Anil Azad Pandey, Beijing
In today’s fast-paced world, people are beset by various health-related problems. Pressures stemming from family and work are causing them to face premature ageing. Due to this, the importance and popularity of traditional systems like Ayurveda has grown. An event titled “Healthy Ageing through Ayurveda” was held on August 13 at the Indian Embassy in Beijing. During the event, Dr. Dhanwantari Jha, a renowned Ayurvedic physician from India, spoke in detail to the audience about the significance and impact of Ayurveda, as well as the concept of healthy ageing.
Dr. Dhanwantari Jha, a third-generation Ayurvedic physician, highlighted Ayurveda’s holistic approach to healthy longevity, focusing on Rasayana (rejuvenation), nutrition, joint health, brain health, sleep, immunity, beauty from within and an anti-inflammatory lifestyle.
Dr. Jha emphasized that healthy ageing is not merely about adding years to life, but about preserving strength, independence, mental clarity, vitality and quality of life through appropriate food, lifestyle, movement, sleep, mental wellbeing and rejuvenative practices. He also stated that we can largely maintain our health through our diet, lifestyle, and mental peace.
Is ageing a disease, or is there something special about it that makes us fear it? Addressing this question, he noted that growing older is a natural phenomenon—much like how a one-year-old child gradually grows up. Ageing is essentially a process; it signifies growth and physical development. It involves a phase of growth, a period of stability, and finally, a stage of decline.
While the process of ageing cannot be stopped, its pace can be slowed down. To achieve this, we must pay close attention to our lifestyle, dietary habits, and sleep patterns. However, since every individual has a unique body composition and constitution, the ageing process varies from person to person. Some people appear younger than their actual age at fifty, while others look older.
Jiang Haiyang, a Chinese lady who is admirer of Ayurveda and Indian traditional things, stated that, the Ayurveda lecture was extremely thought-provoking and meaningful. Although some ideas she has learned from relevant books, presentations and even rejuvenation journey to south India, still she found the program very inspiring and informative.
Ketki Thakar, an active member of Indian diaspora said, “as we age, we become susceptible to various ailments, and Ayurveda offers an effective approach to treating them.” She emphasized the importance of following Ayurvedic principles.
Meanwhile, Ajit Khan, owner of the Indian restaurant ‘Bollywood Tales’, praised the event organized by the Indian Embassy, noting that it provided valuable insights into leading a healthy and balanced life. He observed that in today’s fast-paced world, people often lack the time to look after their health, but the lecture on healthy ageing through Ayurveda offered him significant learning opportunities.
The programme provided an opportunity to introduce the timeless principles of Ayurveda to an international audience in Beijing and further strengthen the growing India–China exchange in Ayurveda, Yoga and holistic wellbeing.
“Ayurveda does not ask us to fight ageing; it teaches us to understand ageing, adapt to it and live in harmony with it.”
(Anil Azad Pandey is a senior Journalist and commentator based in China)
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