An approach to avascular necrosis by Saghṛta kṣīrabasti

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Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: An approach to avascular necrosis by Saghṛta kṣīrabasti
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
This page presents a generated summary with additional references; See source (below) for actual content.

Summary of article contents:

Introduction

Avascular necrosis (AVN) is a progressive disorder characterized by the loss of blood supply to a bone, leading to tissue death and potential collapse, commonly affecting the femoral head. This case study presents a 62-year-old male patient diagnosed with grade 4 AVN of the femur head who experienced severe hip pain, swelling in his feet, and restricted range of motion. Surgical intervention was initially recommended, but the patient opted to explore Ayurvedic treatment. By employing a regimen that employed traditional Ayurvedic techniques, including Saghṛta kṣīrabasti, the patient experienced significant pain relief and mobility improvement.

Effectiveness of Saghṛta kṣīrabasti

The treatment protocol included initial steps aimed at cleansing and preparing the body, such as carminatives and therapeutic purgation, followed by 16 sessions of Saghṛta kṣīrabasti, an Ayurvedic enema prepared with milk and ghee. This approach is integral in Ayurvedic practice for addressing conditions related to muscle and skeletal disorders, specifically targeting the vitiated vāta doṣa, which is believed to impact the bones and marrow in AVN cases. The results showed a marked reduction in pain severity from a grade of 9 to 3 on the visual analog scale (VAS), complete resolution of pedal edema, and restoration of movement in the hip joint, indicating the effectiveness of this holistic treatment strategy.

Conclusion

The case highlights the potential of employing traditional Ayurvedic methods as a non-invasive alternative for managing avascular necrosis effectively. The positive outcomes from using Saghṛta kṣīrabasti, alongside supportive therapies, suggest that Ayurvedic approaches can offer significant relief for patients traditionally advised to undergo surgical intervention. This case not only reinforces the value of integrating holistic healing practices into modern medical treatment plans but also encourages further exploration of Ayurveda as a viable option in managing complex musculoskeletal disorders like AVN.

Original source:

This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.

Author:

Sreelaksmi Chaganti, Rajashekhar V. Sanipeti, Suma S. S. Joshi


Ancient Science of Life:

(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)

Full text available for: An approach to avascular necrosis by Saghṛta kṣīrabasti

Year: 2013

Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA


FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What condition was treated in the study using Ayurvedic methods?

The study focused on treating a 62-year-old male patient diagnosed with avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head, particularly at grade 4, through a non-invasive Ayurvedic approach.

What symptoms did the patient experience before treatment?

The patient suffered from severe pain (grade 9 on VAS), swelling in both feet, and decreased range of motion in the hip joint, which worsened his ability to walk without support.

Which Ayurvedic treatment was administered to the patient?

The treatment included 'Saghṛta kṣīrabasti', a medicated enema with milk and ghee, along with carminative and digestive therapies, aimed at relieving symptoms and improving the patient's condition.

What were the outcomes after the Ayurvedic treatment?

Post-treatment, the patient's pain decreased to grade 3 on VAS, pedal edema resolved completely, and he showed improved strength and increased range of motion in the hip joint.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “An approach to avascular necrosis by Saghṛta kṣīrabasti”. 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) Asthi (Ashthi):
In Ayurveda, "Asthi" refers to bone tissue. It plays a crucial role in supporting the body structure and housing marrow. Asthi health is essential for overall skeletal integrity and mobility, and its balance is vital for preventing conditions such as avascular necrosis, relating to the quality and nutrition of bony structures.

2) Vata:
"Vata" is a primary dosha in Ayurveda embodying qualities of movement and communication in the body. Its balance is essential for a wide array of functions including circulation and respiration. Managing vāta is key to preventing imbalances and associated ailments, highlighting Ayurveda's preventative health approaches.

3) Blood:
Blood ("Rakta") is essential for transporting nutrients, oxygen, and waste throughout the body. In Ayurveda, the quality of blood is crucial for tissue health and overall vitality. Healthy blood circulation supports the nourishment of all dhātus (tissues), and influences the balance of other doshas, affecting overall bodily functions and health.

4) Edema (Oedema):
"Edema" refers to the swelling caused by excess fluid accumulation in tissues, commonly seen in conditions like avascular necrosis. It signifies an imbalance in bodily fluids (water and other secretions) and can lead to discomfort and functional limitations. Addressing edema is crucial in Ayurvedic treatments to restore balance.

