Glossary

The name Ayush (आयुष) is a Hindu name that generally means "longevity" or "long life". It is derived from the Sanskrit word "ayus" meaning "life". In India, Ayush is commonly given to boys and symbolizes hope for a prosperous and healthy life. The name can also refer to the Ministry of Ayush, an Indian government agency that focuses on promoting traditional Indian systems of medicine, including Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani Medicine, Siddha Medicine, and Homeopathy.

Vedas (Sanskrit: वेद, Veda) is a general term for ancient Indian epic poetry that was compiled in India from around 1000 BC to around 500 BC, after being passed down orally from 2500 BC. "Veda" means "knowledge". 

It is the oldest surviving Indian scripture and the original text of Brahmanism and Hinduism.
Rig Veda (hymns to the gods)
Sama Veda (hymns sung to tune)
Yajur Veda (a collection of Brahmanism's ritual texts)
Atharva Veda (divination and magical scriptures)

It is the world's oldest medical text, compiled in India around 1500 BC, and is said to have influenced Unani medicine and traditional Chinese medicine. Ayurveda, Unani medicine, and traditional Chinese medicine are recognized by the WHO as the three major traditional medical systems in the world.

AYUS (life/living) VEDA (science/knowledge) = AYURVEDA

アタルヴァ ヴェーダは、古代インドの叙事詩ベーダ聖典のひとつです。呪術的な要素が強く現代の密教へと発展しています。

アタルヴァ ヴェーダには、730 のスクタと 20 のカンダ (章) にグループ化された 5987 のマントラがあります。医学健康、建設（ヴァストゥ）、社会的行為などに関する知識が含まれています。

The term ‘Vajikarana’ (also spelled as vajeekarana) is a combination of two Sanskrit words: vaji and karana. ‘Vaji’ means ‘horse’ [Vachaspatya] and ‘karana’ means ‘to do/make/effect/cause’.[1] The term ‘vajikara’ means strengthening, stimulating or producing virility.[2] The therapy to increase virility like a horse is called vajikarana. [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 2/4/51] Since ancient times, a horse is considered a symbol of sexuality and strength. Therefore, the name of therapy symbolizes making a person virile and potent like a horse. It is one of the eight specialties of Ayurveda. [Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 30/28] This therapy is aimed to promote overall health with a specific focus on sexual and reproductive health. It is preventive therapy [Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 1/1/3-5] as well as curative therapy for various sexual disorders. In current practices, aphrodisiac therapy, sexual vigor enhancing tonics, and treatment are considered as forms of vajikarana therapy. Ayurveda advises purification procedures before administration of vajikarana therapy. It is intended to improve the quality of reproductive elements like shukra dhatu and healthy progeny. 

cite: CHARAK SAMHITA

Vajikarana or Vrishya chikitsa is a one of eight major specialty of the Ashtanga Ayurveda. This subject is concerned with aphrodisiacs, virility and improving health of progeny. As per Charak Samhita, by proper use of these formulations, one becomes endowed with good physique, potency, strength, and complexion and sexually exhilarated and sexually potent. This in turn is helpful in many common sexual dysfunctions, including Infertility, Premature Ejaculation and Erectile dysfunction. 

cite: NML

Panchakarma means "five medical procedures" in Sanskrit, and is a method of cleansing all the body's meridians from toxins and impurities. It is known as a natural way to restore inner balance and energy. It is famous for using herbal oils to improve vomiting, enemas, sweating, urination, bowel movements, and reproductive function. It is not approved in Japan, so it is best to just take it as a "I see" treatment.

The word Shirodhara comes from the Sanskrit words "shiro" (head) and "dhara" (flow).

Today, Shirodhara is one of the most popular Ayurvedic treatments around the world.

Shiro Abhyanga, in Ayurveda, refers to a head massage using medicated oils. The term combines "Shiro" (head) and "Abhyanga" (massage). This practice is believed to nourish the scalp, calm the mind, and promote relaxation and overall well-being. 

The word abhyanga comes from abi, meaning "into" or "to shine," and anga, meaning "limbs."

Interestingly, no detailed description of abhyanga is found in ancient texts, but the Atharva Veda describes a method similar to modern techniques of rubbing with perfumed oils (Book IV Hymn 13).

Mukha Abhyanga is a type of Ayurvedic facial massage that aims to relax the facial muscles, increase blood circulation and rejuvenate the skin. It uses special herbal oils to stimulate the facial marmas (vital energy points) and balance the body and mind, enhancing relaxation.

Nasal Oil Drops Nasya is one of the best-known Panchakarma therapies and is a comprehensive detoxification method that includes five different procedures. Nasya helps to cleanse the nasal passages and remove toxins from them. The nasal passages are considered to be the gateway to the head and brain. Therefore, it is important to cleanse this part of the body. Nasha procedures help to do this effectively. Nasya stimulates the brain and helps to reduce stress. It is also considered effective in treating hay fever and removing harmful substances from the air.

Karna Purana 

Ear Drops - Karna (Ear) Purana (Filling) Karuna prana is the pouring of warm oil into both ears.

From an Ayurvedic perspective, this treatment is highly effective due to the connection between the ears and Vata dosha (related to the element ether and air that we all carry within us).

From a physiological perspective, tiny bones called ossicles in the inner ear stimulate nerve endings that send signals to the brain. When these bones of the inner ear dry out, the function of hearing is reduced.

The Tridosha theory is a central concept in Ayurvedic medicine and embodies a simple yet profound view of health. It states that all bodily functions are governed by three basic energies: Vata (air and space), Pitta (fire and water), and Kapha (water and earth). These energies, or doshas, are present in every individual in varying proportions and are responsible for the diversity of human physiques, temperaments, and susceptibility to diseases.

