Menopausal syndrome

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Menopausal syndrome”. 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) Rasayana (Rasa-ayana, Rasāyana, Rāsāyana):
Rasayana refers to Ayurvedic rejuvenative therapies that nourish the body's tissues, enhance vitality, and delay the aging process. It is a specialized type of treatment influencing the Dhatus (tissues), Agnis (digestive fires), and Srotas (body channels) to improve overall health and mental faculties.

2) Dosha (Dosa, Doṣa, Dosā, Doṣā, Ḍosā):
Doshas are the three bioenergetic forces in Ayurvedic medicine: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. They govern physiological activities and are responsible for maintaining the body's functional integrity. An imbalance in these doshas can lead to various health issues.

3) Samprapti (Saṃprāpti):
Samprapti refers to the pathogenesis or the process of disease development in Ayurveda. It involves understanding the etiological factors (Nidana), stages of disease progression, and the body's response to these factors.

4) Drug:
In Ayurveda, a drug is a substance used for its medicinal properties to treat diseases or imbalances. Ayurvedic drugs can be herbs, minerals, and animal products which are prepared and administered according to traditional methods.

5) Vata (Vāṭa, Vaṭa, Vāta, Vaṭā):
Vata is one of the three doshas, composed of the elements space and air. It governs all movement in the body, including the nervous system. Imbalance in Vata can lead to symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, constipation, and dryness.

6) Nasya (Nashya, Nāśya, Nāsya):
Nasya is an Ayurvedic therapy involving the administration of medicated oils or powders through the nasal passages. It is used to treat various conditions, especially those involving the head, and is believed to improve mental clarity and emotional balance.

7) Madhura (Madhurā, Mādhura):
Madhura, meaning 'sweet,' is one of the six tastes (Rasas) in Ayurveda. It is associated with the elements of earth and water and is known for its nourishing, cooling, and strengthening properties, beneficial for Vata and Pitta imbalances.

8) Kapha:
Kapha is one of the three doshas, composed of water and earth elements. It is associated with structure, lubrication, and growth. An excess of Kapha can lead to conditions like weight gain, lethargy, and congestion.

9) Laghu:
Laghu, meaning 'light,' is a Guna (quality) in Ayurveda. Substances with Laghu quality are easy to digest and promote lightness in the body. It is often used to counteract the heavy and grounding qualities of Kapha.

10) Medhya (Medhyā, Meḍhyā):
Medhya refers to substances that enhance mental faculties like memory, intellect, and cognitive functions. Medhya herbs, such as Brahmi and Shankhapushpi, are used in Rasayana therapies to support brain health and mental clarity.

11) Pitta (Pītta, Piṭṭā):
Pitta is one of the three doshas, composed of fire and water elements. It governs metabolism, digestion, and transformation. Imbalanced Pitta can lead to symptoms like inflammation, irritability, and digestive issues.

12) Ayurveda (Āyurveda, Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is the traditional system of medicine from India, focusing on the balance and harmony of the body's doshas, dhatus, and mind. It includes preventive and curative treatments using herbs, diet, and lifestyle practices.

13) Tikta (Tiktā):
Tikta, or 'bitter,' is one of the six tastes in Ayurveda. It is associated with the elements of air and ether and has cooling, detoxifying, and drying properties. It is beneficial for balancing Pitta and Kapha doshas.

14) Lakshana (Lakṣaṇa, Laksana, Lakṣaṇā):
Lakshana refers to the symptoms or characteristics of a disease in Ayurveda. It helps in diagnosing the condition by understanding and observing the clinical features presented by the patient.

15) Snigdha (Snigdhā):
Snigdha, meaning 'oily' or 'unctuous,' is a Guna (quality) in Ayurveda. It is associated with lubrication, nourishment, and softness. Snigdha qualities are beneficial for balancing Vata and Pitta doshas.

16) Cancer:
Cancer is a term for diseases characterized by abnormal cell growth with the potential to invade or spread to other parts of the body. In Ayurveda, it can be associated with imbalances in the doshas and treated with Rasayana and other therapies.

17) Karma (Karman, Kārma):
Karma refers to actions or deeds and their resulting effects in Ayurveda. It can also relate to the impact of one's lifestyle and habits on health. Good Karma promotes health, while negative Karma can lead to disease and imbalance.

