National Ayurveda Day: Objective, Theme and History

National Ayurveda day is celebrated to spread its significance to more human lives. Read further to know more about its history and objective. Also, don't forget to check this year's national Ayurveda day theme. Let us get an insight into Ayurveda and its value before knowing other details of National Ayurveda day.

Ayurveda is one of the oldest methods of treatment that originated in India. Later it spread to other regions. It believes that well-being depends on the balance of mind, body & spirit. The word Ayurveda is the combination of two Sanskrit words -Ayur(life) and Veda (Science/Knowledge), which means 'science of life.'

According to Ayurveda, if a person is imbalanced, they are like to develop the disease. Hence it is suggested that well-being is achieved only by balance & harmony. More than a treatment, it is referred to as a lifestyle that can help us to celebrate our capacity for wellness each day. Ayurveda is not about taking medicines & waiting for the result like other treatments. Instead, it encourages us to be active participants in the healing journey. 

With the help of Ayurvedic treatment, one can attain the following: 

• A soul connection with nature and inner self 
• Self-acceptance and develop our strengths 
• Maintain balance in the adverse condition

As per ayurvedic philosophy, every human body is the constitution of three doshas – Vata, Pitta and Kapha. The imbalance of doshas leads to illness. Therefore, ayurvedic treatment understands the cause of the disease & balances bodily doshas to ensure a complete cure so the sickness will leave the body forever. Ayurvedic therapies like herbal medicine, yoga, massage, a special diet, and meditation are applied for this balance. 

In simple words, Ayurveda promotes a healthy lifestyle by maintaining a balance between mind, soul and body. To highlight its positivity and to spread awareness to a great extent, National Ayurveda day is celebrated. [1]

History of National Ayurveda Day 

Ayurveda received recognition as a traditional medicine system by WHO (World Health Organisation). The Union ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga, and Naturopathy, Unani Siddha and Homeopathy (AYUSH) announced Dhanvantari Jayanti, also called Dhanteras, as national Ayurveda day in 2016. [2]

Dhanteras 

Lord Dhanvantari is considered the father of Ayurveda. As per Hindu mythology, the god Dhanvantari was the physician of gods & referred to as a deity who gave the blessing of Ayurveda for the welfare of humans. According to a story, Samudra Manthan God Dhanvantari appeared before asuras & Devas, holding amrita (nectar) & Ayurveda text in his hand. Devas & Asuras fought for amrita in the greed of attaining immortality. Later, Garuda protected the pot of amrita from asuras. This day is observed as Dhanteras or Dhanvantari Jayanthi. Hindus worship & seek blessing from lord Dhanvantari for good health & well-being on this day. [3] 

This is how Dhanvantari Jayanthi became a National Ayurveda day. 

This year national Ayurveda day 2022 will be celebrated on October 23, 2022. It is the 7th Ayurveda day. Here are the details of the previous National Ayurveda day. 

• October 28, 2016- 1st Ayurveda Day 
• October 17, 2017-2nd, Ayurveda Day 
• November 5, 2018-3rd, Ayurveda Day 
• October 25, 2019- 4th Ayurveda Day 
• November 13, 2020- 5th Ayurveda Day 
• November 2, 2021-6th Ayurveda Day

The Objective of National Ayurveda Day 

The prime focus behind celebrating National Ayurveda day is to honor its contribution to medical science and spread more awareness of this healthy way of living.

Provide Awareness of the Strengths of Ayurveda and Unique Treatment Method  

The key strength of Ayurveda is to cure the root of the disease rather than the symptoms. Ayurvedic practitioner undergoes a thorough check-up on the patient and designs a treatment plan that suits their health condition. The ayurvedic treatment starts with a cleansing process followed by herbal remedies, meditation, a special diet, and yoga.

To Reduce Mortality Due to Poor Health 

Modernization has led to an unhealthy way of living which increased the ratio of mortality. It also increased the cases of chronic disease. However, Ayurveda can treat chronic health conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, and cancer without any future side effects.  

Chronic health conditions lead to other health conditions like thrombosis and eye problems. In Ayurveda, a specific treatment plan is designed to cure disease and prevent associated illnesses. World Sight Day and World Thrombosis Day focus on the awareness of these health conditions. Another common problem visible among adults is depression and anxiety and in some cases, it may also lead to suicidal thoughts.  

Ayurveda offers a natural remedy to fight against this mental disorder and keep the mind free of negative thoughts. Similar to National Ayurveda day, world suicide prevention day focuses on spreading awareness about raising suicidal thoughts.

Explore the Possibilities in the Field of Ayurveda to Strengthen National health 

Ayurveda offers immense growing possibilities. However, many people are not aware of it. Hence National Ayurveda day is celebrated with the hope of reaching millions of people.

Theme of National Ayurveda Day 2022 

Each year National Ayurveda Day focuses on different themes. All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), an autonomous organization working under the Ministry of AYUSH, has taken responsibility for the National Ayurveda day 2022 celebration. The National Ayurveda day theme of 2022 is 'Har Din Har Ghar Ayurveda.' It focuses on awareness of Ayurveda for Holistic Health in every household.

As a curtain raiser to National Ayurveda day, a six-week program has been launched from September 12 to October 23. The program will witness the presence of various ministers of the Indian Government. This celebration aims to achieve 3 Js- Jan Sandesh, Jan Bhagidari, and Jan Aandolan. 

Let us check the themes of previous years [4]:

• The 2016 theme focuses on Ayurveda for the prevention and control of diabetes 
• The 2017 theme gives attention to Ayurveda for pain management 
• The 2018 theme gives on Ayurveda for public health 
• The 2019 theme was Ayurveda for longevity 
• The 2020 theme stresses Ayurveda for COVID-19 
• The 2021 theme was Ayurveda for Poshan

Significance of National Ayurveda Day 

Ayurveda is a blessing left by our ancestors for the welfare of society. It is a holistic approach that benefits the diseased and every individual equally. Ayurveda has tremendous potential to lower the burden of non-communicable diseases & helps to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Many developed countries look upon Ayurveda as a promising treatment and cure. 

The ayurvedic techniques include dietary changes, herbal medicine, massage, meditation, breathing exercise, sound therapy, and panchakarma. A panchakarma is a specialized treatment that consists of five therapies, including detoxifying and balancing the doshas. As already discussed, three doshas are Vata. Pitta & Kapha. Vata is a mind-body element associated with air and space.

In Vata dosha, Ayurveda doctors suggest a healthy diet rich in eggs, cereals and veggies. Egg meal helps to thrive Vata Dosha. It is an excellent source of nutrition easily afforded by every group. Hence to highlight the benefits of eggs, World Egg Day is hosted. Pitta dosha is associated with fire & water and mainly occurs during summertime. Foods like avocado, Apricots, and sour vegetables are recommended during this time. In Kapha dosha, light fruits like apples and watermelon are eaten. 

This information is enough to understand Ayurveda is sacred, and it is the responsibility of each and every person living on this mother earth to protect it and propagate the legacy to the future. Hence National Ayurveda day has a greater significance and let us come together to make this event a huge success. 

On this National Ayurveda day, let us join hands to appreciate to effort of Union Ministry. If you wish to know more details regarding National Ayurveda day 2022, visit the official site of AYUSH.  

Are you a person who wishes to switch to Ayurveda but feels confused? This problem is resolved with the help of Bajaj Finserv Health's online doctor consultation service. Here you can get a doctor consultation and ask any doubt without hesitation at your convenience. To try this facility, you need to download the Bajaj Finserv Health app, register details and book a slot. So let us spread the magical benefits of Ayurveda on this National Ayurveda day.