Glossary of Ayurvedic Terms

This glossary defines the key Sanskrit and Ayurvedic terms used throughout the Fazlani Panchakarma knowledge hub. Each definition is written for readers who may be encountering these concepts for the first time, with links to detailed clinical guides where available.

A

Abhyanga

Full-body warm oil massage administered as a preparatory therapy before Panchakarma procedures. Abhyanga loosens accumulated toxins (Ama) in superficial tissues and moves them toward the gastrointestinal tract for elimination. The oils used are selected based on your doshic constitution and clinical needs. Read the full Abhyanga guide.

Agni

The Sanskrit term for digestive and metabolic fire. In Ayurvedic medicine, Agni refers to the body’s entire capacity for digestion, absorption, assimilation, and transformation of food, sensory input, and experience. Healthy Agni is considered the foundation of health. Impaired Agni leads to incomplete digestion and the formation of Ama (metabolic waste). There are 13 types of Agni described in the classical texts, with Jatharagni (the primary digestive fire in the stomach and small intestine) being the most clinically significant. Read the full Agni guide.

Ama

Metabolic waste that accumulates when Agni (digestive fire) is impaired. Ama is described as a sticky, heavy, foul-smelling substance that obstructs the body’s channels (Srotas) and contributes to disease. In Ayurvedic pathology, Ama is considered the root material cause of most chronic illness. Panchakarma is specifically designed to mobilise and eliminate accumulated Ama from deep tissues. Read the full Ama guide.

Amavata

The Ayurvedic term for a condition that closely corresponds to rheumatoid arthritis. Literally translates as "Ama combined with Vata." It describes a state where metabolic toxins (Ama) combine with the Vata dosha and lodge in the joints, causing inflammation, pain, swelling, and progressive joint damage. Read about Panchakarma for rheumatoid arthritis.

Ashtanga Hridaya

One of the three great classical Ayurvedic texts, composed by Vagbhata (approximately 7th century CE). It serves as a comprehensive compilation and synthesis of earlier Ayurvedic knowledge, covering all eight branches of Ayurvedic medicine in accessible verse form.

AYUSH

An acronym for Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy. In India, the Ministry of AYUSH governs these traditional and complementary medicine systems. NABH AYUSH certification is the specific accreditation pathway for healthcare facilities operating under these systems. Learn about NABH AYUSH standards.

B

BAMS

Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery. This is the standard professional degree for Ayurvedic physicians in India, requiring five and a half years of study (including one year of clinical internship). The curriculum covers both Ayurvedic and modern medical sciences.

Basti

Medicated enema therapy, one of the five primary Panchakarma procedures. Considered by classical texts to be the most important of all Panchakarma procedures and sometimes described as "half of all treatment." Basti uses medicated oils (Anuvasana Basti) or herbal decoctions (Niruha/Asthapana Basti) administered rectally to address Vata-dominant conditions including chronic pain, neurological disorders, and digestive issues. Read the full Basti guide.

C

Charaka Samhita

The foundational text of Ayurvedic internal medicine, attributed to the sage Charaka (approximately 600 BCE to 200 CE). It is the most comprehensive classical source on Panchakarma theory, indications, procedures, and pharmacology.

D

Dhatu

The seven tissue layers described in Ayurvedic physiology: Rasa (plasma/lymph), Rakta (blood), Mamsa (muscle), Meda (fat/adipose), Asthi (bone), Majja (marrow/nervous tissue), and Shukra (reproductive tissue). Each Dhatu is nourished sequentially by the products of digestion. Panchakarma is understood to affect change at the tissue level by removing Ama that has lodged in specific Dhatus.

Dosha

The three fundamental biological energies that govern all physiological and psychological functions in Ayurvedic medicine: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Every individual has a unique constitutional ratio of these three doshas (Prakriti), and disease occurs when the doshas deviate from their natural balance (Vikriti). See individual entries for Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.

G

Ghee (Ghrita)

Clarified butter used extensively in Ayurvedic medicine both as a dietary substance and as a therapeutic vehicle. Medicated ghee (prepared by processing ghee with specific herbs) is used during the internal oleation phase (Snehapana) of Poorvakarma. Ghee is valued in Ayurveda for its ability to carry medicinal substances deep into tissues and for its Agni-supporting properties.

J

Jatharagni

The primary digestive fire located in the stomach and duodenum. Jatharagni is considered the master fire that governs all other metabolic processes in the body. Impaired Jatharagni is the starting point for Ama formation and, in Ayurvedic understanding, the root cause of most disease processes.