18) Sita (Sītā, Śīta, Sīta, Shita, Sītā, Sitā, Śita, Śītā, Siṭa, Siṭā):
Shita, or 'cold,' is a Guna (quality) in Ayurveda. It is associated with cooling and calming properties. Shita qualities counteract heat and are beneficial for balancing Pitta dosha.

19) Dhatu (Dhātu):
Dhatus are the seven fundamental tissues that make up the body in Ayurveda: Rasa (plasma), Rakta (blood), Mamsa (muscle), Meda (fat), Asthi (bone), Majja (marrow), and Shukra (reproductive tissue). They are essential for bodily functions and health.

20) Raja (Rāja, Rājā):
Raja refers to menstrual blood in the context of Ayurveda. It is considered a byproduct of Rasa Dhatu and is crucial for female reproductive health. The cessation of Raja marks the onset of menopause.

21) Katu (Kaṭu, Kātu):
Katu, or 'pungent,' is one of the six tastes in Ayurveda. It is associated with the elements of fire and air and has stimulating, heating, and drying properties. Katu taste is beneficial for balancing Kapha but can aggravate Pitta and Vata.

22) Vayu (Vāyu):
Vayu, or 'air,' is one of the five natural elements in Ayurveda. It is a primary component of the Vata dosha and is responsible for movement, circulation, and neurological functions in the body.

23) Vayasthapana (Vayasthāpana, Vaya-sthapana):
Vayasthapana refers to Ayurvedic therapies and substances that promote longevity and preserve youthfulness. These treatments aim to slow down the aging process and maintain vitality and health.

24) Dhatukshaya (Dhātukṣaya, Dhatu-kshaya):
Dhatukshaya is the depletion or wasting of the body's tissues (Dhatus). It leads to weakness and various health issues, often linked with increased Vata dosha and aging in Ayurveda.

25) Activity:
In Ayurveda, activity (Karma) plays a significant role in maintaining health. Balanced and appropriate activities, including physical and mental exercises, contribute to the harmony of the body's doshas and overall well-being.

26) Nidana (Nidāna):
Nidana refers to the causes or etiological factors of diseases in Ayurveda. Understanding Nidana helps in diagnosing and treating diseases by identifying the root causes and symptoms.

27) Jara (Jāra, Jarā, Jará):
Jara refers to aging or senescence in Ayurveda. It is a natural process influenced by the doshas, particularly Vata, and can be managed with Rasayana therapies to promote healthy aging.

28) Rasa (Rasā, Rasha):
Rasa refers to taste or essence in Ayurveda. It is also the name of the first among the seven Dhatus (tissues), responsible for nutritional essence and overall health and vitality.

29) Ojas:
Ojas is the vital essence produced by the Dhatus and is considered the essence of immunity and vitality in Ayurveda. It is crucial for maintaining health, strength, and longevity.

30) Guna (Guṇa, Gūna):
Gunas are the qualities or attributes in Ayurveda that describe the properties of substances and treatments. They help in understanding how different foods, herbs, and activities affect the doshas and the body.

31) Diet:
Diet (Aahara) holds a crucial role in Ayurvedic medicine for maintaining health and balancing doshas. Proper diet includes considerations of the six tastes, food qualities, and individual constitution (Prakriti)

32) Ghi (Ghī, Ghee):
Ghee, or clarified butter, is highly valued in Ayurveda for its nourishing and healing properties. It balances Vata and Pitta doshas and is used in various medicinal preparations and therapies like Rasayana.

33) Vatadosha (Vātadoṣa, Vata-dosha):
Vatadosha is one of the three doshas, comprised of air and ether. It governs movement, circulation, and the nervous system. Imbalance in Vatadosha leads to symptoms like dryness, anxiety, and irregular bowel movements.

34) Depression:
In Ayurveda, depression is often linked to Vata and Kapha imbalances. Symptoms like sadness, lack of interest, and fatigue are treated with appropriate lifestyle changes, diet, and specific herbal remedies.

35) Rasadhatu (Rasadhātu, Rasa-dhatu):
Rasadhatu is the first of the seven Dhatus in Ayurvedic medicine, associated with plasma or nutritive fluid. It is responsible for overall nourishment and the production of menstrual fluid (Raja).

