आ - Ā

  आंगिरसी (Āṅgirasī)   :   One of the four categories of medicinal plants described in the Atharva Veda, named after the sage Aṅgirā. These plants are often associated with potent, sometimes fiery, therapeutic properties.

   आकांक्षा (Ākāṅkṣā)   :   Desire; longing; an earnest wish or craving.

   आकाश (Ākāśa)   :   1. Space; the subtle and ethereal element (Mahābhūta) that is all-pervading, provides room for other elements to exist, and is the medium for sound. 2. Sky; ether.

   आकाशीय द्रव्य (Ākāśīya Dravya)   :   Substances in which the Ākāśa (Space/Ether) Mahābhūta is predominant. These are typically light, subtle, porous, and expansive in nature.

   आकुंचनम् (Ākuñcanam)   :   Contraction; the process of drawing in, shortening, or constricting (e.g., of a muscle or organ).

   आकुलता (Ākulatā)   :   Agitation; perplexity; a state of mental confusion, disturbance, or being flustered.

   आकूजनम् (Ākūjanam)   :   Cooing (like a pigeon); a soft, mournful sound; lamenting.

   आकृष्ट (Ākṛṣṭa)   :   Collected; gathered; refers to the procurement and collection of raw materials for medicinal use.

   आकृष्य (Ākṛṣya)   :   A process of extraction; a method to draw out or isolate specific components from a substance.

   आक्रोशनम् (Ākrośanam)   :   Wailing; crying out loudly; vehement shouting or scolding.

   आक्षेप (Ākṣepa)   :   1. (Medical) Convulsion; spasm; a sudden, violent, involuntary muscular contraction. 2. (General) Harassment; pulling towards.

   आगन्तु: व्रण: (Āgantuḥ Vraṇaḥ)   :   A traumatic wound; an injury caused by an external agent (e.g., cut, burn, fracture) as opposed to an endogenous disease.

   आगन्तुकी (Āgantukī)   :   Adventitious; accidental; incidental; originating from an external source.

   आगन्तुजरोग (Āgantujaroga)   :   Exogenous diseases; disorders caused by external factors such as trauma, toxins, microorganisms, and injuries.

   आगम (Āgama)   :   Authoritative testimony; scriptural evidence; knowledge derived from time-tested, reliable texts and expert opinions. It is one of the valid means of knowledge (Pramāṇa).

   आगारधूमाभम् (Āgāradhūmābham)   :   Having a smoky colour or appearance, like that of smoke from a house.

   आगारसन्निभम् (Āgārasannibham)   :   Resembling a house in shape or colour; sometimes interpreted as a smoky hue.

   आग्नेय (Āgneya)   :   Fiery; pertaining to or predominated by the Agni (Fire) Mahābhūta. It denotes heat, transformation, and sharpness.

   आचमन (Ācamana)   :   The ritual sipping of water for purification. It is performed before and after meals, rituals, and other activities to cleanse oneself mentally and physically.

   आचार (Ācāra)   :   Conduct; righteous behavior; the codes and customs prescribed for a healthy and virtuous life.

   आचार रसायन (Ācāra Rasāyana)   :   Behavioral Rasāyana (rejuvenation). A regimen of ethical and mental conduct (e.g., truthfulness, non-violence, calmness) that promotes mental and physical health and longevity.

   आचार विभ्रमं (Ācāra Vibhramam)   :   Improper or perverted conduct; behavior that deviates from righteous and healthy norms.

   आटोप (Āṭopa)   :   Distention; painful bloating or gaseous distension of the abdomen, often accompanied by rumbling sounds.

   आटोप सन्धि (Āṭopa Sandhi)   :   A crackling or crepitus sound in the joints.

   आढक (Āḍhaka)   :   A unit of measurement for both solids and liquids. Equivalent to 4 Prastha, approximately 3.073 kg or 3.073 liters.

   आतता त्वक् (Ātatā Tvak)   :   Stretched, tense, or taut skin.

   आतनता (Ātanatā)   :   The state of being stretched or extended.

   आत्मा (Ātmā)  :   The Soul; the conscious, immortal, and true Self that is distinct from the body, mind, and senses. It is the principle of life and consciousness.

