyanga

Full body Ayurvedic oil massage; self-massage is an important component of an Ayurvedic daily routine, but trained professionals also give abhyanga treatments—either as a stand-alone therapy or as part of a deeper cleanse, such as panchakarma.

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 twelve hours of eating; this “food juice” is the asthayi (raw, unprocessed) form of rasa dhatu (the plasma and lymph) 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) “Aum,” 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.

ambu

Water; bodily fluids such as rasa dhatu (plasma and lymph), rakta dhatu (blood), and fluid secretions; one of the four factors affecting fertility, conception, and prakriti—considered an important component of reproductive health; in Ayurveda, ambu vaha srotas is the bodily channel for receiving water and regulating bodily fluids.

ambu vaha srotas

The bodily channel responsible for receiving water and regulating bodily fluids such as cerebrospinal fluid, saliva, and secretions of the nose, gastric mucous membranes, and the pancreas; functions of this channel include lubrication, energy, electrolyte balance, and the maintenance of body temperature; ambu vaha srotas is rooted in the pancreas, soft palate and choroid plexus, its pathway is the GI mucous membrane, and its openings are the kidneys, the sweat glands, and the tongue; this channel is closely tied to the liquid, watery tissue of rasa dhatu (plasma and lymph), and to mutra vaha srotas (the urinary channel).

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 connected to our capacity for unconditional love; this chakra is said to house our purest self and is also linked to immunity; it is symbolized by a twelve-petaled lotus flower, the color green, the bija mantra (seed syllable) “yam,” and it is often associated with the thymus 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.

anna vaha srotas

The bodily channel responsible for taking in and carrying food. It is the upper digestive tract, which begins at the lips and includes the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine.

anupan

A substance that serves as a medium for taking herbs and other medicines; 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 in the body; functionally, it is responsible for urination, flatulence, defecation, ovulation, the movement of sperm, conception, and it is activated in the mother’s body during birth; apana vayu also absorbs minerals and nourishes the bones through the mucous membrane of the colon.

apatarpana

A deconstructive type of substance, process, or treatment therapy (also known as langhana) that is reducing and lightening—catabolic in nature; the process of fasting; the opposite of santarpana.

artava dhatu

The female reproductive tissue, including the ovaries, ova, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, and vagina; along with shukra (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.

asana

A Sanskrit word literally meaning “seat;” a physical yoga posture; the third limb of yoga described in Patanjali’s 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 five thousand 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 “sacred knowledge.” Ayurveda therefore translates as, "the sacred knowledge of life.”

A

abhyanga –
ambu

abhyanga

Full body Ayurvedic oil massage; self-massage is an important component of an Ayurvedic daily routine, but trained professionals also give abhyanga treatments—either as a stand-alone therapy or as part of a deeper cleanse, such as panchakarma.

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 twelve hours of eating; this “food juice” is the asthayi (raw, unprocessed) form of rasa dhatu (the plasma and lymph) 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) “Aum,” 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.

ambu

Water; bodily fluids such as rasa dhatu (plasma and lymph), rakta dhatu (blood), and fluid secretions; one of the four factors affecting fertility, conception, and prakriti—considered an important component of reproductive health; in Ayurveda, ambu vaha srotas is the bodily channel for receiving water and regulating bodily fluids.

A2

ambu vaha srotas – anupan

ambu vaha srotas

The bodily channel responsible for receiving water and regulating bodily fluids such as cerebrospinal fluid, saliva, and secretions of the nose, gastric mucous membranes, and the pancreas; functions of this channel include lubrication, energy, electrolyte balance, and the maintenance of body temperature; ambu vaha srotas is rooted in the pancreas, soft palate and choroid plexus, its pathway is the GI mucous membrane, and its openings are the kidneys, the sweat glands, and the tongue; this channel is closely tied to the liquid, watery tissue of rasa dhatu (plasma and lymph), and to mutra vaha srotas (the urinary channel).

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 connected to our capacity for unconditional love; this chakra is said to house our purest self and is also linked to immunity; it is symbolized by a twelve-petaled lotus flower, the color green, the bija mantra (seed syllable) “yam,” and it is often associated with the thymus 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.

anna vaha srotas

The bodily channel responsible for taking in and carrying food. It is the upper digestive tract, which begins at the lips and includes the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine.

anupan

A substance that serves as a medium for taking herbs and other medicines; 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.

