Conceptual view of shaman and shodhan chikitsa in polycystic ovarian syndrome

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Conceptual view of shaman and shodhan chikitsa in polycystic ovarian 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) Dosha (Dosa):
In Ayurveda, 'Dosha' refers to the fundamental energies or biological humors that govern physiological activities. There are three primary doshas - Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Each dosha represents combinations of the five elements and influences an individual's health, predispositions, and response to treatments.

2) Kapha:
'Kapha' is one of the three doshas in Ayurvedic theory. It embodies the elements of water and earth, promoting structure, stability, and hydration in the body. An imbalance in Kapha can lead to conditions such as obesity and fluid retention, highlighting the importance of Kapha management in treatments like PCOS.

3) Vata:
'Vata' represents the elements of air and ether in Ayurveda, influencing movement, circulation, and nerve impulses. This dosha governs bodily functions such as respiration and digestion. Vata imbalance can contribute to various disorders, making its regulation crucial, especially in conditions like PCOS where movement and bodily rhythm play significant roles.

4) Drug:
'Drugs' in Ayurveda are classified as various herbal and natural preparations designed to cure ailments. The term encompasses a broad variety of remedies, with different actions depending on their properties (Guna) and effects on the doshas. Adopting appropriate drugs can significantly impact treatment outcomes.

5) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
'Ayurveda' is an ancient Indian system of medicine that emphasizes balance in the body's energies and holistic health. It integrates various aspects of lifestyle, diet, and natural therapies, aiming to prevent disease and promote well-being. Its practices, like Shodhan and Shaman, are relevant in treating conditions like PCOS.

6) Disease:
'Diseases' signify disruptions in normal bodily functions and are often classified based on causative factors or dosha imbalances. Identifying the type of disease is crucial for determining proper Ayurvedic treatment plans to restore health.

7) Basti:
'Basti' refers to an Ayurvedic treatment involving the administration of medicated oils or decoctions through the rectum. It aims to balance Vata dosha, alleviate toxins, and improve overall health. Basti can play a critical role in treating conditions like PCOS by addressing internal health issues and promoting detoxification.

8) Rasa (Rasha):
'Rasa' translates to 'essence' or 'taste' in Ayurveda, also referring to the initial product of digestion. It plays a critical role in nutrition and contributes to the formation of bodily tissues. Rasa is fundamental in determining health, influencing both physical and mental status in Ayurveda.

9) Medicine:
'Medicines' refers to the various herbal and natural remedies used to treat ailments in Ayurveda. These can come in many forms and are selected based on their properties and the specific needs of the patient, especially in addressing underlying doshic imbalances.

10) Dhatu:
'Dhatu' refers to the fundamental tissues of the body in Ayurveda. There are seven primary dhatus, each responsible for specific bodily functions. The health and balance of these dhatus are essential for overall physiological stability, and their status can indicate health or disease presence.

11) Vayu:
'Vayu' denotes the element of air in Ayurvedic philosophy, often associated with the dosha Vata. It governs movement, circulation, and various physiological processes in the body. Understanding the role of Vayu is crucial for diagnosing and treating conditions linked to mobility and rhythm in the body.

12) Tridosha (Tridosa, Tri-dosha):
'Tridoshas' constitutes the three fundamental energies in Ayurveda—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Each dosha governs specific physiological functions and maintaining their balance is vital for overall health. Treatment approaches in Ayurveda emphasize harmonizing the Tridoshas to restore health.

13) Haritaki:
'Haritaki' is an important medicinal herb in Ayurveda, renowned for its digestive and detoxifying properties. It is beneficial for promoting overall health and can aid in managing conditions like PCOS through its actions on digestion, metabolism, and hormonal balance.

14) Vitiation (Vitiated):
'Vitiated' refers to the state of imbalance in the doshas or bodily systems. A vitiated state can lead to diseases and health complications. Correcting vitiation through dietary and lifestyle changes is a central theme in Ayurvedic treatment protocols.

