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Herbal Medicine > 08_Ayurveda 2 > Flashcards

08_Ayurveda 2 Flashcards

Anatomy, Physiology, Diagnosis

1
Q

What are the seven tissues called in Ayurveda?

A

Dhatus

Dhatus means ‘that which supports’.

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2
Q

List the seven tissues in Ayurveda.

A
  • Plasma (Rasa)
  • Blood (Rakta)
  • Muscle (Mamsa)
  • Fat (Medas)
  • Bone (Asthi)
  • Nerve/marrow (Majja)
  • Reproductive fluids (Shukra)
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3
Q

What do the Doshas cause in relation to the tissues?

A

Disease

The tissues are the sites of disease.

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4
Q

How are tissues formed in the body?

A

From digested nutrients

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5
Q

How long does it take for food to nourish all seven tissues?

A

Around 35 days

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6
Q

What is the first stage of food digestion in Ayurveda?

A

Plasma (Rasa)

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7
Q

What are the main functions of Plasma (Rasa)?

A
  • Lubricating
  • Hydrating
  • Nourishment
  • Pleasure
  • Joy in life
  • Sense of beauty
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8
Q

Which body parts are the main sites for Plasma (Rasa)?

A
  • Heart
  • Blood vessels
  • Lymphatic system
  • Skin
  • Mucous membranes
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9
Q

What are the disorders associated with excess Plasma (Rasa)?

A
  • Too much saliva
  • Phlegm
  • Appetite loss
  • Nausea
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10
Q

What are the symptoms of deficient Plasma (Rasa)?

A
  • Dry, rough skin
  • Dehydration
  • Fatigue
  • Tremors
  • Palpitations
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11
Q

What foods can increase Plasma (Rasa)?

A
  • Fruit and vegetable juices
  • Coconut water
  • Barley water
  • Broths
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12
Q

What herbs promote Plasma (Rasa)?

A

Spices such as ginger

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13
Q

What is the primary role of Blood (Rakta) in the body?

A

Responsible for life energy

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14
Q

What qualities are closely related to Blood (Rakta)?

A
  • Warm
  • Moist
  • Intense
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15
Q

What are the disorders associated with excess Blood (Rakta)?

A
  • Skin disease
  • Abscesses
  • High blood pressure
  • Inflammation
  • Jaundice
  • Delirium
  • Bleeding
  • Fever
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16
Q

What are the symptoms of deficient Blood (Rakta)?

A
  • Pallor
  • Low blood pressure
  • Anaemia
  • Loss of skin lustre
  • Dry skin
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17
Q

What foods can increase Blood (Rakta)?

A
  • Red/purple coloured food
  • Beetroot
  • Meat
  • Chard
  • Berries
  • Dark leafy greens
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18
Q

What herbs support Blood (Rakta) tissue?

A
  • Elderberry
  • Nettle
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19
Q

What is the primary function of muscle (Mamsa)?

A

Gives strength and capacity for work and action

Includes integration of physical structure and production of movement through muscle contraction.

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20
Q

List the emotional benefits associated with muscle (Mamsa).

A
  • Courage
  • Confidence
  • Strength
  • Openness
  • Forgiveness
  • Happiness

These emotional benefits reflect the holistic impact of muscle health on wellbeing.

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21
Q

How does muscle (Mamsa) support physical structure?

A

Supports and stabilises joints, and maintains posture

This function is crucial for overall physical stability and movement.

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22
Q

What are the disorders associated with excess muscle tissue?

A
  • Swelling of muscles and glands
  • Irritability
  • Aggression
  • Fibroids

Excess muscle can manifest in various physical and emotional symptoms.

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23
Q

What are the signs of deficient muscle tissue?

A
  • Emaciation
  • Loose limbs
  • Poor stability
  • Fear
  • Insecurity
  • Unhappiness

Deficiency in muscle tissue can lead to both physical and emotional instability.

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24
Q

Which foods are known to increase muscle (Mamsa)?

A
  • Legumes
  • Nuts
  • Seeds
  • Root vegetables
  • Grains
  • Meat

These foods are rich in nutrients that support muscle health.

