Ayurvedic management of postlumbar myelomeningocele surgery: A case study

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Ayurvedic management of postlumbar myelomeningocele surgery: A case study”. 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) Basti:
Basti refers to a therapeutic enema used in Ayurveda, designed to introduce medicated oil or herbal decoction into the rectum. It is considered an effective treatment for alleviating various ailments, particularly those related to vitiated vāta. Basti enhances bodily functions, detoxifies, and restores balance, providing comprehensive health benefits.

2) Matra-basti:
Mātrā-basti is a specific type of basti in Ayurveda that consists of administering a specific quantity of medicated oil or decoction. It aims to improve the strength and tone of the anal sphincter muscles. This treatment is particularly beneficial in managing bladder control and related issues, as seen in conditions like myelomeningocele.

3) Matra:
Mātrā means 'quantity' or 'measure' in Ayurveda. It underscores the importance of correct dosing in treatment protocols. Whether dealing with herbs, oils, or therapeutic substances, understanding mātrā enables practitioners to effectively tailor treatment to the individual needs of a patient, thus optimizing outcomes and minimizing adverse effects.

4) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine originating in India, focused on achieving balance between body, mind, and spirit through natural therapies. It emphasizes holistic health, employing techniques such as diet, herbal treatment, yoga, and massage to maintain well-being and address various ailments. Ayurveda's extensive wisdom ensures comprehensive healing.

5) Dosha (Dosa):
Doṣa refers to the three fundamental bodily humors in Ayurveda—vāta, pitta, and kapha. These energies govern physiological and psychological functions. Imbalance among the doṣas results in disease. Understanding a patient's doṣa profile is crucial for diagnosis and treatment planning, guiding practitioners in restoring harmony in health.

6) Shri (Sri, Sr):
Shri is an honorific title often used in conjunction with names or titles to indicate respect, reverence, or auspiciousness. In Ayurveda and the broader Indian cultural context, the term reflects the underlying principles of respect for knowledge and tradition, attributing significance to the practices and practitioners involved in healing.

7) Vata:
Vāta is one of the three doṣas in Ayurveda, representing the elements of air and ether. It governs movement, circulation, and communication in the body. An imbalance in vāta can lead to various disorders, including digestive issues and neurological conditions. Understanding vāta is essential for proper auscultation and treatment.

8) Kashaya (Kasaya):
Kaṣāya refers to a type of Ayurvedic decoction with astringent properties. These herbal preparations are utilized for their effectiveness in treating conditions like diarrhea or inflammation by constricting tissues and reducing excessive moisture. Kaṣāya plays a crucial role in managing digestive health and balancing bodily functions.

9) Sveda:
Sveda translates to 'sudation' or 'sweating' in Ayurveda. It is commonly used in therapeutic treatments to induce sweating, promoting detoxification and enhancing blood circulation. Sveda therapies can be part of various treatments, particularly for conditions aggravated by vitiated vāta, aiding in relieving muscular tension and improving overall health.

10) Abhyanga (Abhyamga):
Abhyaṅga denotes the practice of oil massage in Ayurveda, designed to nourish the body and promote relaxation. This technique stimulates circulation, removes toxins, and soothes the nervous system. Regular abhyaṅga is an effective approach for balancing doṣas, rejuvenating the body, and enhancing overall wellness.

11) Avagaha:
Avagāha refers to a therapeutic technique involving a tub bath or immersion in warm herbal water. This treatment is aimed at relieving pain and discomfort, particularly in patients with conditions involving vitiated vāta. Avagāha is believed to help in soothing the nervous system, enhancing circulation, and promoting relaxation.

12) Apanavata (Apana-vata):
Apāna-vāta is another sub-dosha of vāta responsible for downward movement and elimination processes within the body. Managing apāna-vāta is critical for addressing conditions related to digestion and excretion, ensuring the effective functioning of the gastrointestinal system in Ayurvedic practices.

13) Vatadosha (Vatadosa, Vata-dosha):
Vāta-doṣa encapsulates the concept of vitiated vāta, which becomes aggravated due to various factors like stress or dietary indiscretions. This imbalance manifests in diverse health issues, predominantly within the neurological and musculoskeletal systems. Treatment strategies aim to pacify vāta, restoring balance and alleviating symptoms effectively.

14) Cikitsa:
Cikitsā translates to 'treatment' or 'therapy' in Ayurveda, encompassing a wide range of healing practices including herbal remedies, dietary adjustments, and lifestyle changes. It emphasizes individualized approaches based on patient assessment, aiming to restore health and balance by addressing the root causes of ailments rather than merely alleviating symptoms.

