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Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Review on the concept of nidra�. 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) Nidra:
Nidra, or sleep, is considered one of the three Upastambha, or sub-pillars, in Ayurveda, essential for maintaining health. It represents a physiological state of rest for the body, mind, and sense organs, crucial for recovery, rejuvenation, and overall well-being, influencing happiness, vitality, and longevity.

2) Acarya:
Acarya refers to revered teachers or scholars in Ayurveda, like Caraka, Sushruta, and Vagbhata, who authored foundational texts on herbal medicine, diet, and lifestyle. Their teachings guide practitioners in understanding health dynamics, treatment methodologies, and holistic health principles that remain integral to Ayurvedic practice today.

3) Dosha (Dosa):
Dosha encompasses the three fundamental bio-energetic principles—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—that govern physiological and psychological functions. An imbalance in these doshas is believed to lead to disease, and understanding their dynamics is critical for diagnosis, treatment, and maintaining individual health according to Ayurvedic philosophy.

4) Kapha:
Kapha is one of the three doshas, associated with water and earth elements, that provides structure, stability, and lubrication in the body. Its characteristics include heaviness, solidity, and endurance. Maintaining Kapha balance promotes vitality and prevents disorders like obesity and respiratory issues.

5) Vata:
Vata, the dosha linked to air and space elements, governs movement, communication, and the nervous system. It is characterized by qualities such as lightness, dryness, and mobility. A balanced Vata supports creativity and enthusiasm, while its imbalance can cause anxiety, insomnia, and digestive issues.

6) Caraka:
Caraka refers to Caraka Samhita, an influential ancient Ayurvedic text attributed to the sage Caraka. It covers comprehensive treatment philosophies, detailed herbal remedies, and principles of health, serving as a foundational reference for Ayurvedic practitioners in understanding diseases and their therapeutic interventions.

7) Disease:
Diseases, in Ayurvedic context, occur due to the disruption of the body's natural balance among the three doshas. Ayurvedic texts categorize numerous ailments, analyzing their symptoms, causes, and suggesting tailored therapies which can include herbal treatments, dietary changes, and lifestyle modifications.

8) Ritu (Rtu):
Ritu refers to seasons in Ayurveda, which significantly influence health and the body's dosha balance. Seasonal changes affect dietary and lifestyle choices, as different environments call for specific practices to maintain dosha equilibrium and prevent disorders associated with seasonal impacts.

9) Kaphadosha (Kaphadosa, Kapha-dosha):
Kaphadosha governs stability and emotional aspects in Ayurveda. An imbalance can lead to conditions like obesity; thus, dietary measures focusing on incorporating light foods are essential for reestablishing Kapha balance.

10) Grishma (Grisma):
Grishma refers to the summer season in Ayurveda, where increased heat influences Vata and Pitta doshas. Ayurvedic practices advocate for cooling foods and activities during Grishma to maintain homeostasis and prevent dosha-related health issues arising from the heat.

11) Life:
In Ayurveda, life is perceived as a balance of physical health, mental well-being, and spiritual harmony. Living in alignment with natural principles, including diet, seasonal changes, and lifestyle adaptations, is considered essential for achieving a fulfilling, healthy, and balanced life.

12) Guna:
Guna refers to fundamental qualities that characterize all living entities and their actions, including Sattva (goodness), Rajas (passion), and Tamas (ignorance). These qualities influence personality traits, behaviors, and health and are crucial in determining individual treatment approaches in Ayurveda.

13) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is an ancient holistic healing system focusing on wholeness and balance of body, mind, and spirit. It combines natural remedies, lifestyle adjustments, and dietary guidelines to promote health, prevent disease, and enhance overall well-being in line with individual constitution.

14) Pitta:
Pitta is the dosha associated with fire and water, governing digestion, metabolism, and energy transformation. Its characteristics include heat, intensity, and brightness. Maintaining a balance of Pitta is vital for optimal functioning, as its imbalance can lead to inflammation and irritability.

15) Vatadosha (Vatadosa, Vata-dosha):
Vata-dosha, representing air and space, regulates movement in the body, including nerve impulses and circulation. An imbalance leads to issues like dry skin, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. Ayurvedic practices focus on lifestyle adjustments and dietary strategies to balance Vata.

16) Vagbhata:
Vagbhata, an ancient Ayurvedic sage, is known for texts like Ashtanga Hridayam, which integrate medical knowledge with philosophy. His contributions emphasize comprehensive healthcare approaches, marrying herbal remedies with the understanding of doshas and patient-centered care.

