Ahara
Food and diet in general. Proper Ahara is considered one of the three pillars of health in Ayurveda, along with sleep and balanced energy.
Ahara Vidhi
Rules and guidelines for healthy eating, including proper timing, quantity, and food combinations. Essential for maintaining digestive health.
Pathya
Beneficial and recommended foods that support health and balance for an individual's constitution and current condition.
Apathya
Harmful or contraindicated foods that can disturb balance and health. What is Apathya varies based on individual constitution and health status.
Anna
Food substance or grain. In broader terms, refers to any nourishment that sustains life and promotes health.
Satmya
Habitual suitability of food - substances that agree with an individual through regular use and adaptation over time.
Samskara
Processing or preparation methods that transform the qualities of food, such as cooking, fermentation, or combining with spices.
Dhatu
The seven bodily tissues that form the structural foundation of the body. Proper nutrition nourishes each Dhatu in sequence.
Prakriti
Your natural constitution or unique combination of doshas determined at conception, remaining constant throughout life. Understanding your Prakriti helps guide personalized wellness choices.
Discover your Prakriti through dosha assessment.
Vikriti
Your current state of dosha balance or imbalance, which can change based on diet, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Vikriti assessment helps identify current needs for bringing the body back to its natural state.
Check your current symptoms to assess Vikriti.
Rasa Dhatu
Plasma and lymph - the first tissue formed from digested food. Provides initial nourishment to all body systems.
Rakta Dhatu
Blood tissue that carries oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. Quality depends on the health of Rasa Dhatu.
Mamsa Dhatu
Muscle tissue that provides strength and movement. Requires protein-rich foods and proper exercise for health.
Meda Dhatu
Fat tissue that provides insulation, lubrication, and energy storage. Balance is key - too little or too much creates problems.
Asthi Dhatu
Bone tissue that provides structural support. Requires minerals, especially calcium and magnesium, for proper formation.
Majja Dhatu
Marrow and nervous tissue that governs communication and coordination. Nourished by healthy fats and calming practices.
Shukra Dhatu
Reproductive tissue responsible for fertility and vitality. The most refined tissue, requiring optimal nutrition and lifestyle.
Mala
Waste products including urine, feces, and sweat. Healthy elimination of Mala is essential for preventing toxin accumulation.
Srotas
Channels or pathways that transport substances throughout the body. Clear, healthy Srotas are vital for proper circulation and elimination.
Dinacharya
Daily routine aligned with natural rhythms. Includes optimal timing for meals, exercise, and rest to support health and balance.
Brahma Muhurta
Early morning time (approximately 4-6 AM) considered ideal for spiritual practices, meditation, and preparing for the day.
Abhyanga
Self-massage with warm oil that nourishes the skin, calms the nervous system, and supports circulation and lymphatic drainage.
Nasya
Nasal administration of medicated oils or substances to clear the head, sinuses, and support respiratory health.
Gandusha/Kavala
Oil pulling or swishing with oil to support oral health, detoxification, and strengthen teeth and gums.
Snehana
Oleation therapy using oils internally and externally to prepare the body for detoxification and nourish tissues.
Swedana
Sudation or sweating therapy that opens channels, increases circulation, and prepares toxins for elimination.
Vamana
Therapeutic emesis used to eliminate excess Kapha and toxins from the upper body, particularly the lungs and stomach.
Virechana
Therapeutic purgation that eliminates excess Pitta and toxins from the small intestine and liver.
Basti
Medicated enema therapy considered the most important treatment for Vata-related disorders and overall rejuvenation.
Vibandha
Ayurvedic term for constipation, primarily caused by Vata dosha imbalance affecting the Apana Vata subtype that governs elimination. Characterized by dry, hard, or infrequent bowel movements.
Learn natural remedies for Vibandha.
Rasayana
Rejuvenation therapy and substances that promote longevity, vitality, and optimal health. Includes both herbs and lifestyle practices.
Sattva
Mental quality of clarity, harmony, and balance. Sattvic foods and lifestyle support mental peace and spiritual growth.
Rajas
Mental quality of activity, agitation, and passion. Excessive Rajas can lead to restlessness and emotional turbulence.
Tamas
Mental quality of inertia, dullness, and ignorance. Excessive Tamas manifests as lethargy, depression, and lack of motivation.
Pancha Mahabhutas
Five great elements (Ether, Air, Fire, Water, Earth) that form the foundation of all matter. Each dosha is composed of two elements.
Kosha
Five layers or sheaths of being that encompass physical, energetic, mental, wisdom, and bliss aspects of human existence.
Purusha
Pure consciousness or universal spirit - the unchanging awareness that witnesses all experiences and phenomena.