15) Rasa (Rasha):
Rasa means 'taste' in Ayurveda and is significant in the classification of herbs and foods. It plays a crucial role in determining the pharmacological properties and therapeutic effects of various substances. Understanding the six tastes—sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent, and astringent—guides practitioners in dietary recommendations and treatment formulations.

16) Vyanavata (Vyana-vata):
Vyāna-vāta is a sub-dosha of vāta that governs circulation and movement throughout the body, ensuring that nutrients and energy are effectively distributed. Imbalance in vyāna-vāta can lead to circulatory issues and affects overall well-being, making its regulation vital in Ayurvedic treatment.

17) Anulomana:
Anulomana refers to the therapeutic process of promoting the expulsion of waste and balancing the doshas, particularly vāta. This technique often involves dietary modification, herbal preparations, or therapeutic enemas. Anulomana aids in restoring normal physiological processes and alleviates discomfort caused by obstructive conditions, enhancing digestive health.

18) Madhura:
Madhura translates to 'sweetness' and is one of the six tastes recognized in Ayurveda. Foods and herbs with madhura properties are known for their nourishing and soothing qualities, often benefiting conditions aggravated by vāta and pitta. Incorporating madhura in diets can promote balance and improve health outcomes.

19) Bilva (Vilva):
Bilva, the fruit of Aegle marmelos, is a significant herb in Ayurveda valued for its digestive and astringent properties. It is particularly beneficial for gastrointestinal disorders and associated symptoms. Bilva is used in various formulations, including avalehas, to promote healthy digestion and regulate bowel movements.

20) Vina:
Veena does not have a defined medical significance in Ayurveda, but as a name, it may signify qualities like harmony and wellness. It may be included in the context of practitioners or patients, embodying art and music's therapeutic effects, which are acknowledged in holistic healing practices.

21) Aegle marmelos:
Aegle marmelos, known as bael, is revered in Ayurveda for its multifaceted health benefits, particularly in digestive health. It is used in various formulations to manage diarrhea and improve gut health. Its medicinal properties make it a staple in treating gastrointestinal issues and maintaining overall well-being.

22) Mulabandha (Mula-bandha, Mulabamdha):
Mūlabandha refers to a yogic practice of contraction and relaxation of the anal sphincter. This technique enhances control over bowel movements and strengthens the pelvic floor. In Ayurvedic treatments, mūlabandha is integrated as a technique for addressing incontinence and promoting stability in bodily functions.

23) Dadhimastu:
Dadhimastu, a term denoting buttermilk or yogurt, is often used in Ayurvedic therapies for its cooling and soothing properties. It is incorporated in dietary recommendations and various medicinal preparations, supporting digestive health and enhancing the nutritional absorbability of treatments.

24) Discussion:
Discussion in the context of the case study highlights the comparative analysis of treatment effectiveness, evaluation of results, and deeper understanding of conditions like myelomeningocele within Ayurvedic practices. It examines the multifactorial interplay of symptoms and therapeutic interventions to enhance patient outcomes, reinforcing the holistic approach of Ayurveda.

25) Apanavayu (Apana-vayu):
Apānavāyu is a vital principle within Ayurveda responsible for downward flow processes, including eliminations and reproductive functions. It plays a key role in digestion and overall metabolic activities. Balancing apānavāyu is essential for maintaining bodily functions related to excretion and enhancing overall well-being.

26) Samgraha (Sangraha):
Saṅgraha denotes the concept of conservation or gathering within Ayurveda. It refers to practices that promote retention in bodily functions, particularly in managing anorectal disorders and promoting fluid retention. Saṅgraha is crucial for addressing issues related to constipation and maintaining optimal digestive health.

27) Dashamula (Dasha-mula, Dasamula, Dashan-mula):
Daśamūla consists of ten roots used in Ayurvedic medicine, known for their health-promoting properties. This herbal combination is commonly utilized in formulations to alleviate vāta imbalances and improve overall vitality. Daśamūla's effectiveness lies in its synergistic effects, enhancing various treatments by fostering holistic healing.

28) Activity:
Activity in the Ayurvedic context relates to bodily movements and metabolic functions. Engaging in physical activity is pivotal for maintaining health and balance among the doshas. Ayurveda encourages customized exercise regimens that align with an individual's constitution and current health status, promoting physical and mental well-being.

29) Vitiation (Vitiated):
Vitiated refers to the imbalance or aggravation of the doshas within the body, leading to health issues. In Ayurveda, understanding vitiation is crucial for diagnosis and treatment approaches. Therapies aim to rectify vitiated conditions by re-establishing doshic balance, restoring health, and preventing disease recurrence.