K

Kapha

One of the three doshas, composed of earth and water elements. Kapha governs structure, lubrication, stability, immunity, and tissue formation. When balanced, Kapha provides strength, endurance, emotional calm, and robust immunity. When excessive, Kapha manifests as heaviness, congestion, lethargy, weight gain, and fluid retention. Kapha-dominant conditions are primarily addressed through Vamana (therapeutic emesis).

Khichdi

A simple preparation of rice and mung dal (split green gram) that serves as the primary food during the active cleansing phases of Panchakarma. Khichdi is easy to digest, nourishing, and supports Agni without overloading it. The specific preparation varies according to the patient’s constitution and treatment phase.

M

Marma

Vital energy points on the body described in Ayurvedic and surgical texts. There are 107 major Marma points. Marma therapy involves stimulating these points through touch, pressure, or specific techniques to influence the flow of Prana (vital energy) and support healing. At Fazlani, Dr. Athira Kaladharan holds additional certification in Marma therapy.

N

NABH

National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers, operating under the Quality Council of India. NABH AYUSH certification is the specific accreditation pathway for Ayurvedic and other traditional medicine facilities, evaluating clinical infrastructure, practitioner qualifications, treatment protocols, patient safety systems, and quality documentation. Read the full NABH guide.

Nadi Pariksha

Pulse diagnosis. A clinical assessment technique in which the Ayurvedic physician reads the quality, rhythm, and characteristics of the radial pulse to assess doshic balance, organ function, and the presence of Ama. Nadi Pariksha is one of several diagnostic tools used during the intake consultation at Fazlani.

Nasya

Nasal administration of medicated oils, powders, or herbal preparations. One of the five primary Panchakarma procedures. Nasya is indicated for conditions affecting the head, sinuses, neurological function, and cognitive health. The nasal passage is considered a direct gateway to the brain and central nervous system in Ayurvedic anatomy. Read the full Nasya guide.

O

Ojas

The refined essence of all seven Dhatus (tissue layers), representing the body’s fundamental vitality, immunity, and resilience. Ojas is considered the subtlest and most valuable product of healthy digestion and metabolism. Panchakarma, when followed by Rasayana (rejuvenation), is understood to increase Ojas by removing the Ama that obstructs its formation.

P

Paschatkarma

The post-treatment recovery phase of Panchakarma, which includes Samsarjana Karma (graduated dietary restoration) and Rasayana (rejuvenation therapy). Paschatkarma is clinically essential and should not be skipped or compressed. It is where the benefits of the main procedures are consolidated and sustained. Read the full Paschatkarma guide.

Pathya

Therapeutic diet. In Panchakarma, Pathya refers to the specific foods prescribed during each phase of treatment based on the patient’s digestive capacity and treatment stage. Pathya is considered a clinical intervention, not a hospitality offering.

Pitta

One of the three doshas, composed of fire and water elements. Pitta governs transformation, metabolism, digestion, intelligence, and body temperature. When balanced, Pitta provides sharp intellect, strong digestion, healthy skin, and decisive thinking. When excessive, Pitta manifests as inflammation, acidity, skin eruptions, irritability, and liver dysfunction. Pitta-dominant conditions are primarily addressed through Virechana (therapeutic purgation).

Poorvakarma

The preparatory phase of Panchakarma, which precedes the main procedures. Poorvakarma includes Snehana (oleation, both internal and external) and Swedana (sudation/steam therapy). This phase loosens accumulated Ama from tissues and moves it toward the gastrointestinal tract for elimination. Poorvakarma typically requires three to seven days and is essential for the safety and efficacy of the subsequent procedures. Read the full Poorvakarma guide.

Pradhanakarma

The main treatment phase of Panchakarma, during which the physician-selected primary procedures (Vamana, Virechana, Basti, Nasya, and/or Raktamokshana) are administered. The specific procedures, their sequence, dosage, and duration are determined by the Ayurvedic physician based on individual assessment. Read the full Pradhanakarma guide.

Prakriti

An individual’s innate constitutional type, determined at conception and remaining constant throughout life. Prakriti reflects the unique ratio of the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) in a person’s fundamental nature. Prakriti assessment is a foundational step in Ayurvedic diagnosis and determines which Panchakarma procedures, medicines, and dietary recommendations are most appropriate.

R

Raktamokshana

Blood purification therapy, one of the five primary Panchakarma procedures. Classical methods include leech therapy (Jalaukavacharana) and venous bloodletting, though modern practice may use alternative techniques. Raktamokshana is indicated for blood-borne toxicity, certain skin conditions, and localised inflammation. It is the least frequently prescribed of the five procedures and requires careful physician assessment. Read the full Raktamokshana guide.

