Ayurvedic medicine is one of the world’s oldest holistic healing systems. Ayurveda the name comes from ancient Sanskrit ‘Ayuh’ means ‘life’ and ‘Veda’ means ‘science’. It was developed more than 3000 years ago in India. When prince Vijaya was banished from his Indian Kingdom, He sailed to Sri Lanka, and become the island’s first king. He was skilled in practice of Ayurveda. And so, together with his personal physician, introduced it to the island. Sri Lanka has always been a place that refreshes not just the mind and body, but also the soul and spirit. Today also we can see old structural remains of ancient hospitals that have so far old monasteries of Mihinthale, Madirigiriya and Alahana in Polonnaruwa. Many of the ancient kings dedicated their services to the development of Ayurveda medicine in Sri Lanka.
In Sri Lanka’s villages, Ayurveda is not considered a special treatment as in urban areas but an everyday method of treating aches and pains. In fact, the number of trained Ayurvedic practitioners in the island exceeds that of western doctors. At present there are about 16,800 registered Ayurvedic medical officers of which more than 5000 are academically and institutional qualified doctors available to serve the people & the nation.
Even those familiar with traditional spa treatment in the west, like aromatherapy and shiatsu, will find Ayurveda a new experience. And it’s an experience that’s becoming increasingly sought after. Such seekers will find Sri Lanka a singular destination, for all that collective wisdom regarding Ayurveda can be experienced in stylish & refined spas, with some of the world’s best professional therapist with that friendly & courteous Sri Lanka manner to look after your every need.
At the heart of Ayurveda is the theory of the Tri Dosha or ‘The three vital forces’ Vata(wind) , Pita(fire) and Kapha (earth).in each of us is a unique combination of these forces or Doshas that help define our nature.
Almost all prescriptions used in treatment are produced by raw materials found naturally and no artificial substances are used. These would come from root, stems, barks, leaves, flowers, seeds, fruits & nuts of many plants. From animals’ milk, honey, pearls, musk, shells & from earth iron, gold, silver & copper are used. Ayurvedic drugs do not harm the organs of the body & do not give rise to any side effects.
Since Ayurveda is concerned with treating the inside as well as the outside of the human body, you can also try Sri Lanka’s delicious foods prepared in an ayurvedic manner, which are grown in the field, freshly harvested, and prepared using authentic herbs and spices sourced locally.
In Ayurveda, food is classified into six taste categories; sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent and astringent. Ayurvedic philosophy recommends you have all these categories in every meal to achieve the proper nutritional balance. As important as the right mix of ingredients is the right proportions over-eating or eating before the previous meal has been digested is liable to cause an imbalance in the Doshas. Eating in moderation and at the correct time is central to the proper fulfillment of an ayurvedic diet.
An Ayurveda doctor feels your pulse and identifies the treatment best suited to you. You are also advised on how to maintain your health & beauty. You are cleansed, exfoliated, massaged & wrapped in a rich herbal paste of flowers, bark and leaves & rested, for juices to seep into your body and enrich your soul.
Many Sri Lankan Ayurvedic centers offer complementary therapies, such as yoga, reflexology and meditation, under the tuition of highly trained therapists. This will enable you to put together a bespoke treatment course. So a visit to an ayurvedic spa may not just allow you to leave Sri Lanka feeling healthy and relaxed- but spiritually rejuvenated as well- truly a wonderful experienced indeed.
When you finally emerge from such exotic settings felling’s refreshed and uplifted, you’ll understand you’ve learned something truly profound through your experience with the science of life.