Ayurveda glossary


Ayurveda: Literally "the wisdom of life". Probably the oldest form of healing for a healthy, balanced, satisfied life. It covers aspects of physical and spiritual cleansing which includes the individual mental state, the seasons and your age.

1.) Abhyanga: Literally "loving hands". A calming, relaxing full body treatment for harmonization and solidifaction of the nervous system.

2.) Garshan: A treatment with silk gloves for the stimulation of the cell metabolism and lymphatic system.

3.) Kapha: The principle of structure and stability consisting of the elements Earth and Water.

4.) Constitution: Constitution means the brought along genetic or hereditary characteristics, more or less the unchanged, physical, mental and emotional characteristics of a person.

5.) Constitutional Type: A category of a persons type which accords to the part of elementary energies Vata (air/ether), Pitta (fire/water particles) and Kapha (earth/water).

6.) Type definition: With the help of physical and physiological characteristics the category of what type of person you belong to is determined.

7.) Marma point massage: This massage treats the energy-vital pressure points to stimulate the internal organs of your body.

8.) Meditation: A deep contemplative meditation occures through the neutral mindfulness exercise and calmes your mind.

9.) Padabhyanga: "Foot massage" - a speciall Ayurvedic massage which includes special handles, massage techniques and a soft rythmical massage of the feet and calves.

10.) Pina Sveda: "Herbal massage": A herbal package with cotton balls is rubbed on your body.

11.) Pitta: Principle of the transformation with the main element of Fire.

12.) Pizzhichil: The term literally means royal massage. Warm herbal oils flow over your body. The application takes place on a special wooden table.

13.) Shirodhara: The term literally means oil treatment on your forehead. Body warm oil is poured on your forehead with a specified pattern. That way the nervous system is calmed down.

14.) Svedana: "Herbal steam bath". A special Ayurvedic sweat bath using medicinal herbs.

15.) Thalodal: A special, very strong pressure massage - done with hands or feet.

16.) Udvarthana: Fine powder made out of herbs and loam is used. A ideal pealing for your skin, to combat fat pad and stimualte your metabolism.

17.) Vata: Principle of exercise with the elements of Air and Aether.

18.) Yoga: Physical exercises, breathing exercises and relaxation methods are used for your internal balance.