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25
Name two herbs that support muscle tissue.
* Ashwagandha * Wild yam ## Footnote These herbs are traditionally used in Ayurveda to strengthen muscle tissue.
26
What is the primary role of fat (Medas) in the body?
Lubricates muscles, joints, tendons and tissues ## Footnote This function is essential for smooth movement and overall bodily function.
27
List the emotional aspects associated with fat (Medas).
* Sense of smoothness * Ease * Security * Love ## Footnote Emotional health can be influenced by the body's fat composition.
28
How is fat (Medas) related to Kapha?
Closely related due to similar qualities: lubricating, heavy, dense, cold ## Footnote This relationship highlights the interconnectedness of bodily doshas in Ayurveda.
29
What are the disorders associated with excess fat tissue?
* Obesity * Fatty tumours * Fatigue * Diabetes ## Footnote Excess fat can lead to numerous health complications.
30
What are the signs of deficient fat tissue?
* Debility * Dehydration * Emaciation * Cracking joints * Weak hair, nails, teeth, bones ## Footnote Deficiency in fat can result in various physical weaknesses.
31
Which foods support healthy fat (Medas)?
* Nuts * Seeds * Oily fish * Cold pressed oils ## Footnote These foods provide healthy fats essential for bodily functions.
32
Name two herbs that can reduce excess fat.
* Shilajit * Guggul * Pepper * Dry ginger ## Footnote These herbs are often used in Ayurvedic practices to manage excess fat.
33
What is the primary function of bone (Asthi)?
Provides structure and frame to the body, supports tissues, protects organs, and provides attachment for muscles. ## Footnote Bone also gives stability, confidence, security, certainty, and stamina.
34
What are the disorders associated with excess bone tissue?
Bone spurs, extra teeth, excessively large frame, enlarged or painful joints. ## Footnote These conditions indicate an overabundance of bone tissue.
35
What are the disorders associated with deficient bone tissue?
Weak bones, loss of teeth, hair, nails, poorly-formed bones, teeth. ## Footnote These conditions highlight a lack of bone tissue health.
36
Name three foods that support healthy bone.
* Sesame seeds * Nuts * Seaweeds * Bone broth ## Footnote These foods are beneficial for maintaining bone health.
37
Which herbs are recommended for supporting bone tissue?
* Ashwagandha * Oat straw * Amla * Comfrey (external) ## Footnote These herbs are used to help strengthen bones and support dental health.
38
What is the function of nerve tissue (Majja)?
Includes communication, memory, learning, and sensory perceptions. ## Footnote Nerve tissue is crucial for stability, confidence, and affection.
39
What are the disorders associated with excess nerve tissue?
Heavy eyes, limbs, slow-healing sores. ## Footnote Excess nerve tissue can lead to physical sensations of heaviness.
40
What are the disorders associated with deficient nerve tissue?
Exhaustion, weakness, dizziness, fear, Vata diseases leading to nerve deficiency. ## Footnote These symptoms indicate a lack of nerve health.
41
Name three foods that support healthy nerves.
* Almonds * Walnuts * Dates * Ghee ## Footnote These foods are known to nourish and support nerve function.
42
Which herbs are recommended for supporting nerve tissue?
* Brahmi * Gotu kola * Skullcap * Oatstraw ## Footnote These herbs are beneficial for neurological health and improving concentration.
43
True or False: Vata governs nerve impulses.
True. ## Footnote The relationship between Vata and nerve function is significant in Ayurvedic medicine.
44
What is the primary responsibility of Reproductive (Shukra) tissue?
Responsible for reproduction (ovum and semen) ## Footnote It provides fertility, strength, energy, stamina, and sexual vigor.
45
List three benefits provided by Reproductive (Shukra) tissue.
* Upholds immune function * Gives light to the eyes * Inspires creativity in life
46
What are the consequences of excessive sexual activity on Reproductive (Shukra) tissue?
It needs to be ‘preserved’ due to its rarity and refinement ## Footnote Excessive sexual activity can diminish the quality of this tissue.
47
What are signs of excess in reproductive tissue?