A3

apana vayu –
Ayurveda

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 in the body; functionally, it is responsible for urination, flatulence, defecation, ovulation, the movement of sperm, conception, and it is activated in the mother’s body during birth; apana vayu also absorbs minerals and nourishes the bones through the mucous membrane of the colon.

apatarpana

A deconstructive type of substance, process, or treatment therapy (also known as langhana) that is reducing and lightening—catabolic in nature; the process of fasting; the opposite of santarpana.

artava dhatu

The female reproductive tissue, including the ovaries, ova, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, and vagina; along with shukra (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.

asana

A Sanskrit word literally meaning “seat;” a physical yoga posture; the third limb of yoga described in Patanjali’s 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 five thousand 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 “sacred knowledge.” Ayurveda therefore translates as, "the sacred knowledge of life.”

A1

(abhyanga – ayurvedic)

abhyanga

Full body Ayurvedic oil massage; self-massage is an important component of an Ayurvedic daily routine, but trained professionals also give abhyanga treatments—either as a stand-alone therapy or as part of a deeper cleanse, such as panchakarma.

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 twelve hours of eating; this “food juice” is the asthayi (raw, unprocessed) form of rasa dhatu (the plasma and lymph) 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) “Aum,” 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.

ambu

Water; bodily fluids such as rasa dhatu (plasma and lymph), rakta dhatu (blood), and fluid secretions; one of the four factors affecting fertility, conception, and prakriti—considered an important component of reproductive health; in Ayurveda, ambu vaha srotas is the bodily channel for receiving water and regulating bodily fluids.

A2

(abhyanga – ayurvedic)

ambu vaha srotas

The bodily channel responsible for receiving water and regulating bodily fluids such as cerebrospinal fluid, saliva, and secretions of the nose, gastric mucous membranes, and the pancreas; functions of this channel include lubrication, energy, electrolyte balance, and the maintenance of body temperature; ambu vaha srotas is rooted in the pancreas, soft palate and choroid plexus, its pathway is the GI mucous membrane, and its openings are the kidneys, the sweat glands, and the tongue; this channel is closely tied to the liquid, watery tissue of rasa dhatu (plasma and lymph), and to mutra vaha srotas (the urinary channel).

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 connected to our capacity for unconditional love; this chakra is said to house our purest self and is also linked to immunity; it is symbolized by a twelve-petaled lotus flower, the color green, the bija mantra (seed syllable) “yam,” and it is often associated with the thymus 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.

anna vaha srotas

The bodily channel responsible for taking in and carrying food. It is the upper digestive tract, which begins at the lips and includes the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine.

anupan

A substance that serves as a medium for taking herbs and other medicines; 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.

A3

(abhyanga – ayurvedic)

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 in the body; functionally, it is responsible for urination, flatulence, defecation, ovulation, the movement of sperm, conception, and it is activated in the mother’s body during birth; apana vayu also absorbs minerals and nourishes the bones through the mucous membrane of the colon.

apatarpana

A deconstructive type of substance, process, or treatment therapy (also known as langhana) that is reducing and lightening—catabolic in nature; the process of fasting; the opposite of santarpana.

artava dhatu

The female reproductive tissue, including the ovaries, ova, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, and vagina; along with shukra (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.

asana

A Sanskrit word literally meaning “seat;” a physical yoga posture; the third limb of yoga described in Patanjali’s 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 five thousand 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 “sacred knowledge.” Ayurveda therefore translates as, "the sacred knowledge of life.”

A1

(abhyanga – ayurvedic)

abhyanga

Full body Ayurvedic oil massage; self-massage is an important component of an Ayurvedic daily routine, but trained professionals also give abhyanga treatments—either as a stand-alone therapy or as part of a deeper cleanse, such as panchakarma.

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 twelve hours of eating; this “food juice” is the asthayi (raw, unprocessed) form of rasa dhatu (the plasma and lymph) 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) “Aum,” 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.

ambu

Water; bodily fluids such as rasa dhatu (plasma and lymph), rakta dhatu (blood), and fluid secretions; one of the four factors affecting fertility, conception, and prakriti—considered an important component of reproductive health; in Ayurveda, ambu vaha srotas is the bodily channel for receiving water and regulating bodily fluids.