30) Avarana:
Āvaraṇa translates to 'obstruction' in Ayurveda, indicating a disturbance in normal physiological function. In cases of vāta or apāna obstruction, it manifests in various health conditions like constipation or incontinence. Recognition and treatment of āvaraṇa are vital for restoring health and normalizing bodily functions.

31) Shilajit (Silajit, Shila-jit):
Śilājit is a natural substance used in Ayurveda, known for its rejuvenating properties. It enhances vitality and strength and is believed to act as a catalyst for other herbs. śilājit supports overall health, longevity, and serves as a crucial ingredient in numerous therapeutic formulations.

32) Tridosha (Tridosa, Tri-dosha):
Tridoṣa represents the three fundamental principles (vāta, pitta, kapha) in Ayurveda, outlining the foundation of bodily functions. Each doṣa has distinct characteristics and roles in health. Maintaining tridoṣa balance is essential for preventing diseases and enhancing overall wellness, guiding practitioners in personalized treatment approaches.

33) Pariksha (Pariksa):
Parīkṣā denotes the assessment process in Ayurveda, involving the analysis of various diagnostic criteria. This examination includes pulse diagnosis, tongue analysis, and patient history to formulate a comprehensive understanding of an individual's health. Effective parīkṣā is crucial for devising personalized treatment regimens and strategies.

34) Dipana:
Dīpana refers to the process of stimulating digestion in Ayurveda, often achieved through specific herbs and dietary practices. Enhancing digestive fire (agni) is essential for optimal nutrient absorption and metabolic functions. Dīpana herbs promote overall digestive health, thereby supporting bodily balance and wellness.

35) Purisha (Purisa):
Purīṣa indicates the waste matter or feces in Ayurveda, essential for understanding digestion and excretion processes. Analyzing purīṣa characteristics guides practitioners in assessing digestive health and resolving issues like constipation or diarrhea. Proper management of purīṣa aids in detoxifying the body and maintaining optimal health.

36) Shunthi (Sunthi, Sumthi, Shumthi):
Śuṇṭhi refers to ginger in Ayurveda, recognized for its versatile medicinal properties. It enhances digestion, acts as an anti-inflammatory, and supports immune function. Whether in preventive or therapeutic contexts, integrating śuṇṭhi in treatments promotes digestive health and overall well-being.

37) Desire:
Desire in an Ayurvedic context often refers to the body's innate signals indicating needs and imbalances, such as hunger or fluid retention. Recognizing and interpreting these desires are essential for implementing effective treatment strategies that align with individual bodily requirements and promoting holistic health.

38) Rasna (Rashna, Rasona, Rasa-una):
Rāsnā, or Pluchea lanceolata, is an herb used in Ayurvedic medicine, known for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Used in various formulations, rāsnā supports pain relief and health improvement, particularly in conditions associated with vāta imbalances. Integrating rāsnā enhances the effectiveness of therapeutic treatments.

39) Tikta:
Tikta translates to 'bitter' and is one of the six tastes in Ayurveda. Bitter substances are recognized for their detoxifying and cooling effects. Tikta is particularly useful for managing pitta-related conditions and helping improve digestion, making it an essential component in a balanced Ayurvedic diet.

40) Mutra:
Mūtra indicates urine in Ayurveda and is crucial for assessing health and proper bodily functions. Analysis of mūtra provides insights into hydration, nutrition, and potential imbalances within the doshas. Understanding mūtra characteristics enables practitioners to devise appropriate treatment strategies and interventions.

41) Vyana:
Vyāna is one of the sub-doshas of vāta associated with circulation and movement throughout the body. It plays a significant role in maintaining physical and mental health by ensuring nutrient distribution. Balancing vyāna enhances physiological function and supports overall vitality and well-being.

42) Apana:
Apāna is another sub-dosha of vāta responsible for downward movement, focusing on elimination processes. It regulates functions related to digestion, excretion, and reproductive health. Treating apāna imbalances is crucial for addressing issues such as constipation, incontinence, and associated chronic conditions.

43) Balya:
Balya refers to substances or practices that enhance strength and vitality in Ayurveda. It encompasses dietary recommendations, herbal formulations, and lifestyle changes aimed at rejuvenating the body. Incorporating balya elements into treatment plans supports recovery and helps maintain optimal health and well-being.

44) Katu:
Kaṭu means 'pungent' and is one of the six tastes in Ayurveda. Foods and herbs with kaṭu properties enhance digestion, stimulate appetite, and purify; they are particularly beneficial in managing conditions aggravated by kapha dosha. Understanding kaṭu is vital for creating balanced dietary choices in treatment.

