The importance of sara pareeksha in ayurveda - a conceptual review

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “The importance of sara pareeksha in ayurveda - a conceptual review”. 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) Dhatu:
In Ayurveda, Dhatus refer to the seven types of tissues in the human body, each playing a fundamental role in maintaining the body's structure and function. The concept of 'Sara' is related to the excellence of Dhatus.

2) Sara (Shara):
Sara represents the pure, refined part of each Dhatu (body tissues), signifying their quality and strength. Sara Pareeksha is an Ayurvedic examination that determines the inherent power of a person based on the quality of their Dhatus.

3) Food:
In Ayurveda, food is critical as it provides nutrients that transform into Dhatus (tissues) through a process of digestion and assimilation involving Agni (digestive fire). Proper diet helps maintain the balance and quality of Dhatus.

4) Prakriti (Prakrti):
Prakriti in Ayurveda refers to an individual's inherent constitution determined at conception, influenced by the predominance of the three Doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha). It remains unchanged throughout life and affects Dhatu Saarata.

5) Ahara:
Ahara signifies food or diet in Ayurveda. The quality and type of Ahara ingested play a role in the maintenance and enhancement of Dhatus, contributing to a person’s overall health and Sara.

6) Bala:
Bala refers to the strength and vitality of a person. In Ayurveda, it is assessed through Sara Pareeksha, determining the quality of Dhatus in the body. Strong Bala indicates robust Dhatus and resistance to disease.

7) Dosha (Dosa):
Doshas are the three fundamental bodily humors in Ayurveda—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. They govern physiological and psychological processes and imbalance in Doshas can cause disease, affecting Dhatu Saarata.

8) Satva (Shatva):
Satva relates to the purity and balance of the mind in Ayurveda, representing psychological strength. Satva Saara examines the predominance of Satva to infer mental health and its influence on Dhatus.

9) Disease:
Disease in Ayurveda is explained as the imbalance or vitiation of Doshas affecting Dhatus, leading to various pathological conditions. Maintaining Dhatu Sara through proper diet and regimen helps prevent diseases.

10) Vihara:
Vihara refers to lifestyle and daily routines in Ayurveda. Along with Ahara (diet), Vihara significantly impacts the quality of Dhatus and overall health, influencing the expression of Sara.

11) Agni:
Agni is the digestive fire in Ayurveda, responsible for digesting food and transforming nutrients into Dhatus. Strong Agni ensures optimal Dhatu formation, while weak Agni may lead to poor Dhatu Saarata.

12) Guna:
Gunais are qualities or attributes in Ayurveda. Each Dhatu possesses specific Gunas, and their balance affects the body's health and function. Sara examination assesses the Gunas of Dhatus to determine their quality.

13) Rasa (Rasha):
Rasa is the primary Dhatu (tissue) formed from digested food, responsible for nutrition and satisfaction in Ayurveda. Twak Sara, related to Rasa Dhatu, indicates smooth, lustrous skin and good nourishment.

14) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is the traditional system of medicine in India that emphasizes balancing the body, mind, and spirit through proper diet, lifestyle, and use of herbal remedies. Sara Pareeksha is a key diagnostic tool in Ayurveda.

15) Bhaga:
Bhaga refers to parts or components, particularly when discussing Dhatus in Ayurveda. Dhatus differentiate into Sara Bhaga (pure part) and Kitta Bhaga (waste part), essential for understanding tissue quality.

16) Avara:
Avara denotes inferiority or weakness. Avara Saara describes Dhatus of poorer quality, indicating lower strength and resistance to disease, which can be identified through Sara Pareeksha.

17) Paka:
Paka means transformation or digestion in Ayurveda. It refers to processes involving Agni (digestive fire), converting food into Dhatus, essential for maintaining Sara.

18) Vata:
Vata is one of the three Doshas, governing movement and bodily functions. Individuals with Vata Prakriti often have less Dhatu Sara, leading to attributes like prominent veins and rough skin.

19) Purusha (Purusa):
Purusha refers to the individual or person. In the context of Sara, it signifies the human subject undergoing assessment to determine the quality of their Dhatus.

20) Pravara:
Pravara signifies superiority or excellence. In Sara Pareeksha, Pravara Saara refers to Dhatus with superior quality, indicating robust health and resistance to disease.

21) Asthi (Ashthi):
Asthi denotes bones in Ayurveda, one of the seven Dhatus. Asthi Sara examination assesses bone strength and firmness, indicative of a person's structural health.

22) Mamsa (Mamsha):
Mamsa is the Dhatu representing muscle tissue. Mamsa Sara examination evaluates muscle development and coverage, signifying the nutritional adequacy and strength of muscles.

23) Rakta:
Rakta refers to blood, a crucial Dhatu. Rakta Sara examination looks at the quality of blood, including complexion and vitality, indicating the overall health and nourishment of an individual.

