Principles and practice of geriatric health care in ayurveda - a critical review

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Principles and practice of geriatric health care in ayurveda - a critical review”. 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):
Rasayana is an Ayurvedic concept focused on rejuvenation and regeneration of bodily tissues, emphasizing longevity and vitality. It encompasses dietary practices, herbal formulations, and lifestyle modifications aimed at enhancing overall health, particularly in the elderly. The therapeutic application of Rasayana promotes quality of life by mitigating age-related degeneration.

2) Disease:
In the context of Ayurveda, disease is seen as an imbalance in the body's dosas (elements). Effective management involves identifying the root cause of the disease, including lifestyle and dietary factors, and addressing these through personalized treatment plans. Ayurveda emphasizes a holistic approach to restore balance and enhance overall health.

3) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine that emphasizes balance in physical, mental, and spiritual health. It provides a comprehensive framework for understanding health and disease, advocating for personalized diagnostics and treatments. Ayurveda integrates lifestyle, diet, and herbal therapy, focusing on preventive care and holistic healing.

4) Life:
In Ayurveda, life is considered a dynamic interplay between the body, mind, and spirit. The objective is to uphold health and well-being through balanced living. Emphasizing holistic practices, Ayurveda aids in achieving harmony within oneself and with the environment, facilitating a prosperous and fulfilling life.

5) Water:
Water, a vital element in Ayurveda, is essential for life and health. It plays a critical role in maintaining bodily functions, facilitating digestion, and flushing out toxins. Ayurveda promotes the consumption of pure water to support hydration, metabolic processes, and overall wellness, considering it a conduit for nourishment.

6) Food:
Food is a cornerstone of Ayurvedic practice, viewed as medicine that influences health and well-being. Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of nutrient-dense, seasonal, and balanced diets tailored to individual dosha types to maintain health, prevent disease, and promote longevity through thoughtful dietary choices.

7) Diet:
Diet in Ayurveda is specifically tailored to one's constitution (Prakrti) and current state of health, emphasizing balance among the six tastes (sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent, and astringent). A well-planned diet supports immune function, digestion, and energy levels, playing a crucial role in holistic health.

8) Dhatu:
Dhatu refers to the seven bodily tissues in Ayurveda, which include Rasa (plasma), Rakta (blood), Mamsa (muscle), Meda (fat), Asthi (bone), Majja (marrow), and Shukra (reproductive tissue). Maintaining balance among Dhatus is crucial for overall health and longevity, informing treatment strategies in Ayurvedic medicine.

9) Bhallataka:
Bhallataka, also known as Semecarpus anacardium, is an Ayurvedic herb recognized for its therapeutic properties, particularly in treating skin conditions and as a detoxifying agent. It is part of various formulations aimed at rejuvenation and promoting bodily strength, especially in geriatric care.

10) Bala:
Bala, or Sida cordifolia, is celebrated in Ayurveda for its strengthening and rejuvenating properties. It is commonly used in formulations targeting vitality and health in children and the elderly, promoting growth and robustness while enhancing immunity and overall well-being.

11) Yoga:
Yoga in Ayurveda encompasses physical postures (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama), and meditation designed to harmonize the mind, body, and spirit. This practice supports wellness, stress reduction, and physical health, enhancing the effectiveness of Ayurvedic treatments for various health conditions.

12) Dosha (Dosa):
Dosa represents the three fundamental energies (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) in Ayurveda that govern physiological functions. The balance among these dosas determines individual health. Disorders arise from their imbalance, and Ayurvedic treatments focus on restoring their equilibrium through diet, lifestyle, and herbal remedies.

13) Milk:
Milk, an essential component in Ayurveda, is valued for its nourishing properties and its role in promoting healing and vitality. It is regarded as a 'Sattvic' food, enhancing overall health, providing nourishment to Dhatus, and is often used in various therapeutic formulations.

14) Taila (Thaila):
Taila, or oil, is a significant aspect of Ayurvedic practice. Used for internal and external therapies, it enhances nourishment and lubrication in the body. Different oils, based on their properties, are chosen for therapeutic purposes, including massage, cooking, and medical formulations.

15) Agni:
Agni, or digestive fire, is a central concept in Ayurveda, crucial for digestion, metabolism, and overall energy. The health and balance of Agni impact physical health and well-being, with strong Agni signifying good health and vitality, leading to effective absorption and nutrient utilization.

16) Vata:
Vata is one of the three dosas in Ayurveda, embodying the elements of air and space. It governs movement and communication within the body. Imbalance in Vata can lead to various disorders, and Ayurvedic treatment aims to restore equilibrium using specific dietary and lifestyle interventions.

17) Drug:
In the Ayurvedic context, drugs encompass herbal, mineral, and animal-based substances used to restore balance and health. Each drug is selected based on properties specific to the individual patient's needs, focusing on holistic treatment rather than symptomatic alleviation.