17) Sharira (Sarira):
Sharira refers to the physical body in Ayurveda, an integral aspect of human existence. Its health is maintained through a balance of the doshas, dhatus, and agni, which together influence physical vitality, structural integrity, and overall wellness.

18) Mana:
Mana signifies the mind or consciousness in Ayurveda, crucial for mental health and emotional balance. Its activities influence physical and mental functions, where a balanced mind cultivates positive health outcomes, whereas imbalance leads to stress and disorders.

19) Nidranasha (Nidranasa, Nidra-nasha):
Nidra-nasha refers to insomnia or sleep disturbances in Ayurveda, often considered a pathological condition. The aim is to address the root causes through lifestyle adjustments and holistic treatments to restore restful sleep.

20) Kala:
Kala means time in Ayurveda, influencing dietary and lifestyle practices according to seasons or life stages. Understanding Kala helps tailor individual approaches to maintain health and balance within the natural rhythms of life.

21) Avastha:
Avastha refers to different states of consciousness or existence. In Ayurveda, understanding the transition between states like waking, dreaming, and deep sleep (Nidra) illuminates the relationship between mental health and overall well-being.

22) Agantuki:
Agantuki refers to an unnatural or external condition affecting the body, such as sleep disturbances or diseases caused by external factors. It necessitates distinct treatment approaches focusing on restoring balance disrupted by these external influences.

23) Food:
Food encompasses not just sustenance but also plays a critical role in maintaining health in Ayurveda. The quality, type, and timing of food intake influence the doshas and overall vitality, providing nutrition essential for life and wellness.

24) Diet:
Diet in Ayurveda is tailored with respect to individual constitution (Prakriti) and the seasons (Ritu). A balanced diet supports digestion (Agni), optimizes doshas, and promotes health, while imbalances can lead to various ailments and discomfort.

25) Upastambha (Upashtambha):
Upastambha means sub-pillars of health, including Nidra (sleep), Ahara (food), and Brahmacharya (celibacy). Together, they support the primary pillars of life (Traya-stambha), emphasizing a balanced approach to health and wellness in Ayurvedic teachings.

26) Angamarda (Anga-marda, Amgamarda):
Angamarda refers to body aches and discomfort often resulting from imbalances between doshas or other health issues. It signifies the importance of addressing underlying conditions affecting physical well-being through dietary and lifestyle interventions to restore balance.

27) Shleshma (Slesma):
Shleshma denotes the quality associated with Kapha dosha, representing nurturing elements in the body. An imbalance may lead to congestion and heaviness; thus, balancing Shleshma with specific dietary and lifestyle practices is essential for maintaining health.

28) Indriya (Imdriya):
Indriya refers to the sense organs responsible for perception and interaction with the environment. In Ayurveda, their health is paramount, influencing the mind and overall body function, highlighting the holistic connection between sensory input and health outcomes.

29) Shrama (Srama):
Shrama means fatigue or exertion and indicates the importance of restoring energy balance after physical or mental labor. In Ayurveda, proper rest, sleep (Nidra), and nutrition are essential to recover from Shrama and maintain overall vitality.

30) Ahara:
Ahara signifies food intake in Ayurveda, which is critical for sustaining life and health. Proper Ahara nourishes the body, supports digestion (Agni), and helps maintain dosha balance, playing a pivotal role in preventing diseases and promoting well-being.

31) Pittadosha (Pittadosa, Pitta-dosha):
Pittadosha is the bio-energetic principle associated with heat, metabolism, and transformation. Balancing Pittadosha through diet and lifestyle choices is essential for preventing inflammatory conditions related to excess heat.

32) Lakshana (Laksana):
Lakshana refers to characteristics or symptoms associated with diseases in Ayurveda. Recognizing Lakshana informs practitioners in diagnosing conditions and tailoring treatment strategies that address root imbalances and promote healing.

33) Pushti (Pusti):
Pushti symbolizes nourishment and vitality in Ayurveda. It emphasizes the importance of adequate nutrition, healthy habits, and balanced living to foster physical strength, resilience, and overall well-being.

34) Tandra (Tamdra):
Tandra indicates drowsiness or a state of mental dullness, often linked to imbalances in doshas or lifestyle factors. Ayurvedic practices aim to rejuvenate the mind and restore alertness through appropriate rest, diet, and therapies.

35) Sukha:
Sukha denotes happiness and comfort in Ayurveda, essential for mental and emotional well-being. Cultivating Sukha requires balancing lifestyle, diet, and emotional health to promote contentment and resist the effects of stress and adversity.