24) Majja:
Majja is the Dhatu corresponding to bone marrow and nervous tissue. Majja Sara signifies unctuousness and robustness in the body, crucial for physical and mental health.

25) Carva:
Sarva means 'all' or 'whole'. In Ayurveda, Sarva Sara Purusha refers to individuals with the excellence of all Dhatus, representing ultimate health and immunity.

26) Ritu (Rtu):
Ritu signifies seasons in Ayurveda. Variation in Ritu influences the expression of Dhatu Sara, and adopting Ritucharya can help maintain Dhatu quality according to seasonal changes.

27) Mala:
Mala refers to waste products in Ayurveda, generated along with Dhatus. Proper elimination of Mala ensures the maintenance of Dhatu Sara, highlighting the importance of healthy digestion.

28) Transformation (Transform, Transforming):
Transformation involves converting food into Dhatus through processes governed by Agni. Proper transformation is crucial for maintaining the quality of Dhatus and their Sara.

29) Dhatusamya (Dhatu-samya):
Dhatusamya refers to the balanced state of Dhatus (bodily tissues). Maintaining Dhatusamya is crucial for health and prevention of diseases.

30) Rasadhatu (Rasa-dhatu):
Rasa-dhatu is the first and most crucial tissue formed from digested food. Its excellence, reflected in Twak Sara, indicates proper nourishment and hydration of the body.

31) Elephant:
An elephant is used as a simile in Ayurvedic texts to illustrate that a large body does not necessarily indicate strength. Similarly, Sara Pareeksha helps accurately assess an individual's true strength.

32) Sahaja (Saha-ja):
Sahaja denotes innate or natural. In the context of Bala and Sara, Sahaja Bala refers to inherent strength present from birth, reflecting the natural constitution and quality of Dhatus.

33) Satmya:
Satmya refers to suitability or compatibility. In Ayurveda, Satmya Pareeksha evaluates dietary and lifestyle habits that are conducive to maintaining Dhatu Saarata and overall health.

34) Kitta:
Kitta represents waste products resulting from the digestive process. Maintaining the balance between Sara Bhaga and Kitta Bhaga is vital for the quality of Dhatus.

35) Shamya (Samya):
Samya implies balance or harmony. Dhatu Samya represents the balanced state of body tissues, crucial for sustaining health and preventing disease.

36) Medas (Meda, Medash):
Medas refers to fat tissue. Medo Sara evaluation looks at the proper development and function of bodily fats, which contribute to unctuousness and energy storage.

37) Mana:
Mana signifies the mind in Ayurveda. Balanced Mana, assessed through Satva Sara, is crucial for psychological health and indirectly indicates the quality of Dhatus.

38) Human body:
The human body in Ayurveda is viewed as a composite of Doshas, Dhatus, and Malas (waste products). The health and harmony of these components determine overall wellbeing.

39) Yuktikritabala (Yuktikrtabala, Yuktikrita-bala):
Yuktikrita-bala refers to acquired strength developed through proper diet (Ahara), lifestyle (Vihara), and medicinal practices, ensuring the optimal quality of Dhatus and resistance to disease.

40) Majjadhatu (Majja-dhatu):
Majja-dhatu pertains to bone marrow and nerve tissues in Ayurveda. Examination of Majja Sara assesses unctuousness and neurological health, indicating the body's vitality and immune status.

41) Ashtanga (Astanga, Ashtan-anga):
Ashtanga signifies 'eight branches,' referring to the classical divisions of Ayurveda. Important Ayurvedic insights, including Sara Pareeksha, are derived from texts like Ashtanga Sangraha and Ashtanga Hridaya.

42) Samgraha (Sangraha):
Sangraha means compilation. Ashtanga Sangraha is a significant Ayurvedic text providing guidelines on various aspects of medicine, including the concept of Sara.

43) Vyayama:
Vyayama refers to physical exercise in Ayurveda. The ability for Vyayama (exercise capacity) indicates Bala (strength) and helps in assessing the overall health and quality of Dhatus.

44) Kerala:
Kerala is a state in India where Ayurvedic practices are prominent. The study mentioned belongs to an assistant professor from Kerala, reflecting the region's expertise in Ayurveda.

45) Nature:
Nature, in Ayurveda, refers to Prakriti, the inherent constitution of an individual. Prakriti influences Dhatu Saarata and helps understand the natural tendencies of health and disease.

46) Manas (Mano, Manash):
Manas signifies the mind in Ayurveda. The quality of Manas is assessed through Satva Sara, influencing overall psychological health and Dhatu quality.

47) Vidha:
Vidha generally means type or kind. In the context of Dasha Vidha Pareeksha, it refers to the ten-fold examination method used in Ayurveda to assess various health parameters, including Sara.

48) Shukla (Sukla):
Sukla signifies reproductive tissue (semen or ovum) in Ayurveda. Sukla Sara assessment evaluates reproductive health, indicating fertility, happiness, and strength.