45) Bala:
Balā refers to Sida cordifolia, an herb used in Ayurveda for its strength-giving and rejuvenating properties. It promotes vitality, supports overall health, and is included in formulations aimed at restoring balance within the body, making it a valuable ingredient in Ayurvedic treatments.

46) Milk:
Milk is a fundamental dietary component in Ayurveda, recognized for its nourishing and cooling properties. It balances pitta and vāta doshas while providing essential nutrients. Various Ayurvedic formulations use milk to enhance medicinal effectiveness and promote health, highlighting its significance in holistic treatment strategies.

47) Drug:
Drug in Ayurveda refers to medicinal substances derived from plants, minerals, or animals used to heal and restore health. Unlike synthetic drugs, Ayurvedic drugs emphasize herbal preparations and natural remedies, focusing on treating the underlying causes of ailments and enhancing the body's healing capabilities.

48) Tinospora cordifolia:
Tinospora cordifolia, commonly known as guduchi, is a significant herb in Ayurveda revered for its immune-boosting and detoxifying properties. It supports overall health, aids digestion, and enhances vitality, making it a common component in Ayurvedic formulations for various health conditions.

49) Withania somnifera:
Withania somnifera, also known as ashwagandha, is a prominent herb in Ayurveda recognized for its adaptogenic properties. It helps the body cope with stress, enhances vitality, and supports cognitive function. Ashwagandha is included in many treatment protocols to promote resilience and overall well-being.

50) Vatavyadhicikitsa (Vatavyadhi-cikitsa):
Vātavyādhicikitsā denotes the branch of Ayurveda focused specifically on vātaja diseases or those caused by vāta imbalances. Treatment strategies include identifying specific constitutional types and employing therapies that stabilize vāta, addressing conditions like arthritis or neurological disorders and enhancing patient well-being.

51) Gandharvahastadi:
Gandharvahastādi is an Ayurvedic formulation comprising various herbs known for their therapeutic properties. It is particularly effective in treating digestive issues and vitiated doṣas. The synergistic effects of the ingredients maximize the health benefits, enhancing recovery and restoring balance in patients.

52) Anuvasanabasti (Anuvasana-basti):
Anuvāsana-basti is a specific type of basti (medicated enema) focusing on the administration of soothing oil intended for rectal absorption. It is instrumental in treating vitiated vāta and enhancing bodily nourishment. Anuvāsana-basti emphasizes holistic approaches in Ayurveda, focusing on deep tissue healing.

53) Bilvavaleha:
Bilvāvaleha is a specific Ayurvedic preparation containing bilva (Aegle marmelos) and jaggery, formulated to aid digestion and strengthen the gastrointestinal tract. Known for its astringent properties, bilvāvaleha is beneficial for managing diarrhea and promoting overall digestive health within Ayurvedic therapy.

54) Anuvasana:
Anuvāsana refers to the specific type of basti (enema) focusing on administering soothing oil intended for absorption along the rectum. This Ayurvedic approach aids in alleviating vitiated vātas, promoting nourishment, and supporting the healing process through direct tissue application of beneficial substances.

55) Vyanavayu (Vyana-vayu):
Vyānavāyu relates to the principle regulating the distribution of energy and nourishing materials throughout the body. This sub-dosha plays a vital role in maintaining overall vitality and ensuring that various bodily systems work harmoniously. Balancing vyānavāyu is crucial for supporting optimal health in Ayurvedic treatments.

56) Gandharva (Gamdharva, Gamdharvadurve):
Gandharva traditionally refers to celestial musicians in Indian mythology, symbolizing creativity and harmony. Within Ayurvedic texts, this term is often used to denote herbal preparations believed to evoke harmony within the body, reflecting the integral relationship between music, art, and healing in holistic health practices.

57) Inference:
Inference in Ayurveda pertains to the process of drawing logical conclusions based on clinical observations and treatment outcomes. Determining the effectiveness of different approaches relies on careful analysis and synthesis of patient data, which is critical for optimizing traditional therapies and assuring enhanced patient well-being.

58) Vibandha:
Vibandha refers to constipation in Ayurveda, a condition resulting from the vitiated vāta doṣa leading to impeded bowel movements. Understanding its causes is essential for implementing appropriate treatment strategies, including dietary modifications, herbal interventions, and therapies aimed at restoring regularity and digestive health.

59) Rasayana (Rasa-ayana):
Rasāyana is a branch of Ayurveda focused on rejuvenation and longevity, emphasizing the use of herbs and practices to enhance vitality, boost immunity, and promote overall well-being. Rasāyana therapy aims to restore balance, optimize health, and delay the aging process through holistic approaches.