   आत्मानमाभिसमीक्ष्य (Ātmānamābhisamīkṣya)   :   After due consideration of one's own self (constitution, digestive capacity, needs); to carefully assess what is suitable for oneself before acting, especially in regard to diet.

   आथर्वणी (Ātharvaṇī)   :   One of the four categories of medicinal plants described in the Atharva Veda, known for their potent and often magical or protective properties.

   आदंश (Ādaṁśa)   :   The area surrounding a bite or sting.

   आदंशशोफः (Ādaṁśaśophaḥ)   :   Swelling around the site of a bite or sting.

   आदान (Ādāna)   :   The northern solstice (Uttarāyaṇa); the six-month period from late winter to summer (Māgha to Āṣāḍha) when the sun's power draws moisture and strength from the body, leading to natural debilitation.

   आदाय (Ādāya)   :   Collecting; taking; refers to the act of gathering or procuring drugs.

   आदीप्तगुणदर्शनम् (Ādīptaguṇadarsanam)   :   Seeing objects with sun-like or intensely glowing qualities (a type of visual disturbance).

   आदीप्तरूपदर्शनम् (Ādīptarūpadarśanam)   :   Seeing objects that appear to be blazing or radiant.

   आद्यपुष्प (Ādyapuṣpa)   :   A specific group of flowers used in formulations: one part Sandalwood (Candana), one part Juniper (Vāri/Sugandhabalā), and three parts Saffron (Kuṅkuma).

   आधार (Ādhāra)   :   1. Base; foundation; support. 2. (Ayurvedic) The specific organs or structures that contain and support various bodily tissues and Doshas (e.g., Pakvāśaya is the ādhāra for Vāta).

   आधिदैविकः (तापः) (Ādhidaivikaḥ (Tāpaḥ))   :   Miseries or afflictions caused by divine or natural agencies beyond human control (e.g., natural disasters, extreme weather).

   आधिभौतिकः (तापः) (Ādhibhautikaḥ (Tāpaḥ)  :   Miseries or afflictions caused by other living beings (e.g., animals, insects, other people).

   आध्मातकन्धरा (Ādhmātakandharā)   :   A feeling of fullness, distention, or swelling in the neck.

   आध्मातग्रीवम् (Ādhmātagrīvam)   :   A feeling of fullness or distention in the neck region.

  आध्मातम् इव (Ādhmātam Iva)   :   A sensation as if inflated or bloated.

   आध्मानम् (Ādhmānam)   :   Flatulence; distention of the abdomen due to accumulated gas.

   आध्यात्म (Ādhyātma)   :   Pertaining to the self or the soul; the psycho-spiritual realm.

   आध्यात्मिक (तापः) (Ādhyātmikaḥ (Tāpaḥ))   :   Miseries or afflictions originating from within oneself, pertaining to the body and mind (e.g., physical illness, psychological disorders).

   आनतिग्रीवा (Ānati Grīvā)   :   Forward bending or drooping of the neck.

   आनद्धवस्ति: (Ānaddhavastiḥ)   :   Distension of the urinary bladder.

   आननम् (Ānanam)   :   The face; countenance.

   आनाह (Ānāha)   :   Severe constipation and obstruction; distention of the abdomen due to the non-evacuation of stool, flatus, and urine.

   आनील (Ānīla)   :   Bluish; light blue in colour.

   आनूप (Ānūpa)   :   Marshy land; a wetland ecosystem. Animals and plants from such regions have specific properties.

   आन्तरिक्ष उदक (Āntarikṣa Udaka)   :   Rainwater collected directly from the sky (before it hits the ground), considered the purest form of water.

   आन्त्र (Āntra)   :   The intestine; specifically, often refers to the small intestine.

   आप (Āpa)   :   1. Water. 2. The Jala (Water) Mahābhūta, characterized by liquidity, cohesion, and coolness.

   आपीनत्व (Āpīnatva)   :   Corpulence; obesity; a state of being well-filled or stout.

   आप्त (Āpta)   :   A reliable, trustworthy, and authoritative person (often a sage or realized being).