49) Shakti (Sakti):
[see source text or glossary: Sakti]

50) Shukra (Sukra):
Sukra is the Dhatu corresponding to reproductive tissue. Excellence in Sukra Sara indicates robust reproductive health, strength, and overall vitality.

51) Deha:
Deha means body. The health and strength of the Deha depend on the quality of Dhatus, assessed through Sara Pareeksha in Ayurveda.

52) Bija:
Bija refers to seed or ovum. In Ayurveda, Beeja Bhaga represents parts of the fertilized ovum influencing Pratyangas (body parts), affecting the overall strength and quality of Dhatus.

53) Lion:
A lion is used in Ayurvedic similes to illustrate that strength cannot be judged by body size alone. For example, in Sara Pareeksha, a lion, despite being smaller, is considered stronger than an elephant.

54) Mental health:
Mental health in Ayurveda is influenced by Satva (mind) and the quality of Dhatus. Satva Sara assessment helps understand the mental resilience and psychological wellbeing of an individual.

55) Ashtangasamgraha (Astangasamgraha, Astangasangraha, Ashtanga-samgraha, Ashtanga-sangraha, Ashtangasangraha):
Astanga Sangraha is another spelling of Ashtanga Sangraha, an important Ayurvedic text that elaborates on medical practices, including the examination of Sara.

56) Ashtangahridaya (Astangahrdaya, Ashtanga-hridaya):
Ashtanga Hridaya is a key Ayurvedic text complementing Ashtanga Sangraha. It provides insights into Sara and other fundamental concepts of Ayurveda.

57) Pravarasatva (Pravara-satva):
Pravara Satva refers to superior mental strength and resilience. Sara Pareeksha identifies individuals with Pravara Satva, indicating excellent mental health and robustness.

58) Vyayamashakti (Vyayamasakti, Vyayama-shakti):
Vyayamasakti is another spelling for Vyayama Sakti, signifying the ability for physical exercise. It is an important measure of Bala, indicative of the overall health of an individual.

59) Saptadhatu (Sapta-dhatu, Saptan-dhatu):
Sapta Dhatu refers to the seven tissues in Ayurveda that constitute the human body. The quality (Sara) of these Dhatus is crucial for health and is assessed through Sara Pareeksha.

60) Asthidhatu (Asthi-dhatu):
Asthi Dhatu corresponds to bone tissue. Asthi Sara assessment determines the strength and quality of bones, crucial for structural stability and overall health.

61) Aharashakti (Aharasakti, Ahara-shakti):
Ahara Sakti measures the digestive capability and appetite of an individual, crucial for the formation and quality of Dhatus, assessed through Dasha Vidha Pareeksha.

62) Kalajabala (Kalaja-bala):
Kalaja Bala refers to strength influenced by time-related factors such as age and seasons. It affects the expression of Sara, varying with different stages of life and seasonal changes.

63) Mamsadhatu (Mamsha-dhatu):
Mamsa Dhatu represents muscle tissue. The quality and development of muscles, assessed through Mamsa Sara Pareeksha, signify nutrition and physical strength.

64) Garbhashaya (Garbhasaya, Garbha-ashaya):
Garbhasaya means the womb or uterus in Ayurveda. The nature of Garbhasaya influences the development of Prakriti and Dhatus in the fetus.

65) Asthisara (Asthi-sara):
Asthi Sara indicates the quality and strength of bones. Asthi Sara persons have firm, strong bodies, which reflects good structural health.

66) Sarvaroga (Sarva-roga):
Sarva-roga means all diseases. According to Ayurveda, vitiation of Doshas and their localization in Dhatus cause Sarva-roga (various diseases).

67) Samprapti:
Samprapti signifies the pathogenesis or the development of disease in Ayurveda. It involves the sequence of events from Dosha vitiation to Dhatu involvement.

68) Dhatvagni (Dhatu-agni):
Dhatvagni refers to the metabolic fire specific to each Dhatu, responsible for the transformation and nourishment of tissues. Proper Dhatvagni ensures optimal Dhatu quality.

69) Prasadana:
Prasadana means clarity or purification. In the context of Rakta Dhatu, Prasadana indicates a clear and radiant complexion, reflecting good blood quality.

70) Alpabala (Alpa-bala):
Alpa Bala refers to low or insufficient strength. Individuals with Alpa Bala have poor Dhatu Sara, making them susceptible to diseases and physical weakness.

71) Knowledge:
Knowledge in Ayurveda encompasses understanding the principles of Doshas, Dhatus, Malas, Agni, and their interactions, which is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

72) Blindness:
Blindness, or Andhata in Ayurveda, can result from Pitta Prakopa affecting Netrendriya (eye sense organ) during fetal development, as explained by Acharya Chakrapani.

[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 120]