18) Jara (Jara°, Jará):
Jara refers to the process of aging within Ayurvedic philosophy, describing the physical and physiological changes that occur over time. Ayurveda addresses Jara through rejuvenation practices (Rasayana) aimed at promoting health, vitality, and longevity in older adults.

19) Rasa (Rasha):
Rasa denotes taste in Ayurveda, but it also refers to bodily fluids, including plasma. Rasa is foundational to nutrition and health, influencing individual constitutions and health status. Ayurveda recommends balancing Rasa through dietary practices to enhance health and prevent disease.

20) Kapha:
Kapha is one of the three dosas representing earth and water elements. It embodies stability, structure, and lubrication within the body. When in balance, Kapha promotes strength and immunity, while an imbalance can lead to weight gain and congestion, necessitating specific lifestyle adjustments.

21) India:
India, the birthplace of Ayurveda, features a rich tradition of holistic healing practices, emphasizing balance and health through natural means. Its diverse climate and cultural practices have influenced Ayurvedic principles and herbal remedies, making it a hub for natural medicine and wellness.

22) Activity:
Activity in Ayurveda encompasses both physical movement and mental engagement. Regular activity is emphasized to maintain bodily function, improve circulation, and support mental well-being. Tailored activity recommendations account for individual dosha types to maintain health and prevent disease.

23) Brahma:
Brahma, in the context of Ayurveda, symbolizes the ultimate reality and creativity. It represents the holistic integration of life forces that govern health and healing. This philosophical understanding informs Ayurvedic practices focusing on alignment with natural laws for achieving health.

24) Srotas (Shrotas):
Srotas refers to the channels in the body through which substances flow, including nutrients and waste. Maintaining the health of Srotas is crucial for proper physiological functions. Ayurveda emphasizes cleansing and revitalizing these channels to prevent disease and enhance overall well-being.

25) Ritu (Rtu):
Ritu denotes the seasonal changes in Ayurveda that affect health and well-being. Each season influences the dosas in the body, necessitating dietary and lifestyle adjustments to maintain balance. Understanding Ritu helps in preventive healthcare tailored to seasonal variations.

26) Triphala (Tri-phala):
Triphala, a traditional Ayurvedic formulation composed of three fruits (Amalaki, Haritaki, and Bibhitaki), is renowned for its restorative and cleansing properties. It supports digestive health, detoxification, and overall vitality, widely used in various health systems and formulations to promote longevity.

27) Medicine:
Medicine in Ayurveda refers to the holistic approach to healing that combines herbs, dietary practices, and lifestyle changes. Its principles center on preventing and treating diseases by restoring balance among the dosas, emphasizing natural remedies and self-care.

28) Kshaya (Ksaya):
Ksaya indicates depletion or deterioration in Ayurveda, often relating to loss of tissues or vitality. Therapeutic interventions focus on identifying causes and restoring balance to prevent further health decline.

29) Medhya:
Medhya refers to herbs and treatments that enhance cognitive function and mental clarity. These are essential in Ayurvedic formulations aimed at improving memory, intellect, and overall mental health, especially significant in managing cognitive decline in aging populations.

30) Kalpa:
Kalpa signifies a class of formulations in Ayurveda, encapsulating a variety of preparations, including rasayanas and other therapeutic concoctions. These preparations are meticulously developed based on Ayurvedic principles to address specific health conditions and promote rejuvenation.

31) Medha (Medhas):
Medha focuses on intelligence and cognitive capabilities in Ayurveda. It encompasses practices and herbs that enhance memory, learning, and comprehension, vital for maintaining cognitive health, especially in aging individuals, where cognitive decline is a common concern.

32) Anna:
Anna refers to food or sustenance in Ayurveda, recognized as integral to maintaining health. It emphasizes the importance of balanced nutrition in supporting bodily functions, enhancing vitality, and preventing disease, underpinning the holistic approach to wellness.

33) Hani:
Hani means harm or loss in Ayurveda, typically associated with the deterioration of health or vitality. Understanding Hani alerts practitioners to necessary adjustments in lifestyle or treatment protocols to prevent or recover from adverse health effects.

34) Ojas:
Ojas represents the vital essence or life force in Ayurveda, crucial for immunity, energy, and overall health. It's considered the end product of digestion and nutrient absorption, signifying vitality and resilience against diseases. Maintaining Ojas is central to promoting longevity.

35) Amalaki:
Amalaki (Emblica officinalis) is a powerful Ayurvedic fruit revered for its high vitamin C content and antioxidant properties. It plays a pivotal role in various health benefits, promoting digestive health and enhancing immunity and longevity, making it a staple in Ayurvedic formulations.

