With Dhanteras or Dhanwantari Jayanti being declared as “National Ayurveda Day” last year by the honourable Prime Minister of India Shri. Narendra Modi, there seems to be gaiety and enthusiasm amongst Ayurvedic doctors and followers of Ayurveda across India. With this declaration comes another highlight that swells our hearts with pride- the inauguration of All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) in New Delhi today. The national recognition of this field of medicine has been long due and it was time Ayurveda was given back its long-lost prestige.
The oldest system of medicine in the world traces its roots to the Vedic period in ancient India. It was the primary mode of treatment in ancient times and the most severe health issues were solely treated with this system of medicine. Ayurvedic medicine has withstood the test of time. Honestly today, it should be considered as the knowledge that “belongs to all living beings”. Hence, each one of us should do our bit for the upliftment of Ayurveda.
What can every Indian do to revive the ancient Vedic Science?
1. Educate yourself about the science through the most genuine sources like certified Ayurvedic doctors or by reading journals and magazines produced by authentic Ayurveda practitioners.
2. Instill faith in your own medical system and choose it as the primary mode of treatment in case of health problems.
3. Start paying attention to your body because it tells you exactly what to do. Problems begin when we ignore the intelligence of our body and indulge in practices that harm our body in the long run. Simply being alert about body’s wants can make you more conscious about it and this is the first step to developing keen interest in the “science of life”.
4. Open yourself to the knowledge of diet, herbs, yoga, mantra, meditation and pranayam. It is ecologically harmonius and works with nature’s abundance.
5. Bond with nature. Ayurveda believes, the closer to nature we are, the easier it is to become one with the universe of which we are an integral part. The sense of connection will teach you a lot about your body and mind.
The “National Ayurveda Day” has been declared at a very crucial time when there is a need to restore Ayurveda’s lost glory. Furthermore, on the lines to mark the day and on the occasion of the festival of Dhanteras, a new logo has been designed by the ministry. A silhouette of Lord Dhanwantari in the centre is a representation of the lord of medicine; the five petals in the logo are a symbol for Pancha Mahabhuta and the three circles beneath are signifying Vata, Pitta, Kapha, the fundamental principles of Ayurveda. An oval leaf encircling the elements is depicting the essence of healing through nature, based on these fundamental principles.
It is time we acknowledged Ayurveda as one of the most important traditions of natural healing in the world. May Lord Dhanvantari, the universal healer, bring ever-lasting health and prosperity to all!