Rasayana

Rejuvenation therapy administered after the main Panchakarma procedures. Rasayana uses specific herbs, minerals, and dietary protocols to rebuild tissues, restore vitality, and enhance Ojas (fundamental immunity). Classical Rasayana formulations include Chyawanprash, Brahma Rasayana, and various herb-specific preparations. Rasayana is most effective when administered after Panchakarma has cleared the body’s channels of accumulated Ama. Read the full Rasayana guide.

S

Samsarjana Karma

The graduated dietary restoration protocol followed after the main Panchakarma procedures. Samsarjana Karma progressively reintroduces dietary complexity over several days, beginning with liquid rice water (Peya) and advancing through thin gruel (Vilepi), rice with soup (Akrita Yusha, Krita Yusha), and eventually to normal meals. This gradual restoration is clinically essential for rebuilding Agni after the cleansing phase. Read the full Samsarjana Karma guide.

Shodhana

Purificatory therapy. The category of Ayurvedic treatment that includes Panchakarma. Shodhana aims to eliminate the root cause of disease by removing accumulated Ama from deep tissues, as opposed to Shamana (palliative therapy), which manages symptoms without aggressive elimination.

Shirodhara

A therapeutic procedure in which a continuous stream of warm medicated oil is poured onto the forehead (specifically the area of the "third eye") from a specific height for a prescribed duration. Shirodhara is used for neurological conditions, insomnia, anxiety, and stress-related disorders. It is a preparatory and supportive therapy within Panchakarma, not one of the five primary procedures. Read the full Shirodhara guide.

Snehana

Oleation therapy, a key component of Poorvakarma (preparation). Snehana includes both internal oleation (Snehapana, the oral administration of medicated ghee or oils in increasing doses) and external oleation (application of oils through massage and other techniques). The purpose is to saturate tissues with oil to loosen Ama and prepare the body for the main cleansing procedures. Read the full Snehana guide.

Snehapana

Internal oleation. The specific practice of drinking medicated ghee or oil in progressively increasing doses during the preparation phase of Panchakarma. Snehapana typically continues for three to seven days under daily physician monitoring. Signs of adequate oleation (Samyak Snigdha Lakshana) are assessed by the physician to determine readiness for the next phase.

Srotas

The channels or pathways in the body through which substances, energy, and information flow. Ayurveda describes 13 main Srotas categories. Ama accumulation in Srotas is a primary mechanism of disease in Ayurvedic pathology. Panchakarma aims to clear these channels of obstruction.

Sushruta Samhita

One of the three great classical Ayurvedic texts, attributed to the sage Sushruta (approximately 600 BCE). Primarily a surgical text, it also contains detailed descriptions of Panchakarma procedures, anatomy, and pharmacology.

Swedana

Sudation or steam therapy, the second major component of Poorvakarma (preparation). Swedana uses herbal steam, warm poultices, or other heat applications to open the body’s channels (Srotas) and further mobilise Ama that has been loosened by Snehana (oleation). Various types of Swedana are described in the classical texts, with the specific type selected based on the patient’s condition and constitution. Read the full Swedana guide.

V

Vamana

Therapeutic emesis (controlled medical vomiting), one of the five primary Panchakarma procedures. Vamana is prescribed specifically for Kapha-dominant conditions including chronic respiratory disorders, certain skin conditions, and Kapha-type obesity. It is the most feared procedure among patients but is carefully administered under physician supervision after thorough preparation. Vamana is not appropriate for all patients and is never prescribed without medical assessment. Read the full Vamana guide.

Vata

One of the three doshas, composed of air and space (ether) elements. Vata governs movement, nervous function, breathing, circulation, and elimination. When balanced, Vata provides creativity, enthusiasm, flexibility, and quick thinking. When excessive, Vata manifests as anxiety, insomnia, constipation, dry skin, joint pain, and nervous system disorders. Vata-dominant conditions are primarily addressed through Basti (medicated enema).

Vikriti

An individual’s current state of doshic imbalance, as distinct from their innate constitution (Prakriti). Vikriti assessment reveals which doshas are currently aggravated and to what degree. The gap between Prakriti and Vikriti guides the Ayurvedic physician’s treatment decisions during Panchakarma.

Virechana

Therapeutic purgation, one of the five primary Panchakarma procedures. Virechana uses medicated substances administered orally to induce controlled elimination through the lower gastrointestinal tract. It is the primary procedure for Pitta-dominant conditions including liver disorders, skin diseases, metabolic syndrome, and inflammatory conditions. Read the full Virechana guide.

This glossary is regularly updated as new content is added to the Panchakarma knowledge hub. Definitions are written for educational purposes and do not constitute medical advice. For clinical questions about any of these concepts, consult a qualified Ayurvedic physician.