   आप्तवाक्यम् (Āptavākyam)   :   The authoritative statement or teaching of a reliable person (Āpta); a valid source of knowledge.

   आप्तोपदेशः (Āptopadeśaḥ)   :   Authoritative instruction; the unimpeachable teachings of enlightened beings; considered the primary proof for justifying knowledge in Ayurveda.

   आप्य द्रव्य (Āpya Dravya)   :   Substances in which the Jala (Water) Mahābhūta is predominant. They are typically liquid, cool, soft, and slimy.

   आभुग्नं (Ābhugnam)   :   Slightly bent or curved.

   आभ्यन्तर कण्डरा: (Ābhyantara Kaṇḍarāḥ)  :   Deep tendons; often referring to the flexor tendons within the hand or other parts of the body.

   आम (Āma)   :   1. Uncooked; unripe; immature. 2. (Clinical) A toxic, undigested residue formed due to impaired Agni (digestive fire). It is the root cause of many diseases, characterized by heaviness, lethargy, and coating on the tongue.

   आम पुरीषम् (Āma Purīṣam)   :   Stool containing undigested food matter; immature, foul-smelling, and improperly formed feces.

   आमगन्ध (Āmagandha)   :   The smell of raw flesh or uncooked meat.

   आमपक्वाशयः (Āmapakvāśayaḥ)   :   The gastrointestinal tract, encompassing both the stomach (where digestion begins - āma) and the intestines (where digestion is completed - pakva).

   आमपाक (Āmapāka)   :   The initial, incomplete stage of processing medicated oils/ghṛta where the ingredients are not fully integrated or "cooked."

   आममत्स्यगन्धम् (Āmamatsyagandham)   :   The smell of raw fish.

   आमलपाण्डु (Āmalapāṇḍu)   :   A pale, yellowish-white complexion, resembling the colour of an unripe Āmalakī fruit.

   आमविष (Āmaviṣa)   :   "Toxic-Āma"; a condition where improperly digested food (Āma) behaves like a poison in the body, causing toxemia and various systemic symptoms.

   आमाशयः (Āmāśayaḥ)   :   The stomach; literally "the receptacle for undigested food." It is a primary site of Kapha and the initial stage of digestion.

   आमिष (Āmiṣa)   :   1. Flesh; meat. 2. Commonly refers to non-vegetarian diet.

   आमिषम् इच्छा (Āmiṣam Icchā)   :   A desire or craving for meat.

   आयाम (Āyāma)   :   1. Length; extension. 2. Stretching or dilation (e.g., of a blood vessel).

   आयास (Āyāsa)   :   Physical exertion; fatigue; toil.

   आयास इच्छा (Āyāsa Icchā)   :   A desire for physical exercise or activity.

   आयु (Āyu)   :   Life; lifespan. Defined as the conjunction of the body, senses, mind, and soul (Śarīrendriyamanātmasaṁyoga).

   आयुर्वेद (Āyurveda)   :   The "Science of Life." The ancient Indian system of medicine that deals with what is beneficial (hita) and harmful (ahita) for a long, healthy life, encompassing both preventive and curative aspects.

   आयुष्यः (Āyuṣyaḥ)   :   Life-promoting; substances or practices that enhance longevity and vitality.

   आर (Āra)   :   A sharp, nail-like sting or spine (e.g., on a scorpion's tail).

   आरक्त छर्दि (Ārakta Chardi)   :   Hematemesis; vomiting of blood.

   आरम्भवाद (Ārambhavāda)   :   The philosophical doctrine which asserts that an effect is a new creation, not pre-existent in its cause.

   आरम्भसामर्थ्य (Ārambhasāmarthya)   :   The inherent capacity or potential of a substance to initiate a specific action.

   आरोग्य (Ārogya)   :   Health; freedom from disease. A state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease.

   आरोट (Āroṭa)   :   A specific pharmaceutical process involving the compounding of mercury with other substances to make it therapeutically potent and safe.

   आर्त स्वर (Ārta Svara)   :   A feeble, distressed, or pained voice.

   आर्तव (Ārtava)   :   1. Menstrual blood. 2. The ovum. It is an Upadhātu (secondary tissue) of Rasa Dhātu.