5) Kashaya (Kasaya):
"Kaśāya" refers to the astringent taste characterized by properties that can tighten tissues and absorb excess fluids in Ayurveda. It is beneficial for managing conditions infused with dampness or swelling and emphasizes selecting appropriate tastes to balance dosha constitutions effectively.

6) Basti:
"Basti" refers to a form of Ayurvedic enema treatment. It administers medicated substances rectally to cleanse and nourish, particularly targeting vitiated vāta. Basti is critical for treating conditions like musculoskeletal disorders, as it helps remove toxins and rejuvenate affected tissues, enhancing overall health and balance in the body.

7) Virya:
"Vīrya" signifies the potency or strength of a substance in Ayurvedic pharmacology. It indicates a drug's therapeutic effects on the body, influencing its healing capacity. Understanding vīrya is essential for selecting and combining herbs effectively to achieve desired results in treatments aimed at restoring health and balance.

8) Rasa (Rasha):
"Rasa" translates to taste and represents one of the five fundamental qualities of substances in Ayurveda that influence health. Each rasa has specific therapeutic effects; for instance, sweet (madhura) nourishes, while bitter (tikta) detoxifies. Understanding rasa helps in selecting appropriate treatments based on individual needs and imbalances.

9) Dosha (Dosa):
"Doṣa" refers to the three fundamental biological energies in Ayurveda—vāta, pitta, and kapha. Each dosha governs specific functions and physiological processes in the body. Maintaining their balance is crucial for health, as imbalances can lead to various diseases. Ayurveda utilizes dosha principles in diagnosis and treatment.

10) Vatadosha (Vatadosa, Vata-dosha):
"Vāta-doṣa" specifically describes the vitiation of vāta, which can lead to various disorders attributed to its qualities, like dryness, instability, and movement. Recognizing and addressing vāta dosha imbalances is essential in Ayurvedic treatment plans to restore harmony and alleviate conditions such as pain and mobility issues.

11) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
"Ayurveda" is the ancient Indian system of medicine focused on holistic healing. It emphasizes the balance of body, mind, and spirit, using herbs, diet, and lifestyle practices. Ayurveda aims to promote health, prevent disease, and treat disorders by understanding individual differences and addressing root causes rather than symptoms alone.

12) Swelling:
"Swelling" typically refers to an increase in volume or size of a body part due to inflammation or fluid accumulation. In Ayurvedic terms, it often indicates an imbalance of doshas, particularly an excess of kapha. Treating swelling involves restoring balance through dietary changes, herbal remedies, and therapeutic interventions.

13) Ghrita (Ghrta):
"Ghṛta" is clarified butter in Ayurveda, known for its nourishing, rejuvenating, and healing properties. It is used in various formulations to enhance absorption of medicinal ingredients and support digestive health. Ghṛta balances vāta and pitta doshas and is vital in treatments targeting bony and nervous system disorders.

14) Dhatu:
"Dhātu" refers to the seven fundamental tissues in Ayurveda—rasa, rakta, mamsa, meda, asthi, majjā, and śukra. Each dhātu contributes to the body’s structure and function, needing proper nourishment and balance for optimal health. Imbalances in dhātus can lead to various disorders, highlighting the importance of their maintenance through diet and treatment.

15) Shri (Sri, Sr):
"Shri" is a Sanskrit term that denotes auspiciousness, prosperity, and respect. In the context of Ayurveda, it may also imply the reverence and traditional value attributed to Ayurvedic knowledge and practices, and can also refer to wellness, which is a primary goal of Ayurvedic treatments.

16) Milk:
"Milk" is a vital dietary component in Ayurveda, seen as nourishing and rejuvenating. Further, it is used in various therapeutic formulations, especially basti. It acts as a base in many Ayurvedic medicines due to its ability to balance vāta and pitta and promote hydration and bodily nourishment overall.

17) Madhura:
"Madhura" signifies the sweet taste in Ayurveda, associated with nourishment and vitality. It is known to balance vāta and pitta doshas and promote healing and recovery. Sweet foods are often used in various Ayurvedic treatments to enhance strength and calmness, providing energy and satisfaction to the body.

18) Tikta:
"Tikta" refers to the bitter taste, which is cleansing and detoxifying in nature. Tikta substances help eliminate excess kapha and pitta while promoting appetite and digestion. This taste plays an essential role in Ayurvedic practices for maintaining health and preventing disease, especially in neutralizing excessive heat and humidity in the body.