36) Upadhatu (Upadhātu):
Upadhatu refers to secondary tissues or by-products formed from the primary Dhatus (tissues) in Ayurveda. For example, menstrual blood (Raja) is considered an Upadhatu of Rasadhatu.

37) Prakriti (Prakṛti):
Prakriti refers to an individual's unique constitution or innate doshic balance in Ayurveda. It determines physical, mental, and emotional characteristics and guides personalized health and wellness regimens.

38) Indriya (Imdriya):
Indriya refers to the sensory and motor organs in Ayurveda. They are essential for perceiving the external world and responding to it. Maintaining their health is crucial for overall well-being.

39) Kashaya (Kāṣāya, Kāśaya, Kāsāya, Kaṣāya, Kaśāya, Kāsaya, Kaṣāyā, Kasāya, Kasaya):
Kashaya, or 'astringent', is one of the six tastes in Ayurveda. It is associated with air and earth elements and has drying, cooling, and firming properties, often balancing Pitta and Kapha but aggravating Vata.

40) Ghrita (Ghṛta):
Ghrita means ghee, or clarified butter, used extensively in Ayurvedic therapies. It has nourishing, lubricating, and medicinal properties, making it suitable for treating Vata and Pitta imbalances.

41) Ruksha (Rūkṣa):
Ruksha, or 'dry', is a Guna (quality) in Ayurveda. It is associated with dryness and is typically balanced by lubricating or moistening treatments. Excess Ruksha can aggravate Vata dosha.

42) Artava (Ārtava):
Artava refers to menstrual blood or the menstrual cycle in Ayurveda. It is considered a byproduct of Rasadhatu and is crucial for female reproductive health and fertility.

43) Srotas (Śrotas, Shrotas):
Srotas are the channels or pathways in the body through which substances like nutrients, waste, and energy flow. Proper functioning of Srotas is essential for maintaining health and balancing doshas.

44) Shiras (Śiras, Siro, Shirash):
Shirah refers to the head, considered a 'Pradhana Indriya' (primary organ) in Ayurveda. It is the seat of the brain, sensory organs, and essential life functions like Prana (life energy).

45) Balya (Bālya, Balyā):
Balya refers to substances or therapies that promote strength and endurance in Ayurveda. Balya herbs and treatments are used to enhance physical stamina and overall robustness.

46) Hani (Hāni, Hāṉi):
Hani refers to loss or decline in Ayurveda. It is often used to describe the reduction of Dhatus (tissues), Ojas, or immunity, which affects overall health and vitality.

47) Kala (Kālā, Kalā, Kāla):
Kala refers to time or age in Ayurveda, playing a crucial role in health and disease development. Stages of life and seasonal changes are considered while prescribing treatments.

48) Menstrual blood:
In Ayurveda, menstrual blood (Raja) is a byproduct of Rasadhatu. Its regular flow is essential for female reproductive health, and its cessation (Rajonivritti) marks the onset of menopause.

49) Prajasthapana (Prajāsthāpana, Praja-sthapana):
Prajasthapana are Ayurvedic therapies or herbs that promote fertility and support reproductive health. They are often used to treat conditions related to conception and menstrual health.

50) Yashtimadhu (Yaṣṭimadhu, Yashti-madhu, Yaṣṭīmadhu):
Yastimadhu, or licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), is an important herb in Ayurveda. It is known for its sweet taste, cooling nature, and multiple benefits, including being a Rasayana, anti-inflammatory, and rejuvenative.

51) Substance:
In Ayurveda, substances (Dravya) include herbs, minerals, and foods used for their therapeutic properties. They are chosen based on their qualities (Gunas), tastes (Rasas), and effects on doshas.

52) Rukshata (Rūkṣatā):
Rukshata, meaning 'dryness,' is a condition often resulting from Vata imbalance. It leads to dryness in tissues and channels, causing symptoms like dry skin, constipation, and stiffness.

53) Amalaki (Āmalakī, Āmalaki):
Amalaki, or Indian gooseberry (Emblica officinalis), is a prominent Rasayana herb in Ayurveda. It balances all three doshas, especially Vata and Pitta, and is known for its rejuvenative and antioxidant properties.

54) Visada (Viṣāda, Visāda, Visāda, Viśada, Vishada, Viṣada, Visha-da):
Vishada means 'clarity' or 'purity,' often used in the context of mental clarity and emotional balance. Vishada is an essential quality for optimal mental health and cognitive functions.