   आर्तवजनन (Ārtavajanana)   :   Emmenagogue; substances that stimulate and regulate menstrual flow.

   आर्तवशोणितम् (Ārtavaśoṇitam)   :   Menstrual blood.

   आर्तवह स्रोतांसि (Ārtavaha Srotāṁsi)   :   The channels (srotas) responsible for carrying and transporting menstrual fluid/ovum; physiologically correlating to the female reproductive system (uterus, fallopian tubes).

   आर्तवाघातम् (Ārtavāghātam)   :   Amenorrhea; suppression or obstruction of the menstrual flow.

   आर्दचर्मावनद्ध (Ārdracarmāvanaddha)   :   A sensation as if draped or bound in wet leather/cloth.

   आर्दिताकृतिकरण (Ārditākṛtikaraṇa)   :   Twisting or contortion of the face, resembling the appearance of facial paralysis (Ardita).

   आर्द्र (Ārdra)   :   1. Wet; moist; fresh. 2. (Pharmacy) Refers to the collection of herbal materials in their fresh, undried state.

   आलक्तकसन्निभम् (Ālaktakasannibham)   :   A colour resembling lac dye; a deep red colour.

   आलस्य (Ālasya)   :   Laziness; lethargy; indisposition to physical or mental exertion.

   आलाबुपुष्पसङ्काश (Ālābupuṣpasaṅkāśa)   :   Resembling the flower of the bottle gourd (Ālābu, *Lagenaria siceraria*); a pale white colour.

   आलालतन्तुबद्धम् इव (Ālālatantubaddham Iva)   :   Appearing as if strung together by threads of saliva; a stringy, salivary appearance.

   आलुंचनम् (Āluñcanam)   :   Tearing; pulling to pieces; lacerating.

   आलेपम् (Ālepam)  :   1. A coating; layer. 2. A topical application of a paste or poultice.

   आलेहम् (Āleham)   :   Licking; the act of consuming a substance by licking (a form of drug administration).

   आलोचक पित्त (Ālocaka Pitta)   :   The sub-type of Pitta located in the eyes. It is responsible for vision, visual perception, and the ability to distinguish form and colour.

   आवरणं (Āvaraṇam)   :   1. Covering; enveloping. 2. (Pharmacy) A process where a substance is coated or covered with another material (often same or different leaves, clay) before processing (e.g., puta pāka).

  आवर्तचल दृष्टिमण्डल (Āvartacala Dṛṣṭimaṇḍala)   :   Unsteady or oscillating pupil (a sign of visual disturbance).

   आवस्थिक काल (Āvasthika Kāla)   :   Condition-dependent or stage-specific time. It refers to the various phases or stages of a disease (e.g., acute, chronic, complicative) which determine the treatment approach.

   आवाप (Āvāpa)   :   A pharmaceutical process where powdered ingredients are sprinkled into a molten base (like ghṛta or taila) while it is still on the fire.

   आविजनन (Āvijanana)   :   Oxytocic; substances that induce or stimulate labor pains and childbirth.

   आविद्धशिरः (Āviddhaśiraḥ)   :   A bent or tilted head.

   आविल (Āvila)   :   Turbid; cloudy; not clear.

   आविलदर्शन (Āviladarśana)   :   Blurred vision; seeing things as cloudy or unclear.

   आवृत्त नाभिः (Āvṛtta Nābhiḥ)   :   A twisted, inverted, or tortuous umbilicus (navel).

   आशयाः (Āśayāḥ)   :   Reservoirs; receptacles. Specific organs or locations in the body that are the primary seats of Doshas (e.g., stomach for Kapha) or store specific tissues.

   आशु (Āśu)   :   Quick; fast; rapid.

   आशुकारि (Āśukāri)   :   Quick-acting; having a rapid onset of action.

   आशुकारी (Āśukārī)   :   Fast-acting or fast-moving; attributed to the potency of a substance (e.g., poison).

   आशुत्वादाशु तद्धन्ति (Āśutvādāśu Taddhanti)   :   "Due to its speed, it kills quickly." A phrase emphasizing the rapid and fatal action of certain poisons.