60) Yogavahin (Yogavahi, Yoga-vahi, Yoga-vahin):
Yogavāhi refers to a substance or herb that enhances the efficacy of other medicinal ingredients in Ayurveda. It acts as a carrier or facilitator for absorption and effectiveness. Understanding yogavāhi herbs allows practitioners to optimize treatments, ensuring that the therapeutic benefits are maximized through synergistic action.

61) Medicine:
Medicine in Ayurveda encompasses a broad spectrum of natural remedies derived from plants, minerals, and animals. It emphasizes holistic health restoration, focusing on individualized treatments aimed at balancing the doshas and treating root causes of diseases, rather than merely alleviating symptoms.

62) Samgrahin (Sangrahi, Samgrahi):
Sangrahi refers to the action of retaining or holding within the context of Ayurvedic therapy. It relates to the treatment of conditions where the body requires assistance in maintaining internal balance, such as preventing excessive elimination and promoting digestive stability and mental clarity.

63) Swelling:
Swelling in Ayurveda indicates an accumulation of doshic imbalance that may manifest in local inflammation or fluid retention. Assessing swelling is crucial for identifying underlying conditions and developing targeted treatment strategies, addressing both the symptoms and root cause of the imbalance.

64) Indriya (Imdriya):
Indriya refers to the sensory organs or faculties in Ayurveda responsible for perception and interaction with the environment. Understanding indriya is vital for assessing patient conditions holistically and tailoring treatments to enhance physical, emotional, and psychological well-being through sensory experiences.

65) Shodhana (Sodhana):
Śodhana refers to detoxification processes in Ayurveda, aimed at cleansing the body of harmful substances and restoring balance. Various therapies, including panchakarma procedures, facilitate śodhana, allowing for the elimination of toxins and rejuvenation of bodily functions, enhancing overall health and vitality.

66) Avaleha:
Avaleha is a type of Ayurvedic preparation that consists of herbal pastes mixed with jaggery or sugar. It is typically used as a digestive support and for nourishment, improving various health conditions. Avaleha preparations are easy to digest and offer several therapeutic benefits.

67) Prakriti (Prakrti):
Prakṛti denotes one's constitutional type or inherent nature in Ayurveda, derived from the balance of doṣas at birth. Understanding prakṛti is vital for tailoring individualized treatment plans, dietary recommendations, and lifestyle choices that promote optimal health and prevent disease.

68) Anurasa:
Anurasa translates to 'aftertaste' in Ayurveda, representing the lingering flavors experienced after consuming food or herbs. Analyzing anurasa can provide insights into the effects of particular substances on health, guiding practitioners in determining suitable dietary choices and therapeutic applications.

69) Quality:
Quality in Ayurveda pertains to the inherent properties of substances that affect their therapeutic efficacy. It encompasses standards of purity, potency, and appropriateness for treatment. Emphasizing quality enables practitioners to ensure the safety and effectiveness of herbal preparations and treatments.

70) Jaggery:
Jaggery, an unrefined sugar derived from sugarcane or date palm, is widely used in Ayurvedic formulations for its sweetening properties. Known to enhance digestive health, jaggery is often incorporated in remedies for its ability to balance doshas while providing essential nutrition.

71) Science (Scientific):
Science in the context of Ayurveda refers to the systematic study and understanding of health, body, and mind based on ancient principles. Research into Ayurvedic practices can validate traditional knowledge and bridge the gap between conventional medicine and holistic healing approaches.

72) Bandha (Bamdha):
Bandha refers to 'bandhan' or locking, particularly in yogic practices involving bodily postures and muscle contractions aimed at enhancing energy flow. Utilizing bandha techniques in Ayurveda signifies the connecting of bodily energy systems, improving health, vitality, and enhancing the therapeutic effect of treatments.

73) Guduci:
Guḍūci, referred to as Tinospora cordifolia, is an herb celebrated in Ayurveda for its immunomodulatory and detoxifying properties. It supports resilience against infections, rejuvenates the body, and maintains overall health, making it a cornerstone in many Ayurvedic formulations.

74) Koshtha (Kostha):
Koṣṭha refers to the digestive system or gastrointestinal tract in Ayurveda. Assessing koṣṭha provides vital insights into digestive health, influencing treatment strategies for conditions like constipation or diarrhea. Balancing koṣṭha is essential for restoring digestive function and promoting well-being.

75) Castor:
Castor refers to the oil derived from the castor bean (Ricinus communis), known for its laxative properties. In Ayurveda, castor oil is used therapeutically for relieving constipation and promoting digestive balance. Its application as a purgative aids in detoxification and rejuvenation processes.

[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 90]