15) Pitta:
Pitta is one of the three doshas associated with fire and water elements. It governs digestion, metabolism, and transformation in the body. An imbalance in Pitta may lead to inflammatory conditions, digestive disorders, and issues related to temperature regulation, necessitating specific Ayurvedic treatments.

16) Apana:
'Apana' is a subtype of Vata dosha responsible for downward movement, which includes functions like excretion and menstruation. It plays a vital role in reproductive health, and maintaining the balance of Apana is particularly important in managing women's health issues such as PCOS.

17) Agni:
'Agni' refers to the digestive fire in Ayurveda, essential for transforming food into energy and producing vital bodily substances. The strength and quality of Agni directly affect health. Poor Agni can lead to metabolic disorders and is a focal point in treating conditions like PCOS.

18) Apanavayu (Apana-vayu):
'Apanavayu' refers to the subtype of Vata responsible for downward movements related to elimination and menstruation. Its proper function is critical for women's reproductive health, and maintaining balance in Apanavayu is vital in managing disorders such as PCOS.

19) Shatavari (Satavari):
'Shatavari' is an adaptogenic herb used in Ayurveda, particularly valued for its benefits in female reproductive health. It supports hormonal balance and can enhance fertility. Shatavari plays a significant role in Ayurvedic formulations aimed at treating conditions like PCOS.

20) Granthi (Gramthi):
'Granthi' refers to masses or lumps resulting from an imbalance in the body’s energies. In the context of PCOS, understanding the formation of granthi (like ovarian cysts) is crucial for developing effective Ayurvedic treatments that promote healing and restore balance.

21) Dushya (Dusya):
'Dushya' denotes the substances or components in the body affected by disease. Identifying the dushya is pivotal in Ayurveda for understanding how different imbalances manifest and what therapeutic measures need to be implemented to restore health.

22) Artava:
'Artava' refers to menstrual fluid and is a crucial aspect of female reproductive health in Ayurveda. Irregularities in Artava are directly associated with conditions like PCOS, making its regulation through proper treatments essential for restoring normalcy in the menstrual cycle.

23) Karma (Karman):
'Karma' in Ayurveda pertains to actions, especially in the context of therapeutic treatments and interventions. It encompasses the methods and practices used to achieve balance and restore health, such as Shodhana (purification) and Shamana (palliative treatments).

24) Ushna (Usna):
'Ushna' translates to 'heat' in Ayurveda, describing substances that can increase bodily warmth and metabolic activities. Ushna properties are essential in treatments aimed at stimulating digestion and expelling toxins, which can be beneficial for managing conditions like PCOS.

25) Katu:
'Katu' denotes 'pungent' taste in Ayurveda, often used to stimulate digestion and enhance agni (digestive fire). Foods or herbs with Katu properties can help clear ama (toxins) and restore balance in the body, particularly relevant in addressing metabolic disorders.

26) Daivavyapashraya (Daivavyapasraya):
'Daivavyapashraya' refers to the use of spiritual and divine therapies in Ayurveda, including rituals and mantras. It emphasizes mental and spiritual healing, recognizing that psychological factors may contribute to physical ailments, thereby enhancing overall treatment efficacy.

27) Kaphadosha (Kaphadosa, Kapha-dosha):
'Kapha-dosha' corresponds to the earth and water elements, embodying stability, structure, and moisture in the body. An imbalance leads to various health issues like obesity and sluggishness. Understanding Kapha's influence is vital in managing women's reproductive health and disorders like PCOS.

28) Ashvagandha (Asvagandha, Ashwagandha, Ashvagamdha, Ashva-gandha):
'Ashwagandha' is a revered adaptogenic herb in Ayurveda, known for its stress-reducing properties. It supports hormonal balance and enhances overall well-being, making it effective in treating conditions related to imbalances in the reproductive systems, including PCOS.

