Glossary of Ayurvedic Terms - M

Madhyama

In Sanskrit this word means trunk of the body. In ayurvedic terminology it refers to the sound rising form the heart that is felt by the ears and not heard.

Majja

It means the bone marrow. Being one of the seven dhatus it is soft and has the main function of filling up the asthi and nourishing the shukra.

Malas

It means the waste products that are excreted out of the body by some or the other phenomenon. It primarily includes urine, feces and sweat.

Madh

Honey - Madhu is sweet in taste and non-ctuous. It increases vata, heals wounds, good for cough, dyspnoea and also for vision.

Mantram

These are the sacred words or phrases that have a spiritual significance and power. These are of two types: one that is expressed or said by voice and are heard whereas others are non- uttered but are repeated internally.

Marmas

These are the nerve crossings where nerves come to the fascia and relate to the vital human body organs. Marmas are the 365 vital energy points in the body of which 108 are of great importance in ayurveda. They are also called door receptors.

Maya

Literal meaning is illusion whereas in spiritual terms it refers to god's creative energy, cosmic illusion. The illusion here is not an illusion in terms of it being unreal but in terms of the divine acts, sport or lila played by the cosmic deities.

Meda

It is the fat tissue supported by mamsa dhatu. The main function of this one of the seven bodily tissues is to support the human body and lubricate it. Meda's presence in excess can cause obesity and physical weakness.

Moksha

It means liberation, freedom in every aspect and every way of life.

Madakari

That which causes intoxication.

Madanaphala

Emetic nut, Latin name: Randia spinosa.

Madhura

Sweet taste of flavor, pleasant, charming, delightful.

Madya

Any intoxicating drink or substance.

Mahabhuta

Big elements, gross elements, being great.

Mahad tattva

Intellect, great principle.

Majja-vaha srotas

Channels transporting bone marrow.

Malinikarana

The act making impure, staining.

Mamsa-vaha srotas

Channels transporting muscles.

Manas

Mind.

Manda

Slow.

Manda;

Rice preparation The drained water after boiling rice resembling thin fluid is called manda. It helps in easy digestion of food and eases bowel movements. It also relieves thirst and exahustion.

Mandagni

Weakened state of digestive fire.

Medha

Mental power, intelligence, wisdom, and prudence.

Medo-vaha srotas

Channels transporting fatty tissue.

Medya

That which enhances wisdom, mental power and intelligence.

Mithya-yoga

Wrong use, wrong employment.

Matsaya

Fish

Moong ki daal

A variety of green dry beans used for cooking or making sprouts.

Mrudu

Soft, delicate, tender.

Mudra

A sign, position, image commonly practiced in Yoga or religious worship.

Mutra

Urine.

Mutra-vaha srotas

Channels transporting the urine.