* Excessive desire * Enlarged prostate * Anger * Ovarian/uterine cysts
48
What conditions indicate a deficiency in reproductive tissue?
* Lack of desire * Infertility * Impotence * Lack of creativity * Weariness * Fear * Anxiety
49
Which foods support reproductive tissue?
* Sesame seeds * Almonds/milk * Honey
50
Name two herbs that support reproductive tissue.
* Ashwagandha (male) * Shatavari (female)
51
How does excess Vata affect tissue health?
Makes tissues dry, cold, weak, stiff, and wasted ## Footnote Symptoms include dry skin, spasms, poor circulation.
52
What effects does excess Pitta have on tissues?
Makes tissues hot, inflamed, and irritated ## Footnote This can lead to fever, infection, and eventually tissue degeneration.
53
What is the impact of excess Kapha on tissue?
Makes tissues excessive, congested, and swollen ## Footnote Conditions include mucus, edema, cysts, and fatty deposits.
54
What are the 13 channels in Ayurveda known as?
Srotas ## Footnote They supply nourishment to and remove wastes from all body tissues.
55
What happens to tissue health when the channels function correctly?
Tissues are healthy ## Footnote Disturbances in flow from Vata and Pitta lead to hyperfunction, while Kapha leads to hypofunction.
56
What are the two types of flow disturbances in channels?
* High Vata and Pitta: Excessive and too quick flow * High Kapha: Deficient, blocked, and too slow flow
57
How can flow in the channels be restored?
* Warming herbs dilate and stimulate channels (e.g., ginger, black pepper) * Cooling herbs calm and contract channels (e.g., gentian)
58
What are the three major energy channels known as?
* Sushumna * Ida * Pingala
59
What is the function of the Sushumna channel?
Main energy channel, runs from the base of the spine to the head
60
What are energy channels in Ayurveda called?
Nadis ## Footnote They circulate vital force or ‘Prana’.
61
What are energy points known as in Ayurveda?
Marmas ## Footnote They are where energy channels meet the physical body.
62
What is the purpose of applying light pressure on energy points?
Restores the flow of vital force (Prana) ## Footnote This technique is similar to acupressure.
63
SQ: If a patient has dry, rough, cracked skin, what tissue is deficient? What TWO foods or herbs do you advise?
64
SQ: If a patient is emaciated, uncoordinated and fearful, what tissue is deficient? What TWO foods or herbs do you advise?
65
SQ: If tissues are dry, stiff, weak and constricted, what is your diagnosis and treatment approach?
66
SQ: If tissues are red, inflamed and bleeding, what is your diagnosis and treatment approach?
67
SQ: If tissues are swollen and full of fluids or cysts, what is your diagnosis and treatment approach?
68
69
What are the three basic diagnostic methods in Ayurveda?
• Questioning: Full case history. • Observation: Recognising features of physical structure. • Touch: Pulse diagnosis. ## Footnote Each method reveals the state of the Doshas.
70
What does a full case history establish in Ayurvedic diagnosis?
The character of symptoms and underlying causes, including: * Constitution (innate and imbalanced — Vikriti) * Tissue health * System and organ health * Mental and emotional health ## Footnote Tissues, systems, organs, mind, and emotions are profiled as strong, weak, balanced, or imbalanced relative to the Doshas.
71
Which colors are associated with each Dosha in Ayurveda?
• Vata: Grey, brown, dark, dull • Pitta: Yellow or green • Kapha: White, pale, glossy ## Footnote These colors can be observed in tongue coating, stool, and phlegm.
72
What does a thick coating on the tongue indicate in Ayurveda?
The presence of Ama (undigested food toxins), the 'Mother' of disease. ## Footnote A thick coating reflects possible imbalances in health.
73
What are the tongue characteristics for Vata constitution?
• Thin, trembling • Dark, dull • Dry, cracked • May be small or irregular in shape ## Footnote These features indicate the dominant constitution in Ayurvedic diagnosis.
74
Where is the main site of Vata located on the tongue?
Back region (site of large intestine) ## Footnote Each Dosha corresponds to specific areas of the tongue.
75
What signs may indicate Vata disturbance?