29) Agnimandya (Agni-mandya, Agnimamdya):
'Agnimandya' refers to the decreased digestive fire or metabolism in Ayurveda, which can lead to the accumulation of toxins (ama) and various health problems. Strengthening Agni is crucial for restoring health, especially in metabolic and reproductive disorders like PCOS.

30) Rasadhatu (Rasa-dhatu):
'Rasa-dhatu' refers to the essence derived from the first stage of digestion, akin to plasma in Western medicine. It nourishes all other dhatus and supports vital functions. Maintaining the quality of rasa-dhatu is essential for holistic health and disease prevention.

31) Vatadosha (Vatadosa, Vata-dosha):
'Vata-dosha' pertains to the dosha associated with air and space, governing movement within the body. Its balance is crucial for overall health, as disturbances can lead to issues like irregular menstruation and infertility, necessitating various Ayurvedic treatments.

32) Samprapti:
'Samprapti' describes the pathogenesis or sequence of events that lead to disease manifestation in Ayurveda. Understanding the samprapti helps practitioners to devise appropriate treatments by addressing the root causes of health issues, making it crucial for effective management.

33) Medadhatu (Meda-dhatu):
'Medadhatu' represents the adipose tissue or fat in Ayurveda. An imbalance in Medadhatu can contribute to obesity and metabolic disorders. Understanding its role is essential in forming treatment strategies for conditions influenced by fat accumulation, like PCOS.

34) Lakshana (Laksana):
'Lakshana' refers to the characteristics or signs of a disease in Ayurveda. Recognizing the Lakshana of a condition, such as PCOS, helps practitioners to make accurate diagnoses and tailor treatments to address the specific imbalances present in the patient.

35) Vandhya (Vamdhya):
'Vandhya' signifies infertility in Ayurveda, often described as the inability to conceive due to various factors. Addressing Vandhya requires a comprehensive approach, focusing on hormonal balance, diet, and lifestyle changes integral to restoring fertility.

36) Tikshna (Tiksna):
'Tikshna' describes qualities like sharpness or intensity in Ayurvedic terms. Substances possessing Tikshna properties can stimulate digestion and metabolic processes. It's vital in selecting treatments for conditions characterized by slow metabolism or sluggishness.

37) Science (Scientific):
'Science' is the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experiments. In Ayurveda, the scientific understanding of bodily functions complements traditional practices and enhances the effectiveness of treatments in modern contexts.

38) Dravya:
'Dravya' denotes materials or substances used in Ayurvedic medicine, often referring to medicinal herbs and compounds. The selection and application of appropriate Dravya based on individual dosha imbalances are fundamental for effective healing and restoration.

39) Vikara:
'Vikara' means a disease or disorder in Ayurveda, characterized by an imbalance in doshas. Identifying Vikara allows practitioners to devise suitable treatment strategies, addressing the underlying doshic imbalances contributing to the disease.

40) Agneya:
'Agneya' refers to substances that enhance digestive fire or agni. These materials stimulate metabolism and are crucial for purifying the body's systems, particularly important in addressing conditions like PCOS characterized by impaired digestion.

41) Vamana:
'Vamana' is an Ayurvedic therapeutic procedure involving emesis (vomiting) used for detoxification. It specifically aims to expel excess Kapha dosha, balancing the body's systems and addressing metabolic disorders, making it relevant in the treatment of PCOS.

42) Nidana:
'Nidana' refers to the causes or factors leading to diseases in Ayurveda. Understanding Nidana is essential for diagnosis and treatment planning, as addressing the root causes can significantly improve health outcomes for patients.

43) Vyadhin (Vyadhi):
'Vyadhi' signifies disease or disorder in Ayurveda, impacting health. Understanding Vyadhi encompasses recognizing imbalances in doshas and the appropriate steps to restore harmony, vital in effective Ayurvedic practice and treatment.

44) Nature:
'Nature' in Ayurveda encompasses the fundamental elements and characteristics of living organisms. Recognizing an individual's unique nature helps tailor treatments and dietary recommendations that align with their inherent qualities, promoting effective healing.

