India in COVID-19 times: Modern and wiser

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “India in COVID-19 times: Modern and wiser”. 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) Ayus (Ayush):
Ayush refers to the traditional systems of medicine in India, which encompass Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy. It plays a significant role in India's healthcare framework, particularly during health crises like COVID-19, where integrative approaches are emphasized to enhance wellness and preventive care.

2) Medicine:
Medicine is a field that encompasses the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. It combines various disciplines and methodologies, including traditional practices like Ayurveda and modern clinical approaches. The integration of diverse medical systems is critical for improving health outcomes and addressing complex health challenges in populations.

3) Indian:
Indian refers to the nationality associated with India, characterized by a rich cultural and historical heritage. This encompasses various approaches to health and wellness, particularly through the lens of traditional systems like AYUSH, which have been integral to India's health policy and national identity.

4) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine from India that emphasizes holistic well-being. It focuses on balance within the body through diet, lifestyle, and herbal treatments. With growing recognition globally, its integration into modern healthcare represents a step toward comprehensive and culturally relevant health practices.

5) India:
India is a South Asian country known for its diverse cultures, languages, and rich history in traditional medicine. Its healthcare system incorporates both modern medical practices and ancient systems like Ayurveda and Yoga, reflecting a unique synthesis that addresses the health needs of its large population.

6) Science (Scientific):
Scientific denotes a rigorous approach grounded in empirical methods and observation. In health research, a scientific perspective underpins evidence generation. This framework enables the critical assessment of various treatments, including AYUSH practices, within a broader context of health science and policy formulation.

7) Knowledge:
Knowledge encompasses the information, understanding, and skills gained through experience or education. In medicine, knowledge from traditional systems, like Ayurveda, is essential for informed decision-making and practice, especially as healthcare evolves to incorporate both ancient wisdom and contemporary scientific advancements.

8) Yoga:
Yoga is an ancient practice originating from India that combines physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation to promote physical and mental well-being. It plays a significant role in preventive healthcare and is increasingly recognized as a valuable therapeutic adjunct in modern medical treatments.

9) Shastra (Sastra):
Shastra refers to a body of knowledge or scripture in Indian philosophy, particularly in the context of traditional medicine. It encompasses theoretical foundations of practices like Ayurveda, highlighting the importance of integrating ancient wisdom with contemporary scientific methodologies for holistic health.

10) Life:
Life, in the context of health, refers to the experiences of living organisms, emphasizing the importance of balance and wellness. Healthy living practices guided by Ayurveda and Yoga contribute significantly to quality of life, illustrating the interconnectedness of lifestyle choices and health outcomes.

11) Education:
Education is the process of acquiring knowledge, skills, and values. In health, proper education about AYUSH systems and integrative approaches is vital for health practitioners, ensuring they are equipped to provide informed care that respects both traditional and modern medical practices.

12) Learning:
Learning is the ongoing acquisition of knowledge and skills through study or experience. In medicine, especially concerning AYUSH, continuous learning is essential for practitioners to innovate and integrate traditional practices into modern healthcare frameworks effectively.

13) Quality:
Quality in healthcare refers to the degree of excellence of services provided. This concept encompasses various dimensions, including safety, effectiveness, and patient-centricity. Promoting quality through integrative approaches involving AYUSH can lead to better health outcomes and greater patient satisfaction.

14) Disease:
Disease denotes a pathological condition that disrupts normal bodily functions. Understanding various diseases within the context of both modern medicine and traditional systems like Ayurveda is crucial for developing comprehensive treatment protocols that address both prevention and management.

15) Wisdom:
Wisdom refers to the accumulated knowledge and insights gained through experience. In healthcare, integrating traditional wisdom from systems like Ayurveda with modern scientific research can enhance patient care and lead to innovative approaches in tackling health challenges.

16) Family:
Family plays a crucial role in health and well-being, where traditional practices and values are often transmitted. In the context of AYUSH, family-based approaches can enhance community health by fostering practices that promote holistic wellness among all members of the family.

17) Peer review:
Peer review is the evaluation of scientific work by experts in the same field. This process is essential for validating research quality, particularly in integrative medicine, where AYUSH practices need to be rigorously assessed to gain credibility within the broader scientific community.

18) Observation:
Observation is a fundamental method in scientific inquiry, involving careful watching to gather data and insights. In health research, systematic observation can inform the efficacy of AYUSH practices, ensuring that traditional methods are assessed through a critical lens.

19) Training:
Training refers to the process of educating and equipping individuals with the necessary skills to perform specific tasks. In healthcare, specialized training in both modern and AYUSH methodologies is essential to ensure practitioners deliver competent and culturally relevant care.

20) Study (Studying):
Studying involves comprehensive examination and analysis of subjects to facilitate understanding. In health contexts, studying AYUSH systems alongside modern medicine is essential to integrate diverse knowledge bases effectively, leading to improved health interventions and broader acceptance.

21) Raising:
Raising refers to the process of promoting awareness, understanding, or elevation of standards. In the healthcare context, raising awareness about AYUSH practices and their benefits can help in accepting and integrating these systems into mainstream healthcare.

22) Dealing:
Dealing refers to the approach taken to handle a particular situation or issue. In healthcare, dealing effectively with health crises through integrative models, combining modern and traditional practices, is critical for enhancing the responsiveness and resilience of health systems.

23) Vaidya:
Vaidya refers to practitioners of Ayurveda who possess knowledge of traditional Indian medicine. Their expertise is vital in providing effective treatments and health advice, especially when integrated within broader healthcare systems that recognize the value of AYUSH practices.

24) Reason:
Reason pertains to the logical basis for understanding concepts or phenomena. In healthcare, reasoning is fundamental in evaluating the effectiveness of various treatments, including AYUSH approaches, ensuring that practices are substantiated by valid evidence and aligned with patient needs.

25) Field:
Field refers to an area of study or practice. In healthcare, the field encompasses a wide range of disciplines, including AYUSH and modern medicine, necessitating collaborative efforts to address health challenges and implement integrated care models.

26) Cina:
China represents a country with its own rich tradition of medicine, notably Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Comparatively, its respect and incorporation of traditional practices alongside modern healthcare often contrasts with India's approach, highlighting the need for a more integrative and cooperative medical framework.

27) Atman (Atma):
Atma, meaning 'soul' or 'self' in Sanskrit, emphasizes the holistic view of health in traditional Indian philosophy. This concept underlines the importance of aligning physical, mental, and spiritual wellness, guiding practices in Ayurveda and Yoga to promote overall health and self-awareness.

28) Hand:
Hand represents the idea of action or execution in healthcare practice. The incorporation of both traditional and modern methods in medical practice requires hands-on application of knowledge, ensuring that patient care is delivered effectively through skillful and compassionate service.

29) Post:
Post refers to a position or role, often related to a stance or statement in academia or practice. In integrative medicine discussions, post positions may reflect the ongoing debates regarding the efficacy and standards of traditional systems like AYUSH in the modern healthcare landscape.

30) Pir:
Peer refers to individuals at a similar level of expertise or knowledge within a particular field. In healthcare, peer collaboration among practitioners from various systems, including AYUSH and modern medicine, can help foster an environment of shared learning and innovative practices.