• Small cracks all over the tongue • Tongue tremor • Dry, dark pink tongue • Dry film over the back of the tongue ## Footnote Additional signs include bumps on kidney points or colon area.
76
What meanings are associated with Vata tongue signs?
• Sensitive nerves • Nervous indigestion • Emotional/spinal problems ## Footnote This reflects fear, anxiety, and insecurity.
77
What signs may indicate Pitta disturbance?
• Red/pink tongue • White ulcers, red spots • Green/yellow coating esp. with red margin ## Footnote Other signs include bumps on liver, spleen, pancreas areas.
78
What are the meanings of Pitta tongue signs?
• Toxins in small intestine • Pitta disturbance • Heart sensitivity ## Footnote These signs may also indicate chest infection.
79
What signs may indicate Kapha disturbance?
• Pale pink tongue • Oily or white coating • Depressions on lung regions ## Footnote Other signs include bumps or depressions.
80
What do raised red spots (papilla) on the tongue indicate?
Excess Pitta or heat/inflammation in the tissues ## Footnote A tongue with distinct red dots is often referred to as a 'strawberry' tongue.
81
What do teeth indentations (scallops) on the tongue indicate?
Malabsorption of nutrients in the small intestine ## Footnote This indicates low Agni (digestive fire) and possible toxicity in the GIT.
82
What does a brownish tongue coating indicate?
A build-up of Vata Ama in the gastrointestinal tract ## Footnote This may manifest as nervous indigestion, gas, or constipation.
83
What are the signs of a dry Vata tongue without coating?
• Dryness indicates systemic Vata aggravation • Roughness of tongue edge shows possible nutrient malabsorption ## Footnote Slightly deformed tongue indicates chronic high Vata.
84
What does a vertical central crack on the tongue indicate?
Spinal misalignment ## Footnote This may show locations of tension and potential pain or misalignment.
85
True or False: A thin tongue coating is normal and reflects constitution.
True ## Footnote A thick coating, however, indicates the presence of Ama.
86
What does a yellow-green coating on a Pitta tongue indicate?
Build-up of Pitta Ama in the small intestine/colon ## Footnote Red patches indicate that Pitta/heat/inflammation is affecting the blood and tissues.
87
SQ: If a patient has a large, pale tongue, what is your assessment of constitution and general treatment approach?
88
SQ: If a patient has a trembling tongue, what is your assessment of constitution and general treatment approach?
89
SQ: What treatment is needed for patient whose tongue has tooth marks (scallops)?
90
SQ: What is your diagnosis and treatment for a patient with a thick yellow / green tongue coating?
91
SQ: What is your diagnosis and treatment for a patient with many red dots on the tongue?
92
What are the characteristics of Vata constitution nails?
Small, dry, rough, cracked, brittle, flaky, bitten, ridged, chewed nails, dark colour under nail. ## Footnote Vata nails indicate potential issues with Apana Vata and nutrient absorption.
93
What are the characteristics of Pitta constitution nails?
Medium, angular, pink, red, soft, inflamed nails, red colour under nail. ## Footnote Pitta nails suggest inflammation and potential health issues.
94
What are the characteristics of Kapha constitution nails?
Large, wide, square, smooth, white, strong, thick, firm nails, pale colour under nail. ## Footnote Kapha nails indicate a strong constitution.
95
What do vertical lines on nails indicate?
May indicate poor function of Apana Vata, nutrient and mineral malabsorption/deficiency, possibly due to poor digestive fire. ## Footnote White spots can also indicate problems with Apana Vata.
96
What do horizontal lines on nails indicate?
Indication of more chronic health problems, often related to long-term low Agni leading to chronic nutrient deficiency and build up of toxins. ## Footnote May also result from strong drug use such as antibiotics or steroids.
97
What does touch diagnosis include?
Pulse taking and palpating different parts of the body to establish skin temperature, texture, and tissue health. ## Footnote It also connects practitioners with the 'Vital Force' of patients.
98
What are the characteristics of Vata touch?
Cold, dry, rough, thin. ## Footnote Indicates potential Vata imbalances.
99
What are the characteristics of Pitta touch?