Vata Dosha: Formed from the elements of air and space, Vata is the principle of movement in the body. It governs all physical and mental movements, including breathing, heartbeat, muscle and tissue movement, and even thought processes. Vata is associated with qualities such as coldness, lightness, dryness, irregularity, and mobility. When in balance, Vata promotes creativity and flexibility, but when out of balance, it can cause fear, anxiety, and physical and mental restlessness.

Pitta Dosha: Comprised of the elements of fire and water, Pitta is the principle of transformation or metabolism. It governs digestion, absorption, assimilation, nutrition, metabolism, and body temperature. The qualities of Pitta include heat, lightness, intensity, penetrating, stimulating, sharpness, and acidity. When pitta is in balance, it enhances intelligence and understanding. When out of balance, it can lead to anger, hatred, and jealousy.

Kapha Dosha: Kapha is a combination of the elements water and earth, which represents the structure and lubrication principle of the body. Kapha provides the physical form, structure, and smooth functioning of the entire body. Kapha is characterized by qualities such as cold, dampness, heavy, sluggish, steady, and stable. When in balance, Kapha is expressed as love, calm, and tolerance. When out of balance, it can lead to attachment, greed, and jealousy.

Yoga: its origins, history and development

Brahmin, in various cultural and religious contexts such as Buddhism, Vaishnavism, Purana, Natyashastra, and Ayurveda, refers to a member of the highest caste in India, traditionally associated with priesthood, spiritual learning, and ritual duties. This caste is responsible for conducting important ceremonies, offering guidance, and preserving sacred traditions. Brahmins play significant roles as scholars, priests, and spiritual leaders, often linked to Vedic teachings and the performance of rituals essential to Hindu society.

Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of Shiva Lingams all over the country. Shiva Lingams are very powerful and are considered to be the source of all solutions. Originally there was no mention of idol worship or temples in the Vedas. As time passed, people needed an idol to worship as God and they couldn't concentrate otherwise so the concept of temples started.

Why milk is offered to Lord Shiva?

When we see Lord Shiva, it has to do with the 12 Jyotir Lingams that are seen all over the country. We have discussed about these Jyotir Lingams in our previous post. These Jyotir Lingams are made by Lord Shiva himself. Lord Shiva appeared in these places and created these Lingams so that devotees could worship Lord Shiva. Devotees can have no problem understanding who Lord Shiva actually is.

After these Jyotir Lingams were created, temples were built around them. These Lingams are placed in the most reverent part of the temple and anyone who enters this room is filled with positive energy and devotees can feel it as soon as they enter this room.

The temple was built with the idea that those who come there will feel inner peace and find solutions to their problems. When you are filled with positive energy, you can give it to others and feel it in all aspects of your life.

Milk is also a very good conductor of positive energy. The aim was to make all the elements come together so that the devotee's experience is increased by the effect of the positive energy inside and outside the temple. The devotee must receive the positive energy and feel it within himself.

Those who are deep in meditation and can feel the presence of God do not need to perform these rituals. These are for those who cannot meditate and need something to feel closer to God. When a devotee visits a Shiva temple after bathing and offers milk to Lord Shiva, he is actually allowing the positive energy surrounding Lord Shiva to flow into his body.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a classic herb used in traditional Ayurvedic Rasayana therapy as a longevity tonic and to promote a sense of well-being, balanced energy levels and overall health. Ashwagandha is considered the king of herbs, Shatavari is the queen. 

Typical Ayurvedic Herbs

Cumin
Manjistha (Indian Madder)
Boswellia (Olibanum or Indian Frankincense)
Licorice root
Ashwagandha
Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri)
Ajwain (Spice for Fried Foods like Samosa)
Turmeric
Neem (Sandalwood)
Cardamom
Bitter melon
Gotu kola

*Consider consulting your doctor before starting a new diet or applying herbs or spices to your skin. Some experts warn that certain Ayurvedic medicinal preparations may contain toxic levels of arsenic, mercury and lead.

Ashwagandha, also known by popular names such as Indian ginseng, Indian winter cherry, and poison gooseberry, is a powerful immune boosting remedy. This herb is a powerful adaptogen, i.e. a non-toxic herb, that helps normalize all bodily functions by acting on the HPA axis and the neuroendocrine system.

Ashwagandha is scientifically called Withania somnifera. "Somnifera" means "sleep-inducing," and this drug is a powerful sedative that helps treat sleep disorders such as insomnia.

Ashwagandha is a perennial shrub native mainly to India, the Mediterranean region, and parts of Africa, and grows up to 1.5 meters tall. The leaves are egg-shaped, elliptical, and dull green in color. The plant produces small, bell-shaped yellow flowers that slowly ripen into orange-red berries.

Ashwagandha is widely mentioned in various traditional texts of Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Chinese medicine due to its wide range of health benefits. In ancient Ayurvedic scriptures, the plant was named "Ashwagandha" meaning "smell of horse" because the root of the plant smells like horse urine. It is also called Ashvakandika, Asgandha, Gandhapatri and Parashaparni. These synonyms are related to horses and this herb is known as a powerful aphrodisiac and is said to increase the stamina of horses.

Shilajit is a dark brown sticky substance found mainly in rocks in the Himalayas. Its color ranges from white to dark brown (mostly dark brown). Shilajit is often used in Ayurvedic medicine. Shilajit is highly valued in Ayurveda and is used in most prescriptions as a strength enhancer, vitality enhancer, weakness destroyer, and metal nutrient.

It is generally taken by dissolving shilajit in a glass of water and drinking it.

It is very effective and safe and can have a positive effect on your overall health. Shilajit is effective for low testosterone, Alzheimer's disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, iron deficiency anemia, male infertility, and heart.