19) Suma:
"Suma" refers to Suma S. S. Joshi, a contributor to the Ayurvedic medical field. As one of the authors of the case report discussed, she plays a critical role in advancing knowledge around Ayurvedic treatments, particularly their applications for conditions like avascular necrosis, enriching the scientific discourse in traditional medicine.

20) Ushna (Usna):
"Uṣṇa" means hot or heating in Ayurveda, describing the quality of some substances or treatments. Uṣṇa properties are believed to stimulate digestion, promote circulation, and counterbalance cold imbalances in the body. Treatments with uṣṇa properties can effectively address conditions associated with cold qualities and stagnation.

21) Drug:
"Drug" in this context refers to substances used in Ayurveda for therapeutic purposes. These can include herbs, formulations, or compounds intended to restore health and balance in the body. Understanding various drugs’ properties and actions is vital for effective Ayurvedic practice and treatment planning.

22) Haritaki:
"Harītakī" refers to the fruit of Terminalia chebula, a revered herb in Ayurveda known for its rejuvenating properties. It aids digestion, enhances nutrient absorption, and has cleansing and detoxifying qualities. Harītakī is often used in formulations to balance kapha and alleviate various health issues.

23) Gomutra (Go-mutra):
"Gomūtra" denotes cow's urine, commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine for its purported therapeutic properties. It is believed to purify blood, enhance digestion, and support detoxification. Gomūtra is often integrated into treatments for various diseases, reflecting traditional practices that highlight animal byproducts' significance in holistic healing.

24) Shunthi (Sunthi, Sumthi, Shumthi):
"Śuṇṭhi" refers to ginger in Ayurveda, renowned for its warming and digestive properties. It is used extensively as a spice and medicine to stimulate appetite, alleviate nausea, aid digestion, and reduce inflammation. Śuṇṭhi is vital for enhancing the efficacy of many Ayurvedic formulations.

25) Bitter:
"Bitter" describes one of the fundamental tastes recognized in Ayurveda. Bitter substances promote detoxification, stimulate digestion, and enhance metabolic processes. This taste plays a critical role in balancing excess kapha and pitta doshas while promoting overall health and preventing various ailments.

26) Curna:
"Cūrṇa" refers to powdered forms of herbs or substances used in Ayurvedic treatments. These fine powders are often used for their ease of administration and quicker absorption in the body. Cūrṇa preparations offer flexibility in dosaging and can be combined to enhance therapeutic effects.

27) Majja:
"Majjā" refers to bone marrow in Ayurveda, essential for producing blood cells and supporting the skeletal system. It is crucial in tissue regeneration and overall vitality. Maintaining healthy majjā is emphasized in treatments targeting bone and joint health, reflecting the interconnectedness of all dhātus.

28) Katu:
"Kaṭu" signifies the pungent taste in Ayurveda, associated with heat and stimulation. It aids digestion, enhances circulation, and balances kapha dosha. Substances with kaṭu properties are often utilized in treatments to stimulate metabolic processes and invigorate the body, especially beneficial in cold and stagnant conditions.

29) Ghi (Ghee):
"Ghee" refers to clarified butter, an essential ingredient in Ayurvedic medicine, recognized for its nourishing, digestible, and therapeutic qualities. It promotes digestion, balances doshas, and enhances the bioavailability of other medicinal herbs. Ghee acts as a carrier for herbs in formulations, enriching the overall treatment quality.

30) Cow urine (Cow's urine):
"Cow's urine" (Gomūtra) is considered a significant therapeutic agent in Ayurveda, credited for its detoxifying and purifying effects. It supports metabolic health, promotes healing, and is often used in cleansing protocols. Its application underscores Ayurveda's holistic principles, emphasizing natural and integrative approaches to wellness.

31) Terminalia chebula:
"Terminalia chebula" pertains to Harītakī, a key herb in Ayurveda known for its astringent and rejuvenating properties. It is used for digestion, detoxification, and overall health enhancement. This herb reflects Ayurveda's emphasis on natural remedies for balancing the body's systems and promoting longevity.

32) Guggulutiktakaghrita (Guggulutiktakaghrta, Guggulutiktaka-ghrita):
"Guggulutiktaka-ghṛta" is a specific Ayurvedic formulation combining guggul and tikta (bitter) herbs with ghee, known for its ability to improve joint health, reduce inflammation, and support overall vitality. It showcases how multiple herbal constituents can synergistically enhance therapeutic effects in treating specific conditions.