A2

(abhyanga – ayurvedic)

ambu vaha srotas

The bodily channel responsible for receiving water and regulating bodily fluids such as cerebrospinal fluid, saliva, and secretions of the nose, gastric mucous membranes, and the pancreas; functions of this channel include lubrication, energy, electrolyte balance, and the maintenance of body temperature; ambu vaha srotas is rooted in the pancreas, soft palate and choroid plexus, its pathway is the GI mucous membrane, and its openings are the kidneys, the sweat glands, and the tongue; this channel is closely tied to the liquid, watery tissue of rasa dhatu (plasma and lymph), and to mutra vaha srotas (the urinary channel).

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 connected to our capacity for unconditional love; this chakra is said to house our purest self and is also linked to immunity; it is symbolized by a twelve-petaled lotus flower, the color green, the bija mantra (seed syllable) “yam,” and it is often associated with the thymus 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.

anna vaha srotas

The bodily channel responsible for taking in and carrying food. It is the upper digestive tract, which begins at the lips and includes the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine.

anupan

A substance that serves as a medium for taking herbs and other medicines; 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.

A3

(abhyanga – ayurvedic)

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 in the body; functionally, it is responsible for urination, flatulence, defecation, ovulation, the movement of sperm, conception, and it is activated in the mother’s body during birth; apana vayu also absorbs minerals and nourishes the bones through the mucous membrane of the colon.

apatarpana

A deconstructive type of substance, process, or treatment therapy (also known as langhana) that is reducing and lightening—catabolic in nature; the process of fasting; the opposite of santarpana.

artava dhatu

The female reproductive tissue, including the ovaries, ova, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, and vagina; along with shukra (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.

asana

A Sanskrit word literally meaning “seat;” a physical yoga posture; the third limb of yoga described in Patanjali’s 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 five thousand 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 “sacred knowledge.” Ayurveda therefore translates as, "the sacred knowledge of life.”

A

(abhyanga – ayurvedic)

abhyanga

Full body Ayurvedic oil massage; self-massage is an important component of an Ayurvedic daily routine, but trained professionals also give abhyanga treatments—either as a stand-alone therapy or as part of a deeper cleanse, such as panchakarma.

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 twelve hours of eating; this “food juice” is the asthayi (raw, unprocessed) form of rasa dhatu (the plasma and lymph) 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) “Aum,” 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.

ambu

Water; bodily fluids such as rasa dhatu (plasma and lymph), rakta dhatu (blood), and fluid secretions; one of the four factors affecting fertility, conception, and prakriti—considered an important component of reproductive health; in Ayurveda, ambu vaha srotas is the bodily channel for receiving water and regulating bodily fluids.

ambu vaha srotas

The bodily channel responsible for receiving water and regulating bodily fluids such as cerebrospinal fluid, saliva, and secretions of the nose, gastric mucous membranes, and the pancreas; functions of this channel include lubrication, energy, electrolyte balance, and the maintenance of body temperature; ambu vaha srotas is rooted in the pancreas, soft palate and choroid plexus, its pathway is the GI mucous membrane, and its openings are the kidneys, the sweat glands, and the tongue; this channel is closely tied to the liquid, watery tissue of rasa dhatu (plasma and lymph), and to mutra vaha srotas (the urinary channel).

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 connected to our capacity for unconditional love; this chakra is said to house our purest self and is also linked to immunity; it is symbolized by a twelve-petaled lotus flower, the color green, the bija mantra (seed syllable) “yam,” and it is often associated with the thymus 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.

anna vaha srotas

The bodily channel responsible for taking in and carrying food. It is the upper digestive tract, which begins at the lips and includes the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine.

anupan

A substance that serves as a medium for taking herbs and other medicines; 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 in the body; functionally, it is responsible for urination, flatulence, defecation, ovulation, the movement of sperm, conception, and it is activated in the mother’s body during birth; apana vayu also absorbs minerals and nourishes the bones through the mucous membrane of the colon.

apatarpana

A deconstructive type of substance, process, or treatment therapy (also known as langhana) that is reducing and lightening—catabolic in nature; the process of fasting; the opposite of santarpana.

artava dhatu

The female reproductive tissue, including the ovaries, ova, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, and vagina; along with shukra (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.

asana

A Sanskrit word literally meaning “seat;” a physical yoga posture; the third limb of yoga described in Patanjali’s 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 five thousand 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 “sacred knowledge.” Ayurveda therefore translates as, "the sacred knowledge of life.”

