Ayurveda in Portugal: An Amazing Personal Journey of Practice, Education, and Healing

A bstract The article discusses the journey of Ms. Lara Lima, the founder director of Bem Me Quero (BMQ), Coimbra, in bringing Ayurveda to Portugal. Ms. Lima’s journey began with training in Yoga and Ayurveda under Dr. José Rugue in Brazil where Dr. Rugue conducted a 2-year training course in Ayurveda under the aegis of ‘Shuddha Dharma Mandal, Brazil’. This course covers most of the Ayurveda education (BAMS) syllabus, except Sanskrit, Śalyatantra, Śālākyatantra, and Rasaśāstra. She then established the Ayurvedic clinic, BMQ, in Portugal in 2009, with the support of her teachers. The clinic offers various services, including traditional Pañcakarma treatments, and aims to treat the root cause of illness. Ms. Lima has collaborated with esteemed Ayurvedic doctors from India, which has been instrumental in elevating the profile of Ayurveda in Portugal. She is also committed to training the next generation of Ayurvedic professionals in Portugal through her short courses, which explore foundational concepts such as Dosha, Dhatu, Mala, herbology, diagnostic methods, and an overview of Ayurveda treatment. Ms. Lima actively participates in international Ayurvedic Congresses and leads annual educational tours to India. The goal of Ms. Lima and BMQ is to promote health and well-being through Yoga and Ayurveda.