33) Mahamanjishthadi (Mahamanjisthadi, Maha-manjishthadi):
"Mahāmañjiṣṭhādi" refers to a notable formulation in Ayurveda used as a blood purifier and rejuvenator. It combines various ingredients to enhance circulation and improve the quality of rakta dhātu, targeting health issues related to circulation and overall vitality in holistic treatments.

34) Asthidhatu (Asthi-dhatu):
"Asthidhātu" refers to the bony tissue in Ayurveda, crucial for structural support and health. Proper nourishment and care of asthidhātu are essential to prevent degeneration and diseases like osteoporosis, making it a focal point in Ayurvedic therapies aimed at strengthening bones and joints.

35) Medicine:
"Medicine" encompasses the various treatments, remedies, and practices utilized in Ayurveda. It can include herbal formulations, lifestyle recommendations, and treatment modalities aimed at restoring balance to the body and mind. The holistic approach underscores the importance of individualized care in achieving optimal health outcomes.

36) Dravya:
"Dravya" means substances or materials used in Ayurvedic treatments, including herbs, minerals, and animal products. Understanding the properties and actions of different dravyas is essential for formulating effective treatments and ensuring that therapeutic interventions align with individual needs and conditions.

37) Arjuna:
"Arjuna" refers to the medicinal plant Terminalia arjuna, known for its cardiovascular benefits in Ayurveda. It supports heart health, improves circulation, and promotes overall vitality. Its use in treatments highlights the significance of botanical remedies in addressing specific health concerns related to cardiovascular function.

38) Pacana:
"Pācana" denotes digestive treatments and practices aimed at improving digestion and clearing impurities from the digestive tract. In Ayurveda, effective digestion is fundamental for overall health as it enhances nutrient absorption and metabolic processes, supporting the balance of bodily systems.

39) Jiraka:
"Jīraka" refers to cumin seeds (Cuminum cyminum), regarded for their carminative and digestive properties in Ayurveda. They help relieve bloating and enhance digestion, showcasing the use of culinary herbs as therapeutic agents, underscoring the intertwining of nutrition and therapy in Ayurvedic practices.

40) Dipana:
"Dīpana" refers to stimulating digestive processes in Ayurveda. This concept underlines the importance of effective digestion for nutrient absorption and overall health. Treatments that enhance dīpana are critical in Ayurvedic protocols to restore balance and prepare the body for further therapeutic interventions.

41) Pitta:
"Pitta" is one of the primary doshas in Ayurveda, representing the qualities of heat, metabolism, and transformation. Balance of pitta is essential for effective digestion, body temperature, and energy levels. Pitta imbalances can lead to inflammatory conditions and discomfort, highlighting the necessity of management strategies in Ayurvedic treatment.

42) Kapha:
"Kapha" is a dosha in Ayurveda characterized by stability, solidity, and hydration. It governs bodily functions related to structure and fluid balance. Balancing kapha is essential for preventing disorders associated with excess fluid, weight gain, and stagnation, especially in conditions like edema and respiratory issues.

43) Kalka:
"Kalka" refers to the freshly prepared paste of medicinal herbs used in Ayurvedic treatments to enhance potency and bioavailability. It showcases the importance of preparation methods in Ayurveda, where fresh herbal formulations can provide concentrated therapeutic effects directly targeting health concerns.

44) Kshira (Ksira):
"Kṣīra" means milk in Sanskrit, recognized for its nourishing properties and use in various Ayurvedic therapies. It acts as an essential carrier for herbal medicine, enhancing absorption and efficacy while balancing vāta and pitta doshas. Kṣīra is valuable in rejuvenative treatments and nutritional formulations.

45) Rakta:
"Rakta" signifies blood in Ayurveda, essential for vitality and nourishment of all tissues. It connects with overall health and wellness by supplying nutrients and removing waste. The quality and balance of rakta dhātu impacts numerous bodily functions, emphasizing its importance in treatment modalities.

46) Sita (Shita):
"Śīta" denotes the cooling quality in Ayurveda, associated with herbs and treatments that bring down heat in the body. It plays a significant role in countering excess pitta and alleviating inflammatory conditions. Understanding śīta properties aids in selecting appropriate therapies for heat-related imbalances.

47) Vayu:
"Vāyu" means air or wind and represents one of the three doshas in Ayurveda. It governs movement and biological processes in the body. Maintaining vāyu balance is essential for overall health, as imbalances can manifest as a range of issues from anxiety to physical pain.