36) Pippali (Pippalin):
Pippali (Piper longum) is a revered herb in Ayurveda known for its digestive, respiratory, and rejuvenating properties. It enhances metabolism and serves as a potent remedy for respiratory conditions. Pippali's warming qualities support overall vitality and play a significant role in therapeutic formulations.

37) Mala:
Mala refers to waste or impurities in Ayurveda, indicating the byproducts of bodily functions needing elimination. Ayurvedic practices aim to balance Mala through dietary practices, detoxification, and cleansing therapies, ensuring the efficient functioning of the body's systems.

38) Shatavari (Satavari):
Satavari (Asparagus racemosus) is an important herb in Ayurveda, especially for female health. It is recognized for its supportive role in reproductive health, enhancing vitality, and nurturing the body, making it crucial in formulations aimed at balancing feminine energies.

39) Indriya (Imdriya):
Indriya denotes the senses in Ayurveda, crucial for perception and interaction with the environment. The health of Indriya is paramount for holistic well-being, where sensory balance and function directly impact mental and physical health, guiding Ayurvedic treatment approaches.

40) Guggulu:
Guggulu (Commiphora mukul) is a significant Ayurvedic resin valued for its anti-inflammatory and lipid-lowering properties. It supports metabolic functions, addresses joint health, and is widely used in Ayurvedic formulations aimed at detoxification and rejuvenation.

41) Snehana:
Snehana indicates the process of oleation in Ayurveda, involving the application of oils for therapeutic benefits. This practice nourishes the skin, promotes detoxification, and balances the dosas, playing a vital role in rejuvenation and holistic health.

42) Account:
The term account in Ayurvedic context may refer to the systematic documentation and evaluation of a patient's health status and treatment responses. This practice ensures tailored care, allowing practitioners to monitor progress and make necessary adjustments in therapies.

43) Mineral:
Minerals play a crucial role in Ayurvedic formulations, complementing herbal treatments to support various bodily functions. Essential for maintaining health balance, Ayurvedic practitioners emphasize the importance of minerals in diets and therapies for overall wellness.

44) Brahmi:
Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) is a revered Ayurvedic herb recognized for its cognitive-enhancing properties. It is used in formulations aimed at improving memory, concentration, and overall brain function, making it a staple for promoting mental clarity and vitality.

45) Matra:
Matra in Ayurveda signifies the dosage or quantity of a substance prescribed for treatment. Careful consideration of Matra is essential in ensuring therapeutic efficacy and avoiding adverse effects, reflecting the emphasis on personalized medicine in Ayurvedic practice.

46) Table:
Table may refer to organized data presentation in Ayurveda, summarizing various treatments, herbs, and their effects. This structured format aids in navigating Ayurvedic principles and can assist practitioners in formulating treatments based on well-established guidelines.

47) Rice (Rce):
Rice is a staple food in Ayurvedic nutrition, offering nourishment while being easy to digest. It provides essential carbohydrates, forms the basis of many Ayurvedic recipes, and is considered a balancing food that nourishes all dosas.

48) Sour:
Sour, one of the six tastes (Rasas) recognized in Ayurveda, plays a vital role in influencing digestion and metabolism. It is used to balance dosas and can stimulate appetite or address specific health conditions when included mindfully in the diet.

49) Withania somnifera:
Withania somnifera, commonly known as Ashwagandha, is a significant herb in Ayurveda celebrated for its adaptogenic properties. It supports stress reduction, boosts energy levels, and enhances overall vitality, making it crucial in rejuvenative and restorative health practices.

50) Commiphora mukul:
Commiphora mukul, widely known as Guggulu, holds a prominent place in Ayurveda for its detoxifying and anti-inflammatory properties. It is prominent in managing metabolic disorders and joint health, showcasing the holistic approach of Ayurveda to healing and wellness.

51) Meditation:
Meditation is a key practice in Ayurveda aimed at balancing the mind and spirit. It enhances mental clarity, reduces stress, and promotes emotional well-being. Regular meditation is advocated for holistic health, playing a crucial role in physical and mental rejuvenation.

52) Sadvritta (Sadvrtta, Sat-vritta):
Sadvritta refers to the ethical and moral conduct prescribed in Ayurveda that supports overall health and well-being. It emphasizes personal hygiene, social behaviors, and mental wellness, fostering a lifestyle that promotes physical health and spiritual growth.

53) Haritaki:
Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) is an important fruit in Ayurveda, recognized for its therapeutic properties in digestion and detoxification. It is often included in formulations for gut health, considered a potent rejuvenator supporting overall well-being.

54) Visarga:
Visarga refers to the seasonal influences in Ayurveda that affect health. Understanding Visarga helps practitioners adapt lifestyle and dietary recommendations to seasonal changes, enhancing preventive care and maintaining balance throughout the year.