   आशुपाक (Āśupāka)   :   Quick digestion.

   आशुमृतक (Āśumṛtaka)   :   A case of sudden death.

   आश्रयत्व (Āśrayatva)   :   The property of being a substratum. In Ayurveda, the Doṣas are the āśraya (substratum) for diseases, and the Dhātus are the āśraya for the Doṣas.

   आश्वासकर (Āśvāsakara)   :   Refreshing; comforting; that which provides relief and a sense of well-being.

   आश्वासन (Āśvāsana)   :   Consolation; reassurance; the act of comforting and boosting the morale of a frightened or anxious patient.

   आसन (Āsana)   :   1. A seat; posture. 2. (Yoga) Specific physical postures designed to promote health and stability.

   आसवतुल्य पुरीषम् (Āsavatulya Purīṣam)   :   Stool that resembles Āsava (a fermented medicinal wine) in its colour, smell, or consistency.

   आसेक्य (Āsekya)   :   A person who derives sexual gratification from performing oral sex.

   आस्थापन द्रव्य (Āsthāpana Dravya)   :   Substances used in Niruha or Āsthāpana Basti (decoction enema), which is a cleansing and corrective procedure.

   आस्थापनोपग (Āsthāpanopaga)   :   Adjuvants or supportive substances used in the preparation and administration of Niruha Basti.

   आस्फालन भूमि (Āsphālana Bhūmi)   :   Striking the ground (e.g., with the feet, as in a symptom of a disease or a specific gait).

   आस्फोटन अस्थाने (Āsphotana Asthāne)   :   Clapping or applauding at inappropriate or odd occasions (a behavioral abnormality).

   आस्फोटनम् अक्षि (Āsphotanam Akṣi)   :   A bursting or throbbing pain in the eye.

   आस्यम् (Āsyam)   :   The mouth; oral cavity.

   आस्योपदेहः (Āsyopadehaḥ)   :   Coating or fur on the tongue; a sign of impaired digestion (Āma).

   आस्राव (Āsrāva)   :   Discharge; exudate; secretion (e.g., from a wound or orifice).

   आहतात् (Āhatāt)   :   Plant materials that are not infested with insects and are not damaged by extreme climatic conditions (cold, heat, etc.).

   आहार (Āhāra)   :   Food; diet; any substance ingested for nourishment, including eatables, drinkables, lickables, and masticables.

   आहार परिणामकर भाव (Āhāra Pariṇāmakara Bhāva)   :   The factors responsible for the transformation of food. These include Uṣma (digestive heat), Vāyu (motility), Snehana (lubrication), Kāla (time), and their balanced function leads to proper digestion and health.

   आहार मात्रा (Āhāra Mātrā)   :   The optimal quantity of food to be consumed. It is not a fixed measure but is determined by an individual's digestive capacity (Agni).

   आहार योगी (Āhāra Yogī)   :   A term for salt (Lavaṇa); a substance that is used as an adjuvant with food to enhance taste and digestion.

   आहार शक्ति (Āhāra Śakti)   :   Digestive power; the capacity of the body to ingest, digest, absorb, and assimilate food.

   आहार संपत् (Āhāra Sampat)   :   Excellence of diet. Food that is wholesome, nutritious, properly prepared, and suitable for the individual, season, and place.

   आहारनाश (Āhāranāśa)   :   Loss of appetite; aversion to food.

   आहारयोगी वर्ग (Āhāra Yogī Varga)   :   A class of dietary adjuvants (like salts, spices, oils, condiments) used in the preparation and consumption of food to aid digestion and enhance taste.

   आहाररसपाक (Āhāra Rasa Pāka)   :   The stage after the complete digestion of a meal when the taste of the food is no longer perceptible in the mouth. It is the ideal time to administer medicine.

   आहारविधिविशेषायतन (Āhāravidhiviśeṣāyatana)   :   The eight essential factors to be considered for a wholesome diet: Prakṛti (nature of food), Karaṇa (processing), Saṁyoga (combination), Rāśi (quantity), Deśa (place), Kāla (time/season), Upayoga Saṁsthā (rules of use), and Upayoktṛ (the consumer).