48) Zingiber officinale:
"Zingiber officinale" refers to ginger, recognized for its medicinal properties in Ayurveda, particularly as a digestive aid and anti-inflammatory agent. It is valued for its ability to stimulate appetite, promote circulation, and enhance overall health, illustrating the use of common herbs in holistic healing practices.

49) Piper longum:
"Piper longum" refers to long pepper, a spice used in Ayurveda known for its warming properties and benefits in respiratory health. It enhances digestion and metabolism, showcasing how spices are integral to therapeutic practices and aid in maintaining homeostasis within the body.

50) Anuvasanabasti (Anuvasana-basti):
"Anuvāsana-basti" refers to retention enemas used in Ayurveda to administer medicinal herbs rectally for sustaining therapeutic effects. This method highlights Ayurvedic preferences for internal absorption and targeted treatments that can significantly impact health by addressing dosha imbalances and tissue nourishment.

51) Niruhabasti (Niruha-basti):
"Niruha-basti" describes evacuation enemas in Ayurveda that cleanse and detoxify the body by removing accumulated toxins. This therapeutic practice showcases the significance of purification methods in Ayurvedic treatments, particularly in addressing disturbances in doshas and restoring bodily balance effectively.

52) Purification:
"Purification" is a critical concept in Ayurveda, aiming to detoxify the body from toxins and imbalances. Various methods, including dietary changes, herbal remedies, and panchakarma procedures, are employed to enhance health and wellness. This principle underlies many Ayurvedic practices and treatment protocols.

53) Raktadhatu (Rakta-dhatu):
"Rakta-dhātu" refers specifically to blood tissue in Ayurveda, vital for supplying nutrients and energy to the body. Its health is crucial for overall vitality, and treatments aimed at strengthening rakta dhātu involve dietary recommendations and herbal formulations to enhance blood quality and circulation.

54) Majjadhatu (Majja-dhatu):
"Majjā-dhātu" represents the bone marrow in Ayurveda, essential for blood cell production and overall vitality. Maintaining healthy majjā is vital for supporting the skeletal system and preventing disorders related to anemia and chronic fatigue, emphasizing its importance in holistic treatment approaches.

55) Jatharagni (Jathara-agni):
"Jaṭharāgni" refers to the digestive fire in Ayurveda, pivotal for proper digestion and metabolism. A balanced jaṭharāgni supports optimal nutrient absorption and energy production, while its imbalance can lead to digestive issues and metabolic disorders, rendering its maintenance a key focus in Ayurvedic treatments.

56) Apanavayu (Apana-vayu):
"Apāna-vāyu" represents a subtype of vāyu responsible for downward movement and elimination within the body. It regulates functions like excretion and menstruation. Balanced apāna-vāyu is essential for maintaining overall detoxification and reproductive health, while its dysfunction can lead to various health issues.

57) Anuvartana:
"Anuvartana" refers to the continuity or inheritance of qualities in Ayurvedic pharmacology. It highlights the interaction of herbal ingredients, enhancing their effectiveness in treatments by combining their properties synergistically, crucial for optimizing health benefits when formulating Ayurvedic remedies.

58) Vatavyadhi (Vata-vyadhi):
"Vātavyādhi" refers to diseases caused by vāta imbalances in Ayurveda. It encompasses a wide range of ailments, including arthritis and pain syndromes. Understanding vātavyādhi and its manifestations assists practitioners in diagnosing and formulating appropriate treatment strategies for restoring balance and health.

59) Pittadosha (Pittadosa, Pitta-dosha):
"Pitta-doṣa" designates the vitiation of the pitta dosha, often leading to inflammatory and heat-related disorders. Addressing pitta imbalances is vital for managing conditions such as ulcers, skin diseases, and digestive issues, reinforcing the need for tailored Ayurvedic treatments focused on restoring balance.

60) Discussion:
"Discussion" in this context pertains to evaluating and interpreting findings within Ayurvedic case studies or treatments, reflecting on the integration of traditional wisdom with scientific understanding. It emphasizes collaborative dialogue among practitioners to enhance knowledge and optimize therapeutic approaches in Ayurvedic medicine.

61) Saindhava (Saimdhava):
"Saindhava" refers to rock salt in Ayurveda, valued for its therapeutic properties. It aids digestion, balances electrolytes, and enhances flavor in foods. Its use underscores the significance of culinary elements in healing practices, demonstrating how dietary modifications contribute to overall health.