36) Bhutadhatri (Bhuta-dhatri):
Bhutadhatri signifies the nurturing aspect of sleep in Ayurveda. Like a mother (dhatri), sleep supports biological and emotional health, providing necessary rest and renewal, essential for maintaining balance and vitality.

37) Suffering:
Suffering in Ayurveda arises from imbalances in doshas, stressors, and lack of harmony in life. The aim of Ayurvedic treatment is to alleviate suffering by re-establishing balance, addressing both physical ailments and emotional distress.

38) Cakrapani (Cakra-pani):
Cakrapani refers to a renowned commentator on Ayurveda, known for elucidating the texts of Caraka and Sushruta. His interpretations help modern practitioners understand ancient principles and applications effectively, bridging tradition with contemporary medical knowledge.

39) Tridosha (Tridosa, Tri-dosha):
Tridosha encompasses the three fundamental bodily energies—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—that interact to influence physiological and psychological processes. The balance of Tridosha is paramount in Ayurveda, guiding diagnosis and treatment approaches for maintaining health.

40) Jagarana:
Jagarana denotes wakefulness or staying awake. In Ayurveda, excessive Jagarana can lead to an imbalance of doshas (especially Vata), promoting health issues. Balanced sleep patterns are emphasized for well-being and rejuvenation.

41) Atinidra:
Atinidra refers to excessive sleep that may disrupt health balance, leading to imbalances in Kapha and overall energy levels. Ayurveda focuses on moderating sleep patterns to maintain vitality and prevent adverse health effects.

42) Prakriti (Prakrti):
Prakriti pertains to an individual's innate constitution, shaped by the balance of doshas at birth. Understanding one's Prakriti facilitates tailored health and lifestyle approaches, promoting harmony with nature and reducing disease susceptibility.

43) Dharana:
Dharana refers to the suppression of natural urges, such as the need for sleep. Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of listening to the body's natural rhythms, as ignoring these urges can lead to imbalances and health issues.

44) Jrimbha (Jrmbha):
Jrimbha denotes yawning, often indicating fatigue or drowsiness. In Ayurveda, Jrimbha serves as an important signal of the body's need for rest, emphasizing the balance between activity and recovery for optimal health.

45) Tamasa (Tamasha):
Tamasa is associated with darkness, ignorance, and heaviness, reflecting the qualities of the Tamoguna. In Ayurveda, an excess of Tamasa can lead to lethargy and disconnection from consciousness, necessitating lifestyle adjustments to encourage balance.

46) Sugar:
Sugar is considered in Ayurveda according to its effects on health, with moderation emphasized. Excessive sugar intake may disrupt digestive balance and aggravate conditions related to Pitta and Kapha doshas.

47) Death:
Death in Ayurveda is perceived as a natural transition influenced by physical, emotional, and spiritual factors. A balanced life aligned with nature's principles is essential for promoting longevity and preventing premature death.

48) Visha (Visa):
Visha translates to poison or toxins in Ayurveda, which adversely affect bodily functions. Eliminating Visha through detoxification practices and herbal remedies is crucial for restoring health and balance within the system.

49) Roga:
Roga means disease in Ayurveda, signifying an imbalance of doshas, dhatus or agni. Recognizing Roga involves understanding symptoms and patterns of disturbance, guiding practitioners in establishing effective treatment strategies.

50) Bramhacarya:
Bramhacarya refers to celibacy or the preservation of vital energy, viewed as one of the three Upastambhas essential for maintaining health. It emphasizes moderation in sensual pleasures to contribute positively to mental and physical well-being.

51) Dhatusamya (Dhatu-samya):
Dhatusamya represents the balance of dhatus or bodily tissues, vital for health in Ayurveda. Achieving Dhatusamya ensures optimal physiological function and resilience against diseases, highlighting the interdependence of nutrition, lifestyle, and health.

52) Knowledge:
Knowledge in Ayurveda encompasses understanding the principles of health, disease, and therapeutic modalities. It empowers practitioners to deliver personalized care, facilitating healing through informed choices in diet, lifestyle, and treatment strategies.

53) Langhana (Lamghana):
Langhana denotes the practice of fasting or food restriction, used to alleviate excessive Kapha or Pitta imbalances. It is an important therapeutic approach in Ayurveda, promoting detoxification and improving digestion by balancing doshic influence.

54) Hridaya (Hrdaya):
Hridaya signifies the heart or seat of consciousness in Ayurveda. It plays a key role in emotional health and vitality, where balance in emotions influences overall health, stressing the emotional aspect of physical well-being.

