धनतेरसस्य शुभकामना - Happy Dhanteras!

 

 आयुरारोग्यम् धनसंपदा च । धनतेरसस्य शुभम् भवतु ते । - धनतेरस के शुभ अवसर पर आपको दीर्घ आयु, आरोग्य और धन-संपत्ति प्राप्त हो। - Longevity, health and wealth: Happy Dhanteras to you.

 

Dhanteras includes spiritual significance but is not limited to external form of worship. It comes to remind us all to rediscover our health. It honors Lord Dhanvantari, the deity of health and medicine.  As the story goes, Dhanteras marks the day when the gods and demons churned the ocean for the nectar of immortality (amrit). During this churning, two divine figures emerged: Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, and Dhanvantari, the physician of the gods. It is believed that Lord Dhanvantari appeared holding a pot of amrit and the knowledge of medicine, signifying a day of blessings for health and wealth. 

The worship is, in real terms, the internal healing of each being. It redirects us to think of our mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health in most joyous form possible. The diyas that are lit are dedicated for healthy, wealthy and prosperous life for each one in the family, neighbor, country and the world. The story of amrit manthan, i.e. the churning of sea to obtain the principle of immortality motivates us to constantly introspect ourselves on how we plan to have great health. The germs and other disease-causing agents can be considered the devils that push our health to the wrong boundaries. The healthy diet, our prescribed medicines and a good exercise routine are no less than the blessings of the almighty, the one which manifests in forms of Devas. These blessings ensure that we live healthily and happily.

The central theme is that true wealth lies in well-being, encompassing physical, mental, and spiritual health.  It is essential that we incorporate in our lives, the basic principles of holistic healing that also are in line with the principles of Homeopathy-

• Holistic wellness: The festival aligns with Homeopathy focus on balancing the body, mind, and spirit for a life of vitality.
• Seasonal cleansing: Dhanteras occurs as seasons change, which is considered a prime time for detoxification. Practices like drinking herbal teas and other healthy fluids can help clear accumulated toxins. It is also important to have you homeopathic medicines prescribed as the season changes; especially if you are susceptible to the change of season.
• Mind-body connection: The festival emphasizes that physical and mental health are deeply connected. Practices like meditation and yoga are integral to holistic healing. The concept of homeopathy believes in considering the cause of disease as part of holistic healing. It believes that the ailment is not limited to the physical manifestations but also includes the mental and emotional spheres of a patient.

While it is so good to merge in festive settings, yet it is important to manage festive food and diet:

• Mindful eating: The festive season often brings rich, high-calorie food and sweets. Practicing mindful eating and savoring your food can prevent overindulgence. Portion control can help.
• Healthy hydration: To stay hydrated and flush out toxins, drink plenty of water. You can also incorporate detox drinks like coconut water or infused water with mint, lemon, or cucumber.
• Healthier swaps: Replace deep-fried snacks with roasted alternatives like makhana (fox nuts). Use healthier oils, such as mustard oil, coconut or olive, and opt for sweets made with jaggery or dates instead of refined sugar. While the pure desi cow ghee works wonders, the adulterated one can make you sick!
• Balanced meals: Don't skip meals. Instead, eat smaller portions at regular intervals. Fill half your plate with salads and vegetables before having main dishes. 

Promoting physical and mental well-being aligns with the actual essence of incarnation of Lord Dhanteras-

• Stay active: Even if your routine is busy, make time for light physical activity. A short walk, dancing, or 20 minutes of yoga can help balance festive calories and boost digestion.
• Prioritize sleep: Celebrations and late nights can disrupt your sleep cycle, affecting your metabolism. Aim for at least 7–8 hours of quality sleep to stay energized.
• Home purification: Traditional home cleaning before Dhanteras purifies the environment and is believed to invite positive energy. Use sage smoke, rock salt, or desi cow worship for cleansing. Also wear a mask for cleansing as dust might make you sick. Take homeopathy to avoid and control any form of breathing or gastric difficulties.
• Stress management: The festive season can be stressful. Lighting ghee lamps and practicing meditation or breathwork can have a calming effect on the mind. 

In India, we do value our rituals and traditions with a health focus.

• Worship of Dhanvantari: Praying to Lord Dhanvantari for good health and longevity is a key part of Dhanteras. Chanting the Dhanvantari Mantra is believed to bring well-being. The healing sounds of correct mantras bring in a lot of positivity to home and body; each a temple in its own form. The real and the first dhan or wealth is good health - "पहला सुख निरोगी काया".
• Tulsi-infused water: Boil three basil leaves (tulsi) in water and sip it. The practice is said to boost immunity and cleanse both the body and mind. Be careful in case you have been advised against drinking concoctions due to any kidney problem. Yes, prescribed homeopathic treatment can help.
• Yamdeep Daan: Lighting a special diya for Yamraj, the god of death, is a ritual to pray for protection from untimely loss and safeguard the family's health for the year.

 

Happy Dhanteras! Live Healthy! Live Long! - दीर्घायुषी भव।