National Ayurveda Day

Person practicing yoga in a serene garden, wearing comfortable yoga clothes, surrounded by Ayurvedic herbs and essential oils.. — National ayurveda day illustration

Put on your herbal tea drinking cap, get out your lotus posture, and open up your nadi pathways, because it's time to talk about National Ayurveda Day! An ancient celebration that finally found its way to the worldwide web, where it was mentioned a whopping 4019 times. If we handmade an herbal pill for each mention, we'd need a really, really big bottle!

When is Ayurveda Day?

It's national ayurveda day on the 17th October.

A Spoonful of Herbs

Ayurveda, considered by many as the oldest healthcare system known to mankind, finds its roots in ancient India and it has been making people feel good ever since. And, as of October 17, 2017, it's invaded the digital landscape, catching online fire faster than turmeric milk on a cold day!

A Celebration of Wellness

National Ayurveda Day, not just a day for practitioners and enthusiasts, it's also a time to spread awareness about the benefits of Ayurveda practices to the whole world. Or, at least, the part of the world that has internet access. So get your tri-dosha balancing questionnaires ready and start spreading the word!

National Ayurveda Day Goes Viral

With 4019 mentions in 2017, National Ayurveda Day leapt into the public eye in a big way. Maybe it was the graphic of a meditating guru went viral, or perhaps, a popular celebrity shared a picture while getting an Ayurveda treatment. Either way, this healthful holiday saw a surge only an internet tsunami can create.

Let's Share the Good Vibes

Whether it's sharing a favourite Ayurvedic recipe or yoga pose, or even attempting to explain what a dosha is, National Ayurveda Day is all about sharing and spreading health and wellness. So, let's get our herbal teas brewed, our yoga mats rolled out, and let Ayurveda do its magical work. Namaste, indeed.

History behind the term 'Ayurveda'

1500 BCE

Origins in Ancient India

Ayurveda, which means 'knowledge of life' in Sanskrit, originated in ancient India around 1500 BCE. It is considered one of the oldest healing systems in the world. Ayurveda's roots can be traced back to the Vedas, the ancient scriptures of Hindu philosophy, where it is mentioned as a holistic approach to healthcare.

6th Century BCE

Compilation of Ayurvedic Texts

During the 6th century BCE, Ayurvedic knowledge was systematized and several important texts were compiled. The most famous of these texts is the Charaka Samhita, attributed to the ancient physician Charaka. It became a foundational text for Ayurvedic medicine, providing comprehensive knowledge about diagnosis, treatment, and the importance of disease prevention.

2nd Century CE

Development of Ayurvedic Concepts

In the 2nd century CE, the renowned physician Sushruta wrote the Sushruta Samhita, focusing on surgical techniques and complex medical procedures. This text introduced concepts of anatomy, hygiene, and ethics in the field of Ayurveda. Sushruta's contributions laid the foundation for surgical advancements and made Ayurvedic medicine more sophisticated.

8th Century CE

Spread and Influence

By the 8th century CE, Ayurvedic knowledge had spread and gained significant influence in the Indian subcontinent, as well as neighboring regions such as Tibet, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia. Ayurvedic practitioners were highly respected, and various schools of Ayurveda emerged, each with its own unique perspectives and approaches to healing.

19th Century

Decline and Revival

During the British colonial era in the 19th century, the influence of Ayurveda declined as Western medicine gained prominence. However, there was a revival of Ayurvedic practices during the nationalist movement in India, as leaders recognized the importance of preserving traditional knowledge. This led to the establishment of Ayurvedic educational institutions and renewed interest in its principles.

Present

Global Recognition and Integration

In recent decades, Ayurveda has gained recognition and popularity worldwide. Its holistic approach, emphasis on natural remedies, and focus on individual well-being have resonated with many. Ayurveda is now integrated into modern healthcare systems in various countries, and people seek Ayurvedic treatments for a wide range of health issues. It continues to evolve and adapt, combining ancient wisdom with modern scientific research.