55) Prakopa:
Prakopa refers to the aggravation or increase of doshas due to various factors. Ayurveda emphasizes identifying the root causes of Prakopa and re-establishing balance through appropriate dietary and lifestyle modifications to promote health.

56) Karshya (Karsya, Kashrya):
Karshya signifies emaciation or weakness resulting from malnutrition or dosha imbalances. Addressing Karshya involves therapeutic interventions to enhance nutrition, restore vitality, and improve overall health and body condition.

57) Cikitsa:
Cikitsa refers to treatment in Ayurveda, involving various modalities, including herbal remedies, dietary adjustments, and lifestyle changes. It aims to restore balance, health, and harmony within an individual, guiding them towards optimal well-being.

58) Burning (Burn, Burned, Burnt):
Burning may refer to sensations resulting from imbalances in Pitta dosha within Ayurvedic context, leading to inflammation or discomfort. Thus, maintaining a balanced Pitta through cool diets and lifestyle is essential for mitigating such effects.

59) Vamana:
Vamana is a therapeutic method in Ayurveda involving induced vomiting to eliminate excess Kapha and toxins. It is part of Panchakarma treatments aimed at detoxification and restoring doshic harmony.

60) Klanta (Klamta):
Klanta denotes fatigue or exhaustion resulting from physical or mental exertion. Ayurveda emphasizes rest and recuperation to counter Klanta, maintaining vitality and preventing health issues associated with prolonged fatigue.

61) Vyadhin (Vyadhi):
Vyadhi signifies disease or disorder in Ayurveda, arising from imbalances in doshas, diet, lifestyle, or emotional states. Understanding Vyadhi informs diagnosis and treatment strategies aimed at restoring health through natural remedies and personalized care.

62) Reason:
Reason encompasses the underlying causes or factors contributing to health and disease states. Ayurveda emphasizes identifying reasons for imbalances to devise effective treatment strategies, promoting health and preventing disease.

63) Summer:
Summer is the Grishma ritu or season, influencing bodily functions and health. Ayurveda recommends specific practices, including cooling foods and hydration, to adapt to summer's heat and maintain doshic balance.

64) Satva (Shatva):
Satva refers to clarity, balance, and purity, one of the three Gunas. Its predominance contributes to mental clarity, calmness, and overall well-being, contrasting with the disturbances caused by Rajas and Tamas.

65) Dhatu:
Dhatus signify bodily tissues essential for health and vitality in Ayurveda. Ensuring the balance and nourishment of Dhatus is paramount for maintaining overall well-being and bodily functions.

66) Kumar:
Kumar may refer to a youthful individual or the developmental stage of life, where health and lifestyle choices significantly influence future well-being. Ayurveda guides youth towards healthy practices for nurturing growth and vitality.

67) Shiras (Siras, Siro, Shirash):
Shiro refers to the head, encompassing aspects of cognition and mental clarity. In Ayurveda, addressing Shiro health is essential for maintaining overall well-being, as imbalances can lead to headaches and other cognitive disturbances.

68) Tama:
Tama represents darkness, chaos, and ignorance linked to the Tamoguna. Excessive Tama influences lethargy and negativity, highlighting the need for balancing with Sattva and Rajas for mental clarity and energy.

69) Rasa (Rasha):
Rasa signifies taste and the essence of food in Ayurveda, crucial for digestion and enjoyment. Each Rasa influences dosha balance and overall health, guiding dietary choices to sustain well-being.

70) Bala:
Bala means strength or vitality in Ayurveda. It's essential for resilience and health, balanced through adequate nutrition, lifestyle practices, and proper rest to maintain robust health and immunity.

71) Vega:
Vega denotes urgency or the pressing need for bodily urges, such as sleep. Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of responding to Vega to maintain balance, health, and well-being.

72) Rupa:
Rupa signifies form or appearance in Ayurveda, reflecting health and vitality. It denotes the integral relationship between physical appearance, emotional state, and wellness, guiding treatment approaches towards optimal body condition.

73) Fear:
Fear is an emotional state that can disrupt mental calmness and overall health. Ayurveda explores the connection between emotional well-being and physical health, encouraging practices to reduce fear and promote emotional balance.

74) Seat (Seated):
Seat may refer to the position or state of balance in Ayurveda. It symbolizes the importance of being grounded and centered for ensuring mental and emotional stability, crucial in health practice.

75) Akshigaurava (Aksigaurava, Akshi-gaurava):
Akshigaurava indicates heaviness in the eyes, often resulting from fatigue or imbalance in doshas. Ayurveda emphasizes eye care and rest to restore clarity and counteract discomfort and strains.

[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 255]