55) Tarpaka:
Tarpaka refers to nourishing and lubricating qualities in Ayurveda, especially for Kapha dosha. Tarpaka Kapha is related to the cerebrospinal fluid that supports brain and mental health.

56) Anxiety:
In Ayurveda, anxiety is primarily linked to an imbalance in Vata dosha. Symptoms like restlessness, insomnia, and nervousness are addressed through grounding and calming therapies.

57) Vikara (Vikāra, Vikārā):
Vikara refers to disease or pathological conditions in Ayurveda. It is the manifestation of dosha imbalances and other contributing factors, requiring specific therapeutic interventions.

58) Sthana (Sthāna):
Sthana means 'place' or 'location.' In Ayurveda, it refers to the specific sites in the body where doshas, Dhatus, or diseases are localized and treated accordingly.

59) Varṇya (Varnya):
Varnya refers to substances or treatments that enhance complexion and skin health in Ayurveda. Varnya herbs promote a healthy glow by balancing doshas affecting the skin.

60) Manas (Mano, Manash, Māṇo):
Manas means 'mind' in Ayurveda and is responsible for cognitive and emotional functions. Mental health is maintained by balancing the three Gunas (qualities) of the mind: Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas.

61) Water:
Water is one of the five elements in Ayurveda and is a primary component of Kapha dosha. It is crucial for hydration, lubrication, and maintaining the body's fluid balance.

62) Blood:
Blood, or Rakta Dhatu, is one of the seven primary tissues in Ayurveda. It is vital for transporting nutrients and oxygen and supports overall health and vitality.

63) Sweating (Sweat):
Sweat, or Sveda, is considered a waste product of Meda Dhatu (fat tissue) in Ayurveda. Proper sweating is important for detoxification and maintaining body temperature.

64) Guru:
Guru, meaning 'heavy', is a Guna (quality) in Ayurveda. It promotes strength and stability but can cause sluggishness if imbalanced. It is often counteracted by light (Laghu) qualities.

65) Yoni (Yonī, Yonin, Yōṉi):
Yoni refers to the female reproductive system, including the vagina and uterus, in Ayurveda. Yoni health is essential for reproductive functions and is maintained through specific treatments and herbs.

66) Hetu:
Hetu means cause or factor in Ayurveda. It refers to the underlying reasons or triggers for diseases, important for diagnosis and treatment planning.

67) Mana (Māṇa, Māna, Maṉa, Maṉā, Māṉa, Māṉā):
Mana, or the mind, is central to cognitive and emotional health in Ayurveda. Maintaining balance in Mana is essential for overall well-being and is influenced by diet, lifestyle, and mental practices.

68) Milk:
Milk (Dugdha) is a nourishing food in Ayurveda, known for its sweet taste and cooling properties. It balances Vata and Pitta doshas and is often used in Rasayana and rejuvenative therapies.

69) Post:
Post, in the context of Ayurveda, can refer to the aftermath or stages following a treatment, such as post-Menopause, where long-term care and management are essential.

70) Tinospora cordifolia:
Tinospora cordifolia, or Guduchi, is a valuable herb in Ayurveda. It is a Tridosha-balancing herb with Rasayana properties, promoting immunity, vitality, and overall health.

71) Withania somnifera:
Withania somnifera, or Ashwagandha, is a renowned herb in Ayurveda for its adaptogenic and Rasayana properties. It balances Vata and Kapha doshas, enhancing strength, vitality, and mental health.

72) Piper longum:
Piper longum, or Pippali, is a pungent spice used in Ayurveda. It stimulates digestion, balances Vata and Kapha doshas, and enhances the bioavailability of other herbs.

73) Meat soup:
Meat soup, or Mamsarasa, is recommended in Ayurveda for its nourishing and strengthening properties. It is especially useful for building strength and balancing Vata dosha.

74) Angamardaprashamana (Aṅgamardapraśamana, Angamarda-prashamana):
Angamarda-prashamana refers to therapies or substances that relieve body aches and fatigue. These treatments balance the doshas responsible for physical discomfort.

75) Shonitasthapana (Śonitasthāpana, Shonita-sthapana):
Shonita-sthapana are treatments or herbs that stabilize and support healthy blood formation and circulation in Ayurveda, ensuring adequate nourishment and vitality.

[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 86]