Glossary of Ayurvedic Terms - P

commonest meanings defined in simplest way.

[Index]  [A]  [B]  [C]  [D]  [E]  [G]  [H]  [I]  [J]
[K]  [L]  [M]  [N]  [O]  [P]  [R]  [S]  [T]  [U]  [V]  [Y] 

 

Pachaka

It is the combination of bile and pancreatic juices located in an area between the stomach and the duodenum. It is one of the five subtypes of pitta and when malfunctions it causes burning sensation, increases appetitie, thirst, insomnia and jaundice,

Pachaniya

These are the natural substances that help in proper digestion.

Paka

It is a Sanskrit word meaning decoction, boiling, and fermentation.

Panchakarma

According to ayurveda this refers to the five cleansing therapies i.e. vaman, virechan, basti, nasya and rakta moksha. In literal terms these internal purification refer to vomiting, purgation, decoction enema, oily enema, and nasal medications. Read More>>>>

Pitta

It is one of the three doshas i.e. the bile humor, entire hormones, enzymes, coenzymes and agencies responsible for the physiochemical processes of the body.

Prakopa

(Abnormal increase) Charaka describes Prakopa as second stage in the pathogenesis of any disease. The unbalanced dosha

Prakruti

According to the Samkhya definition this means unconscious, inherent relationship between self and matter. In other words it means one's life consumption. Read More>>>>

Prana [vata]

Literally meaning outgoing moving air, this is first of the five-vayu subdoshas and is responsible for respiratory functions and regulating inhalation.

Pranayama

It is a breathing exercise for purifying the blood and vitalizing the inner organs. The three aspects of this exercise are inhalation, retention and exhalation with the aim of increasing the span of each aspect and more controlled.

Pratyahara

It is the fifth stage of yoga and means withdrawal and liberation of mind from the sense sand the objects.

Prayatna

It is a Sanskrit word meaning effort. Effort of vata is light, rapid whereas pitta's effort is sharp, penetrating and skillful and kapha's effort is heavy, dull and sleepy.

Puraka

It is the inhalation aspect of pranayama i.e. the in breathing process.

Panir

A type of fresh cheese made by curdling milk.

Para-ojas

High quality or superior vital fluid located in the heart. Read More about Ojas>>>>

Pariksa

Examination, inspection or investigation.

Pascata karma

Post action, therapies induced after the main action (therapy).

Peya

Rice gruel or any drink mixed with a small quantity of boiled rice.

Pichila

Slimy, lubricous, slippery, smeary.

Pippali

Long pepper, Latin name: Piper longum.

Pitta

Fire, bile, one of the three main biological energy in the body.

Prabhava

Effect, prominent, peculiar or special action of an herb.

Prajna

Wisdom, intelligence, knowledge.

Prajnaparadha

Not using intellect, offending the wisdom.

Prakopa

Vitiation, aggravation.

Prapti

Obtaining, attaining.