> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://knowledge.theholisticcare.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://knowledge.theholisticcare.com/knowledge/glossary-and-key-concepts/ayurveda-and-complementary-practice-terms.md).

# Ayurveda & Complementary-Practice Terms

A careful orientation to Ayurveda and complementary-practice language without blurring traditional and clinical evidence.

The THC glossary also includes terms from Ayurveda and complementary health traditions.

These areas require careful wording because traditional explanatory models and modern clinical evidence are not always the same thing.

## Ayurveda

A traditional Indian system of health and medicine with its own historical theory, diagnostic concepts, lifestyle practices, diet, herbal traditions, and therapeutic methods.

## Dosha

In Ayurveda, **Vata, Pitta, and Kapha** are organising principles used within the traditional system.

They should not be presented as modern biomedical diagnoses.

## Complementary practice

A practice used alongside conventional care.

## Alternative practice

A practice used in place of conventional treatment.

The distinction matters because substituting an unproven intervention for effective medical care can create risk.

## Evidence-informed language

When THC discusses complementary practices, the strongest wording should match the quality of available evidence.

Traditional use, plausible mechanism, observational association, and randomized clinical evidence are not interchangeable.

[Explore the live THC Glossary](https://www.theholisticcare.com/glossary)

## Related guidance

* [Glossary & Key Concepts](https://knowledge.theholisticcare.com/knowledge/glossary-and-key-concepts)
* [Kundalini & Subtle-Body Terms](https://knowledge.theholisticcare.com/knowledge/glossary-and-key-concepts/kundalini-and-subtle-body-terms)
* [Mindfulness & Meditation Terms](https://knowledge.theholisticcare.com/knowledge/glossary-and-key-concepts/mindfulness-and-meditation-terms)


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