Ayurvedic

Of or pertaining to the Vedic tradition of Ayurveda; see Ayurveda.

B

(basti – brmhana)

 basti

A therapeutic enema using herbal tea or oil (best practiced under the guidance of a qualified practitioner); an important means of eliminating excess vata from the body via the colon; one of the five cleansing actions involved in panchakarma.

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 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.

bhuta agnis

Five specific physiological manifestations of agni (one for each element: earth, water, fire, air, and ether) that are housed in the liver; responsible for transforming ingested food into biologically useful substances.

bija

Seed; can refer to a plant seed or to the reproductive tissue—specifically male sperm and female ovum; one of the four factors affecting fertility, conception, and prakriti—considered an important component of reproductive health.

bija mantra

A seed sound, often associated with the seed syllables that correspond to each of the seven chakras; a sound that supports profound insight (beyond the capacity of the intellect) and helps us to align with—and better understand—certain truths associated with particular frequencies or vibrations.

bodhaka kapha

One of the five subtypes of kapha; that aspect of kapha that resides primarily in the mouth; it governs the sense of taste and the immune capacity within the tonsils; functionally, it is responsible for speech, swallowing, salivary secretions, regulating oral bacteria, initiating the first stages of digestion, as well as maintaining an appropriate oral temperature.

brmhana

A constructive type of substance, process, or treatment therapy (also known as santarpana) that is tonifying, building, and nourishing—anabolic in nature; the opposite of langhana.

A

(abhyanga – ayurvedic)

A

(abhyanga – ayurvedic)

abhyanga

Full body Ayurvedic oil massage; self-massage is an important component of an Ayurvedic daily routine, but trained professionals also give abhyanga treatments—either as a stand-alone therapy or as part of a deeper cleanse, such as panchakarma.

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 twelve hours of eating; this “food juice” is the asthayi (raw, unprocessed) form of rasa dhatu (the plasma and lymph) 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) “Aum,” 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.

ambu

Water; bodily fluids such as rasa dhatu (plasma and lymph), rakta dhatu (blood), and fluid secretions; one of the four factors affecting fertility, conception, and prakriti—considered an important component of reproductive health; in Ayurveda, ambu vaha srotas is the bodily channel for receiving water and regulating bodily fluids.

ambu vaha srotas

The bodily channel responsible for receiving water and regulating bodily fluids such as cerebrospinal fluid, saliva, and secretions of the nose, gastric mucous membranes, and the pancreas; functions of this channel include lubrication, energy, electrolyte balance, and the maintenance of body temperature; ambu vaha srotas is rooted in the pancreas, soft palate and choroid plexus, its pathway is the GI mucous membrane, and its openings are the kidneys, the sweat glands, and the tongue; this channel is closely tied to the liquid, watery tissue of rasa dhatu (plasma and lymph), and to mutra vaha srotas (the urinary channel).

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 connected to our capacity for unconditional love; this chakra is said to house our purest self and is also linked to immunity; it is symbolized by a twelve-petaled lotus flower, the color green, the bija mantra (seed syllable) “yam,” and it is often associated with the thymus 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.

anna vaha srotas

The bodily channel responsible for taking in and carrying food. It is the upper digestive tract, which begins at the lips and includes the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine.

anupan

A substance that serves as a medium for taking herbs and other medicines; 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 in the body; functionally, it is responsible for urination, flatulence, defecation, ovulation, the movement of sperm, conception, and it is activated in the mother’s body during birth; apana vayu also absorbs minerals and nourishes the bones through the mucous membrane of the colon.

apatarpana

A deconstructive type of substance, process, or treatment therapy (also known as langhana) that is reducing and lightening—catabolic in nature; the process of fasting; the opposite of santarpana.

artava dhatu

The female reproductive tissue, including the ovaries, ova, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, and vagina; along with shukra (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.

asana

A Sanskrit word literally meaning “seat;” a physical yoga posture; the third limb of yoga described in Patanjali’s 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 five thousand 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 “sacred knowledge.” Ayurveda therefore translates as, "the sacred knowledge of life.”

Ayurvedic

Of or pertaining to the Vedic tradition of Ayurveda; see Ayurveda.