Anaemia among women and children of India

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Anaemia among women and children of India”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Ayurveda (Āyurveda, Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine originating in India, focusing on holistic health, balance, and the use of natural remedies. It emphasizes understanding diseases like anemia (Pandu) through lifestyle, diet, and regimen, advocating for treatments aimed at restoring balance and improving overall well-being, particularly among women and children.

2) Blood:
Blood is essential for life, carrying nutrients and oxygen to cells while removing waste products. In the context of anemia, blood quality and quantity are critical. Ayurveda discusses blood in relation to its creation from food consumed and its role in maintaining health, especially during pregnancy and early childhood.

3) Diet:
Diet refers to the food and nutrition intake necessary for health. In Ayurveda, diet directly influences blood production and overall health. Specific dietary recommendations aim to prevent anemia, stressing that not just caloric intake but also food quality, type, and preparation matter in achieving nutritional balance.

4) Medicine:
Medicine encompasses the science and practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases. In India, traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda offer alternative approaches to health concerns such as anemia, emphasizing natural remedies, lifestyle modifications, and deeply rooted cultural practices in treating conditions effectively.

5) Dhatu (Dhātu):
Dhatu refers to the seven fundamental tissue elements in Ayurveda that make up the body. Blood (Rakta) is one of these Dhatus and plays a critical role in sustaining life. A disruption in the quality or quantity of these Dhatus can lead to conditions such as anemia (Pandu).

6) Quality:
Quality denotes the condition or characteristics of substances, including blood. In Ayurveda, the quality of blood is vital for health; poor-quality blood contributes to anemia. Treatments often focus on improving blood quality through dietary adjustments and lifestyle changes, emphasizing the importance of holistic health.

7) Girija (Giri-ja):
Girija is the author of the paper, a practicing Ayurvedic physician and founder of an Ayurvedic center. Her work emphasizes the efficacy of Ayurveda in addressing public health issues, particularly anemia, and highlights the importance of integrating traditional practices in modern health systems for better health outcomes.

8) Pandu (Pāṇḍu, Paṇḍu, Pandū, Pamdu, Pamde):
Pandu is the Ayurvedic term for anemia, indicating a deficiency in blood. This condition is characterized by pale skin, fatigue, and other symptoms resulting from impaired blood production. Ayurveda addresses Pandu through dietary management, lifestyle modifications, and holistic approaches that promote blood health and overall wellness.

9) Yoga (Yogā):
Yoga is a holistic practice incorporating physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation. It's relevant in Ayurveda as it complements lifestyle interventions for health improvement. Yoga can enhance both physical and mental health, making it a valuable practice for individuals dealing with various health issues, including anemia.

10) Ashtanga (Aṣṭāṅga, Ashtan-anga):
Ashtanga refers to the eight limbs of yoga in the philosophical framework of Ayurveda. These limbs provide comprehensive guidelines for personal development and health, integrating physical, mental, and spiritual practices. Following Ashtanga principles can support overall well-being and aid in managing health conditions like anemia.

11) Worry (Worried, Worrying):
Worrying in this context relates to the alarming prevalence of anemia among women and children in India. The statistics highlight a public health crisis that continues to escalate despite efforts. Understanding this worrying trend is crucial for implementing effective solutions to improve health outcomes for vulnerable populations.

12) Vitiation (Vitiated):
Vitiated refers to something that has been impaired or corrupted in quality. In Ayurveda, vitiated blood can lead to deficiencies like anemia (Pandu). This emphasizes the need for proper diet and lifestyle to prevent deterioration in health, highlighting the intricate connection between diet and overall vitality.

13) Pungent:
Pungent is a term describing strong tastes or flavors, often associated with certain foods. Ayurveda identifies excessive consumption of pungent foods as a potential cause of anemia. Understanding food properties and their effects on health is essential for dietary regulation and combating deficiencies like anemia effectively.

14) Science (Scientific):
Science represents the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world. When discussing health and disease, including anemia, it’s important to integrate scientific findings with traditional approaches like Ayurveda to develop effective interventions that address complex health issues holistically.

15) Madhya (Mādhya):
Madhya refers to the central or middle aspect in various contexts. Although not explicitly defined, it may imply a balance or a middle ground approach to health. In Ayurveda, maintaining Madhya is critical for health, ensuring that no extremes in diet or lifestyle contribute to conditions like anemia.

16) Rakta (Raktā):
Rakta translates to 'blood' in Ayurveda and is considered one of the seven Dhatus responsible for sustaining life. Proper Rakta production and quality are crucial for health, and understanding its nature helps address conditions like anemia (Pandu), emphasizing the need for nutrition that supports blood formation.

17) Salt (Salty):
Salty denotes a taste associated with sodium-rich foods. Ayurveda suggests that excessive consumption of salty foods can contribute to various health issues, including anemia. Recognizing the dietary impact of salty foods is important for maintaining balance in diet and preventing deficiencies such as anemia.

18) Cina (Cīna, Cīnā, Ciṉa, Ciṉā, Cīṉā, Cinā):
China is mentioned in the context of maternal mortality rates. Comparing India's maternal mortality with China's shows disparity, emphasizing India's critical health challenges, including anemia's role as a significant contributor to maternal deaths. This comparison underscores the urgency for focused interventions to improve women's health outcomes.