Celebration of 5th Ayurveda Day in Portugal, 2020
Ayurveda is a holistic healing science and it is one of the world's oldest healthcare practice. The term Ayurveda comprises of two words “Ayu” means Life and “Veda” means Knowledge. Therefore, the literal meaning of the word Ayurveda is science of life. It is a science dealing not only with treatment of some diseases but is a complete way of life. It is originated in India and has a history of more than 5000 years with a manifestation of the symbiotic relationship with nature. Its recommendations and advice for healthy living are as relevant today they ever were. The effective therapies and esoteric philosophies make it much more widely acceptable and available in the western country. More and more people are interested in it and practice in their daily life.
The Ayurveda Day is celebrated every year on the day of Dhanwantri Jayanti which was introduced by the Union Ministry of Ayush (Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Sidda and Homoeopathy), Government of India in 2016. This year it falls on November 13. Lord Dhanvantari, an Avatar of Maha Vishnu, is considered as the physician of the gods in the Vedas and Puranas, and the god of Ayurvedic medicine. Dhanwantari Jayanti, the birthday of Lord Dhanwantari is celebrated on 13th lunar day of darker side (Krishnapaksham) in the Aswini Month (Oct/Nov) as per Indian Hindu Calendar.
'Ayurveda for Covid-19' is the main theme of the 5th Ayurveda Day. This year special focus has been paid to the prevailing Covid-19 pandemic and how Ayurveda can help build immunity. The prevention of disease and promotion of health are important consideration of the Ayurveda and its unique treatment principles.
On this occasion, the 5th Ayurveda day was celebrated in Portugal on 24 October 2020 in collaboration with BHOOMI Association and University of Lusofona, Portugal. It was an inaugural event of BHOOMI, a newly formed diaspora association in Portugal. The event was entitled “Ayurveda for prevention of Covid-19”. The Ambassador of India to Portugal, H.E. Mrs. K. Nandini Singla gave an inaugural speech at the event. It was compiled with panel discussion on “Immunity boosting by natural medicine”, poster exhibition on Ayurveda and free consultation by an Ayurvedic doctor. The panel discussion was conducted by Dr. Shaik Abdul Latheef (Ayurveda) and Dr. Vera Cupido (Naturopathy) and moderated by Dr. Manas Sutradhar (PhD, Chemistry). Various topic was discussed based on natural health care practices and the role of Ayurveda and Naturopathy for immunity boosting. The awareness program was interactive with the general audience present there in the form of questions and answers. A presentation on “National Clinical Management Protocol based on Ayurveda and Yoga for management of Covid-19” was communicated to the audience in order to circulate important information concerning the preventive measures provided in the guidelines by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW). According to the guidelines, the following general and physical measures are advisable to prevent Covid-19:
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Follow physical distancing, respiratory and hand hygiene, wear mask
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Gargle with warm water added with a pinch of turmeric and salt. Water boiled with Triphala (dried fruits of Emblica officinalis, Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellerica) or Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra) also can be used for gargling.
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Nasal instillation/application of medicated oil (Anu taila or Shadbindu Taila) or plain oil (Sesame or Coconut) or nasal application of cow’s ghee (Goghrita) once or twice in a day, especially before going out and after coming back to home.
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Steam inhalation with Ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi) or Pudina (Mentha spicata) or Eucalyptus oil once a day
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Adequate sleep of 6 to 8 hrs.
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Moderate physical exercises
Beautiful poster exhibition was showcased to learn more about Ayurveda (Introduction to Ayurveda, Eight Branches of Ayurveda, Dinacharya, Panchakarma, Magical Ayurvedic Spices, Medicinal plants of Ayurvedic importance, Ayurvedic drinks for better health etc.). A free Ayurvedic consultation was provided by Dr. Latheef, Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery to pre-registered candidates .
Members from various communities, associations, universities, and corporate sectors of Portugal were present on that day. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the entry to the event was limited to 50 persons, but with the help of technology the entire awareness panel discussion was extended to greater number of audiences via Facebook live from official Bhoomi-Portugal page. The Federação Portuguesa de Yoga (Portuguese Yoga Federation) also organized a webinar to celebrate 5th Ayurveda day in Portugal.