62) Manjishtha (Manjistha, Mamjishtha):
"Mañjiṣṭhā" refers to the herb Rubia cordifolia, known for its blood-purifying and anti-inflammatory properties. It is utilized in Ayurvedic formulations to enhance skin health and improve circulation. The inclusion of mañjiṣṭhā highlights Ayurveda's deep connections between botany, medicine, and holistic healing philosophies.

63) Anuvasana:
"Anuvāsana" describes a specific type of basti (enema) focused on retention of herb-infused liquids within the rectum for extended periods. This method is designed for targeted healing of deep-rooted imbalances in the body, further illustrating Ayurveda's comprehensive approach to internal medicine and detoxification.

64) Dhatvagni (Dhatu-agni):
"Dhātvagni" denotes the metabolic fire responsible for the transformation and nourishment of dhātus in Ayurveda. Maintaining a balanced dhātvagni is crucial for overall health, as it supports digestion, absorption, and the metabolism of nutrients, emphasizing the integration between metabolic health and disease prevention.

65) Rasadhatu (Rasa-dhatu):
"Rasadhātu" signifies the first of the seven dhātus in Ayurveda, encompassing plasma and bodily fluids. It plays a key role in nourishment and maintaining fluid balance within the body. Properly managing rasadhātu is essential for overall health, making it a focus of preventative and restorative treatment approaches.

66) Mahabhuta (Maha-bhuta):
"Mahābhūta" refers to the five great elements in Ayurveda (earth, water, fire, air, and space) that compose all matter. Understanding the balance and interplay of these elements is fundamental in Ayurveda for diagnosing and treating ailments, demonstrating the foundational philosophy underlying Ayurvedic practice.

67) Samprapti:
"Samprāpti" translates to the pathogenesis or process of disease development in Ayurveda. Recognizing how a disease evolves guides practitioners in crafting effective treatment plans aimed at addressing not only symptoms but also root causes, ensuring a holistic approach to health and recovery.

68) Prasadana:
"Prasādana" signifies the improvement or purification process in Ayurveda, often related to enhancing the quality of dhātus or bodily fluids. It underpins many Ayurvedic modalities that focus on detoxification, restoration of balance, and overall enhancement of health by refining the body's intrinsic qualities.

69) Shothahara (Sothahara, Shotha-hara):
"Śothahara" refers to substances or treatments that reduce swelling and eliminate edema. It underscores the targeting of kapha and inflammatory imbalances through diet and herbal interventions, showcasing the importance of targeted therapeutic strategies in restoring balance and health within the body.

70) Katurasa (Katu-rasa):
"Kaṭu-rasa" refers to the pungent taste, recognized for its stimulating and warming qualities in Ayurveda. It enhances digestion, combats cold and damp conditions, and promotes circulation. Identifying and incorporating these properties into treatments illustrate the complex interactions between food, herbs, and physiological health.

71) Stiffness:
"Stiffness" pertains to rigidity or limitation of movement in joints or muscles, often resulting from imbalance in vāta dosha. Ayurveda aims to alleviate stiffness through targeted treatments, including therapies that promote flexibility and circulation, vital for maintaining mobility and overall health.

72) Vankshana (Vanksana, Vakshana, Vaksana, Vamkshana):
"Vaṅkṣaṇa" signifies the plumpness or fullness of tissues, often related to the balance of moisture in the approach. This concept is essential in assessing body conditions and crafting treatments in Ayurveda focusing on hydration, tissue integrity, and the prevention of diseases such as edema.

73) Abhyanga (Abhyamga):
"Abhyaṅga" refers to Ayurvedic massage with oils to promote relaxation, circulation, and detoxification. This practice balances vāta dosha and improves tissue nourishment, playing a vital role in preventative health and wellness strategies while enhancing the effectiveness of herbal applications and overall rejuvenation.

74) Rasayana (Rasa-ayana):
"Rasāyana" focuses on rejuvenation in Ayurveda through various therapies that enhance vitality and longevity. It includes lifestyle practices, dietary adjustments, and herbal preparations aimed at revitalizing and strengthening bodily functions, elevating the overall quality of life and health.

75) Vitiation (Vitiated):
"Vitiated" indicates an imbalance or disturbance in doshas, dhātus, or bodily functions in Ayurveda. Recognizing vitiated conditions is essential in diagnosis and treatment, guiding practitioners to restore balance through specific therapies tailored to individual health needs and imbalances.

[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 113]

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