Ayurveda and Traditional Medicine of India

These flashcards cover key concepts, terms, and principles of Ayurveda and traditional Indian medicine, providing a comprehensive study tool for exam preparation.

Ayurveda

A holistic system of health and wellness originating from ancient India.

Dosha

The three fundamental energies in Ayurveda: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, each representing different physical and mental characteristics.

Panchamahabhutas

The five basic elements in Ayurveda: Akash (ether), Vayu (air), Agni (fire), Prithvi (earth), Jala (water).

Sattva Guna

A quality characterized by purity, knowledge, and lightness, associated with clarity and good health.

Rajas Guna

The quality of action and passion, linked to desires and ambitions, can lead to psychological disorders when imbalanced.

Tamas Guna

The quality of ignorance and inertia, associated with heaviness and disturbances in mind activities.

Charaka Samhita

An ancient Hindu medical text, written around 1000 B.C., outlining ideal characteristics of a medical student.

Sushruta Samhita

Another ancient medical text, written around 600 B.C., focusing on anatomy and surgical techniques.

Genetic diseases

Diseases caused by mutations or chromosomal abnormalities, potentially influenced by factors during pregnancy.

Congenital diseases

Diseases resulting from factors affecting the development of the fetus during pregnancy.

Constitutional diseases

Diseases caused by imbalances in the doshas, affecting physical or mental health.

Eightfold Examination

A method used in Ayurveda to assess health, including pulse testing, skin examination, and analyzing urine.

Shadrasa

The six tastes in Ayurveda: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent, and astringent, which influence health and dosha balance.

Vata Type

An Ayurvedic body type characterized by predominance of air and ether; typically thin, quick, and active.

Pitta Type

An Ayurvedic body type characterized by predominance of fire and water; often medium build, intelligent, and assertive.

Kapha Type

An Ayurvedic body type characterized by predominance of water and earth; generally larger-framed, slow, and steady.

Plant treatments

Ayurvedic practices using plants to balance doshas and restore health.