Alternative Therapies

Glossary of Terms for The Ayurveda Solution to Type 2 Diabetes: A Clinically Proven Program to Balance Blood Sugar in 12 Weeks by Jackie Christensen PhD and Pat Crocker

Ayurveda

• the science of life, functional healthcare system that originated in India

Prameha

• the Ayurvedic perspective on type II diabetes

Vata

• bioenergetic dosha of wind, its main functions are movement, transportation and communication

Pitta

• bioenergetic dosha of fire, its main function is metabolism, digestion, and transformation

Kapha

• bioenergetic dosha of earth, its main function is to provide structure and cohesiveness to the body

Virechana

• Ayurvedic purgation therapy, used in detoxification to regulate blood sugar

Pancha Karma

• five cleansing actions used in Ayurvedic detoxification

Dosha

• bioenergetic principle that determine a person’s constitution. There are three doshas: vata, pitta and kapha

Madhumeha

• sweet urine or glycosuria, a type of prameha

Khavagunya

• a weak tissue in the body

Jack Fruit

• tropical fruit that possesses anti-diabetic properties, has a texture like shredded pork or chicken

Bitter Melon

• also known as bitter gourd, is a unique anti-diabetic fruit that can be used as food or an herbal supplement. It has a very bitter taste

Yoga

• a system of physical, mental and spiritual practices in which a person uses to achieve health and wellness

Gymnema Sylvestre

• herb with a broad range of therapeutic effects for T2D also known as the “sugar destroyer” in Ayurveda because it has the ability to reduce cravings for sweets

Tulsi

• an Ayurvedic herb used to reduce stress and inflammation

Triphala

• herbal formulation of 3 fruits: amalaki, bibhitaki, haritaki, used as a rejuvenator

Chandraprabha Vati

• means “glowing moon”, it is an herbal formulation that reduces general debility and stress and increases physical strength

Ayaskrit

• herbal formulation used to reduce the oxidative stress that contributes to insulin resistance and the pathogenesis of T2D