45) Nasya (Nashya):
'Nasya' involves the administration of medicinal substances through the nasal route, aiming to cleanse and nourish the head and neck region. This therapeutic practice can enhance respiratory health, mental clarity, and overall well-being, particularly useful in treating various conditions.

46) Virya:
'Virya' denotes the potency or strength of a substance in Ayurveda. Recognizing virya informs practitioners about how different herbs and treatments will affect bodily functions and helps in crafting effective interventions tailored to individual needs.

47) Vasa (Vasha):
'Vasa' refers to a herbal formulation that possesses distinct properties contributing to its therapeutic effects. In treating conditions like PCOS, understanding the characteristics and actions of Vasa is necessary for appropriate application within Ayurvedic practices.

48) Guna:
'Guna' refers to the inherent qualities or characteristics of substances in Ayurveda. Identifying the Guna of herbs or treatments helps practitioners assess their effects on the body and enables tailored interventions aimed at restoring balance.

49) Milk:
'Milk' is considered a wholesome food in Ayurveda, often used for its nourishing properties. It is revered for enhancing vitality and health. In treating various conditions, including menstrual irregularities, milk can be incorporated into dietary recommendations for its beneficial effects.

50) Anuvasanabasti (Anuvasana-basti):
'Anuvasana-basti' refers to the administration of medicated oil enema in Ayurveda, focusing on nourishing and lubricating the body. This technique is essential for treating Vata disorders and restoring balance, particularly beneficial for reproductive health.

51) Purification:
'Purification' refers to the process of detoxifying the body, removing impurities and restoring balance. In Ayurveda, purification techniques often include cleansing therapies, which are vital for promoting health and preventing the onset of diseases.

52) Shatapushpa (Satapuspa, Shata-pushpa):
'Shatapushpa' is an Ayurvedic herb known for its benefits to female reproductive health. It is used to enhance fertility and support hormonal balance. Incorporating Shatapushpa into treatments can aid in managing conditions like PCOS effectively.

53) Kushthaghna (Kusthaghna):
'Kushthaghna' denotes a group of herbs or treatments used to alleviate skin conditions. In Ayurveda, using Kushthaghna substances can complement holistic treatment plans that consider skin health as part of overall well-being.

54) Shringataka (Srngataka, Shrimgataka):
'Shringataka' is an Ayurvedic term referring to a particular marma or vital point in the body. Therapeutic practices that focus on marma points are believed to influence health and well-being, enhancing the effectiveness of Ayurvedic treatments.

55) Vyanavayu (Vyana-vayu):
'Vyana-vayu' is a subtype of Vata associated with circulation and nourishment throughout the body. Its balance is essential for overall vitality. Disorders linked to Vyana-vayu can impact bodily functions, thus requiring tailored Ayurvedic interventions.

56) Katutikta (Katu-tikta):
'Katu-tikta' underscores properties of substances that are both pungent and bitter, commonly found in certain herbs. These properties stimulate digestion and help clear congestion, making them valuable in the management of conditions like PCOS.

57) Vigrathita (Vi-grathita):
'Vigrathita' signifies conditions associated with excessive growth or swelling, such as tumors or cysts. Recognizing Vigrathita aids in the identification of health issues requiring appropriate Ayurvedic treatment strategies.

58) Discussion:
'Discussion' refers to the process of analyzing and interpreting findings in Ayurveda. Engaging in discussions allows practitioners to explore multiple perspectives on treatment and diagnosis, facilitating knowledge sharing and improving patient care.

59) Accumulation (Accumulating, Accumulate):
'Accumulate' pertains to the build-up of substances, such as toxins (ama) or fatty tissues (Medadhatu) in the body. In Ayurveda, accumulation can lead to diseases, making it imperative to balance and flush out these substances through appropriate treatments.