55) Apathya:
Apathya denotes unsuitable or harmful foods and behaviors that can disrupt health in Ayurveda. Identifying and avoiding Apathya is crucial for maintaining balance among the dosas, helping practitioners tailor diets and lifestyle recommendations to support well-being.

56) Madhuka:
Madhuka, or Glycyrrhiza glabra, known as licorice, is valued in Ayurveda for its soothing properties and ability to balance dosas. It's commonly used in formulations addressing respiratory and digestive issues, showcasing its multifunctional benefits.

57) Haridra:
Haridra (Curcuma longa), or turmeric, is a revered herb in Ayurveda known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Regular consumption supports immunity and overall health, playing a significant role in various therapeutic formulations.

58) Channel:
Channel, in the Ayurvedic context, often refers to Srotas, the pathways in the body through which nutrients and wastes flow. Keeping these channels clear is vital in maintaining health and preventing disease, emphasizing the importance of detoxification and balance.

59) Quality:
Quality in Ayurvedic practice refers to the standards of health and efficacy of treatments and formulations. It encompasses the potency of herbs, the purity of materials, and the holistic effectiveness of practices aimed at sustaining overall health and well-being.

60) Hygiene (Hygienic):
Hygiene in Ayurveda emphasizes personal cleanliness and healthy living practices. It underlines the importance of maintaining both physical and mental cleanliness, which are essential for preventing disease and promoting a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

61) Science (Scientific):
Ayurveda is often considered a science of life that integrates empirical observations with holistic practices. It delves into human health, nutrition, and herbal medicine, combining traditional wisdom with systematic methodologies promoting comprehensive wellness and preventive care.

62) Satmya:
Satmya pertains to the concept of suitability in Ayurveda regarding diet and lifestyle practices based on individual constitution and environment. Identifying Satmya helps practitioners tailor recommendations to enhance health and avoid imbalances.

63) Sthana:
Sthana refers to the site or location in Ayurveda, often relating to the places where dosas or Dhatus manifest or act. Understanding Sthana helps practitioners diagnose and treat conditions effectively by focusing on specific bodily areas.

64) Amrita (Amrta):
Amrta symbolizes immortality and eternal life in Ayurveda, often associated with divine substances or practices that promote longevity. It underscores the pursuit of health and vitality throughout life, emphasizing rejuvenative therapies.

65) Vamana:
Vamana is a therapeutic procedure in Ayurveda aimed at detoxification through induced vomiting. It's part of Panchakarma treatments used to cleanse the body of toxins, especially from the upper gastrointestinal tract, promoting balance and health.

66) Kakoli:
Kakoli, known as a rejuvenating herb in Ayurveda, is valued for its ability to enhance vitality and strength. It is often used in formulations aimed at promoting health and countering the effects of aging.

67) Shlatha (Slatha):
Slatha refers to the state of flaccidity or degeneration, particularly seen in aging individuals in Ayurveda. Addressing Slatha through rejuvenative therapies is vital to restoring vitality and strength, reflecting the holistic focus of Ayurvedic practice.

68) Lavana:
Lavana signifies salt in Ayurveda and is considered one of the six tastes. It's crucial for digestion and nutrient absorption but must be taken in moderation to maintain balance in bodily functions and avoid excess heat.

69) Acara:
Achara denotes the code of conduct in Ayurveda focusing on moral and ethical behaviors. Following Achara contributes to overall health and well-being, emphasizing the interplay between mental, emotional, and physical health.

70) Pitta:
Pitta is one of Ayurveda's three dosas, representing the elements of fire and water. It governs metabolism, digestion, and energy transformation in the body. Maintaining balance in Pitta is crucial for good health and vitality.

71) Asthi (Ashthi):
Asthi refers to the bone tissue in Ayurveda, one of the seven Dhatus essential for physical structure and stability. Bone health is emphasized through dietary and lifestyle recommendations to combat degenerative changes, especially in geriatrics.

72) Pinda (Pimda):
Pinda often pertains to the form or matter in Ayurvedic texts, commonly relating to the treatment format, such as Pinda Sveda, a therapeutic fomentation technique using rice and herbs for nurturing and rejuvenation.

73) Ghrita (Ghrta):
Ghrita, or ghee, is a revered substance in Ayurveda valued for its nourishing and healing properties. Often incorporated into diets and treatments, it supports digestion and rejuvenation, beneficial for all dosha types.

74) Varga:
Varga refers to categories or classifications in Ayurveda, often used to categorize herbs and treatments based on their properties and effects. These classifications guide practitioners in formulation and treatment strategies tailored to patients' needs.

75) Balya:
Balya refers to therapies aimed at promoting strength and vitality, especially in the young or those recovering from illness. Ayurvedic practices focus on Balya to ensure robust health and prevent debility.

[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 558]