Hot, moist/oily, inflamed. ## Footnote Suggests Pitta-related conditions.
100
What are the characteristics of Kapha touch?
Cool, smooth, soft, thick. ## Footnote Reflects a Kapha constitution.
101
What does pulse diagnosis reveal?
The state of primary vitality (prana or Vital Force) and is evaluated in relation to observation and questioning. ## Footnote Requires considerable practice to master.
102
What is the correct position for pulse diagnosis?
The patient's arm should be relaxed, resting on a surface with the index finger just below the bony prominence at the wrist. ## Footnote Pulses are best felt from the radial side.
103
Which finger represents Vata in pulse diagnosis?
Index (first) finger. ## Footnote Usually the strongest pulse, feels irregular and thin.
104
Which finger represents Pitta in pulse diagnosis?
Middle (second) finger. ## Footnote Usually the easiest pulse to find, feels active and 'excited'.
105
Which finger represents Kapha in pulse diagnosis?
Ring (third) finger. ## Footnote Feels thicker and smoother, deeper pulse.
106
What does the right wrist pulse indicate in terms of organ health?
First finger: colon; second finger: gall bladder; third finger: pericardium. ## Footnote Each finger position relates to specific organs.
107
What does the left wrist pulse indicate in terms of organ health?
First finger: small intestine; second finger: stomach; third finger: bladder. ## Footnote Similar to the right wrist, each position corresponds to specific organs.
108
What attributes are assessed during pulse diagnosis?
Rough, smooth, dull, intense, regular, irregular, fast, slow. ## Footnote These qualities relate to the qualities of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.
109
What are the pulse characteristics of Vata?
Rapid, weak, cold, irregular. ## Footnote Fast rate (80-100 beats per minute) and low force.
110
What are the pulse characteristics of Pitta?
Prominent, strong, hot, abrupt. ## Footnote Moderate rate (65-80 beats per minute) with high force.
111
What are the pulse characteristics of Kapha?
Deep, slow, wide, regular, smooth. ## Footnote Slow rate (less than 65 beats per minute) and moderate force.
112
How does pulse change with life stages?
Childhood: more Kapha qualities; Adulthood: more Pitta qualities; Older age: more Vata qualities. ## Footnote Each life stage reflects a dominant Dosha.
113
What does a strong pulse in a finger position indicate?
The Dosha at that position is likely strong in that person. ## Footnote Strong qualities can indicate excess or imbalance.
114
What does lighter palpation indicate in pulse diagnosis?
Vikruti (dosha imbalance acquired due to dietary, lifestyle, and environmental influences). ## Footnote Helps differentiate between acquired and innate imbalances.
115
What does deeper palpation indicate in pulse diagnosis?
Prakruti (the innate or original genetic constitution). ## Footnote Reveals the person's original constitution.
116
What are the signs of a healthy pulse?
Broadly consistent qualities in each finger position at each level. ## Footnote Indicates a clear constitution.
117
What are the signs of an unhealthy pulse?
Inconsistent qualities in finger positions at each level. ## Footnote More difference indicates more imbalance.
118
What are the subtle qualities of pulse related to toxins?
Sticky or heavy qualities indicate Ama (undigested food toxins). ## Footnote Weakness in a finger position may suggest blocked flow due to Ama.
119
What is the impact of medication on pulse quality?
Medication has a dulling effect on vitality, giving the pulse more Kapha qualities. ## Footnote Anti-depressants are an example of this effect.
120
SQ: If a patient’s fingernails are flaky, cracked and have vertical lines, what is your diagnosis and treatment approach?
121
SQ: If a pulse feels rapid, weak and irregular, what is your diagnosis and treatment approach?
122
SQ: If a pulse feels forceful, abrupt and regular, what is your diagnosis and treatment approach?
123
SQ: If a pulse feels slow, smooth and deep, what is your diagnosis and treatment approach?
124
SQ: If a pulse feels sticky or heavy, what is your diagnosis and treatment approach?

Herbal Medicine (11 decks)

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