A–Z Guide to Holistic, Ayurveda & Wellness Terms

This glossary explains the key terms used in holistic retreats, Ayurvedic healing programs, yoga and meditation retreats, and wellness tourism in India.

A

Abhyanga – Ayurvedic full-body oil massage for nourishment and relaxation.
Agni – Digestive fire responsible for metabolism and immunity.
Ama – Toxins formed from poor digestion.
Asana – Physical postures practiced in yoga.
Ayurveda – Ancient Indian science of life focusing on holistic balance.

B

Balance – Harmony between body, mind, emotions, and spirit.
Biohacking (Holistic) – Natural techniques to optimize health and energy.
Body–Mind Healing – Integrated physical and mental wellness approach.

C

Chakras – Seven energy centers governing physical and emotional health.
Cleanse – Gentle detoxification using diet and therapies.
Conscious Living – Mindful and intentional lifestyle choices.

D

Detox – Natural cleansing of body and mind.
Dinacharya – Ayurvedic daily routine for long-term health.
Dosha – Biological energies: Vata, Pitta, Kapha.
Digital Detox – Retreat practice of disconnecting from devices.

E

Energy Healing – Healing through the body’s subtle energy field.
Eco-Wellness – Sustainable wellness practices aligned with nature.
Emotional Healing – Releasing stored emotional stress.

F

Forest Bathing – Mindful immersion in nature for stress relief.
Functional Wellness – Root-cause-based healing approach.
Fasting (Ayurvedic) – Gentle, guided digestive rest.

G

Gut Health – Digestive balance and nutrient absorption.
Grounding – Practices that stabilize energy and emotions.

H

Healing Journey – Personal process of holistic transformation.
Herbal Therapy – Use of medicinal plants for healing.
Holistic Healing – Treating the whole person, not just symptoms.
Holistic Retreat – A wellness destination offering integrated healing.

I

Immunity Building – Strengthening the body’s natural defenses.
Inner Detox – Mental and emotional cleansing.
Integrative Wellness – Combining traditional and modern healing systems.

J

Jala Neti – Yogic nasal cleansing technique.
Journaling (Wellness) – Reflective writing for emotional clarity.

K

Kapha – Dosha related to stability, strength, and immunity.
Kriya – Yogic cleansing practices.
Kundalini – Dormant spiritual energy.

L

Lifestyle Medicine – Preventive health through daily habits.
Longevity – Long-term vitality and healthy aging.

M

Meditation – Practice of focused awareness and inner calm.
Meditation Retreat – Retreat centered on mindfulness and silence.
Mindfulness – Present-moment awareness without judgment.
Mauna – Observance of silence.

N

Nature Therapy – Healing through connection with nature.
Nervous System Reset – Calming overstimulated nerves naturally.

O

Ojas – Vital life essence responsible for immunity and glow.
Oil Therapy – External and internal oil applications in Ayurveda.

P

Panchakarma – Deep Ayurvedic detox and rejuvenation therapy.
Prakriti – One’s natural body constitution.
Pranayama – Yogic breathing techniques.
Plant-Based Diet – Healing diet focused on natural foods.
Preventive Wellness – Health practices to avoid illness.

Q

Quality of Life – Overall physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

R

Rasayana – Rejuvenation and anti-aging therapies.
Retreat Program – Structured schedule of healing activities.
Restorative Yoga – Gentle yoga for deep relaxation.

S

Sattvic Diet – Pure, light, plant-based Ayurvedic diet.
Self-Healing – Activating the body’s natural healing ability.
Shirodhara – Oil-pouring therapy for mental calm.
Silence Retreat – Retreat focused on introspection and quietness.
Stress Management – Holistic methods to reduce stress.

T

Therapeutic Yoga – Yoga adapted for healing conditions.
Tridosha – Vata, Pitta, Kapha in balance.
Toxin Release – Elimination of physical and emotional toxins.

U

Upavas (Fasting) – Ayurvedic fasting for digestive balance.

V

Vata – Dosha governing movement and nervous system.
Vipassana – Insight meditation practice.
Vitality – Physical and mental energy.

W

Well-Being – Overall state of health and happiness.
Wellness Tourism – Travel for health and healing purposes.
Work-Life Balance – Healthy integration of work and rest.

Y

Yoga – Union of body, mind, and breath.
Yoga Therapy – Personalized yoga for healing.
Yogic Lifestyle – Life guided by awareness and discipline.

Z

Zen Lifestyle – Simple, calm, and mindful way of living.

Start Your Holistic Journey

Understanding holistic terminology helps you choose the right Ayurveda, yoga, meditation, or detox retreat in India.
Explore our retreat programs to experience authentic, expert-guided holistic healing.