60) Anuvasana:
'Anuvasana' refers to a type of enema in Ayurveda used for deep nourishment and rectal administration. This therapeutic technique is particularly beneficial in managing Vata disorders and enhancing the digestive and reproductive systems.

61) Punarnava (Punar-nava):
'Punarnava' is a rejuvenating herb in Ayurveda renowned for its ability to enhance vitality and support kidney function. It is significant in treatments aiming to restore energy levels and overall health in individuals with various conditions.

62) Kantakari (Kamtakari):
'Kantakari' is a medicinal plant used in Ayurveda for its respiratory and digestive benefits. Its properties help in managing symptoms associated with conditions like asthma and cough, supporting overall respiratory health.

63) Lekhaniya:
'Lekhaniya' describes substances that aid in reducing excess body mass and promoting weight loss. In the context of Ayurveda, Lekhaniya preparations are pivotal in addressing obesity and related disorders, including metabolic syndromes.

64) Kaphaghna (Kapha-ghna):
'Kaphaghna' refers to herbal substances that pacify or reduce Kapha dosha. These preparations are vital in managing conditions associated with Kapha excess, such as obesity and lethargy, thus aiding in restoring balance in the body.

65) Madhurata:
'Madhurata' represents sweetness, associated with certain tastes in Ayurveda. Yet, it can also signify the quality of ingredients and medicines. Proper balance of Madhurata is essential for maintaining health, especially concerning metabolic processes.

66) Amlarasa (Amla-rasa):
'Amla-rasa' refers to sour taste or effects, associated with certain Ayurvedic herbs. Its inclusion in treatments helps stimulate digestion and enhances detoxification processes, beneficial in addressing metabolic issues like those seen in PCOS.

67) Amadosha (Amadosa, Ama-dosha):
'Ama-dosha' refers to toxic substances formed due to improper digestion in Ayurveda. These toxins accumulate in the body leading to various health issues. Eliminating ama through detoxification is a primary goal in Ayurvedic treatments.

68) Cleansing:
'Cleansing' signifies the therapeutic processes aimed at expelling impurities and toxins from the body, a core principle in Ayurveda. Various cleansing techniques form an integral part of treatment protocols, assisting in maintaining health and preventing diseases.

69) Triphala (Tri-phala):
'Triphala' is a renowned Ayurvedic herbal formulation consisting of three fruits, known for its detoxifying and rejuvenating properties. It supports digestion, aids in metabolism, and enhances overall health, making it a common remedy in managing various disorders.

70) Kashyapa (Kasyapa, Kashya-pa, Kashyapanamdana):
'Kashyapa' refers to an ancient Ayurvedic sage credited with many medical texts and teachings. His contributions laid the foundation for many Ayurvedic practices, providing insight into various treatment modalities and herbal formulations used in classical therapies.

71) Rasayana (Rasa-ayana):
'Rasayana' signifies a branch of Ayurveda focused on rejuvenation and longevity. It involves practices and treatments aimed at enhancing vitality and function, targeting the overall health improvement, thus facilitating the management of chronic conditions.

72) Medoroga (Medas-roga):
'Medoroga' is a term for obesity or metabolic disorders in Ayurveda. Conditions classified under Medoroga require targeted treatments focusing on balancing Kapha and improving metabolism, often relevant in the context of lifestyle diseases prevalent today.

73) Mishreya (Misreya):
'Mishreya' refers to a type of preparation in Ayurveda that aids in digestion and toxicity reduction. Utilizing Mishreya formulations can enhance the effectiveness of treatments for various doshic imbalances and health conditions.

74) Khalitya:
'Khalitya' refers to hair loss in Ayurveda, often associated with imbalances in the doshas or deficiencies. Understanding its causes allows practitioners to develop relevant treatment plans to promote hair health and restore natural growth.

75) Channel:
'Channel' in Ayurveda refers to the pathways through which energies, nutrients, and waste circulate in the body. Optimal functioning of these channels is critical for maintaining health, as obstructions can lead to various conditions.

[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 126]