Glossary of Ayurvedic Terms - V

Vaisheshika

It is one of the six orthodox schools of the Indian philosophy, founded by kanada. The word means excellence or distinction.

Vamana

It is therapeutic vomiting.

Vamanopaga

These are the natural substances that are used for the stimulation of vomiting.

Varnya

These are the substances that improve the complexion of the body, its color, skin, hair and eyes also.

Vata

It refers to one of the three humors, the force that keeps pitta, kapha, all the seven dhatus and the malas in motion.

Vedas

It is a Sanskrit word meaning knowledge. Vedas are the oldest source of universal knowledge, which bloomed in the Indian culture centuries ago by rishis and holy saints. The four Vedas namely, Rig-Veda, Yajur Veda, Athrva Veda and Sam Veda have answers to mostly all the questions relating to life and living.

Vikriti

It is the modification; imbalance or disease.

Vilepi;

semi solid preparation of rice It is included in the Kritanna varga i.e. the group of prepared foods. The boiled rice with more solid portion and less of fluid is called vilepi. This is easily digestible by even weak and emaciated. It is also effective for anorexia.

Vipaka;

After digestion change of taste The food we take is acted upon by jatharagni(digestive activity) and the taste of the food changes. The original rasa(taste) changes to vipaka(new or same taste.

Virudhahar;

Incompatible food It means anything (food, drink, activities) when combined with other thing (food, drink, activities) causes imbalance of doshas and leads to disease.

Virechan

It is the medicated purgation; one of the pancha karma cleansing processes

Virecanopaga

These are the purgatives assisting the elimination of the doshas form the vital organs and helps the system get rid of the ama.

Visarga kala;

second half of the year It starts from mid-July to mid –January. The rtus included are varsha rtu (mid july – mid September), Sharad rtu (mid September- mid November) and Hemant rtu (mid November- mid January). During this half of the year the sun and wind are not too strong. The rays of moon are strong giving coolness in this half.

Vishmagni:

irregular digestive activity The aggravated vata leads to Vismagni. The digestion becomes irregular and can lead to indigestion.

Vyana

It is one of the five subtypes of vata and regulates the circulation of blood in the body, the nervous system, muscular functions and the skeletal system in the body.

Vagabhatta

A famous personality in the history of Ayurveda wrote Astanga Sangraha and Astanga Hrdya.

Vaidya

Ayurvedic doctor

Vajikarana

The science of aphrodisiac, producing virility.

Vamana

The act of vomiting, emesis.

Vanaspati

A tree, shrub or plant.

Varuna

God of waters, sea, rivers.

Vibhitaka

Belliric myrobalan, Latin name: Terminalia bellirica.

Vidahi

Heat, burning, inflammation, acid.

Virya

Potency, power, vigor, semen.

Visada

Clear, pure, spotless, shining.

Visesa

Opposite, different, not similar.

Vismagni

Irregular digestive fire, unstable digestive fire.

Visravana

To let flow, to let spread.

Vyakta

Visible, specific.