AYURVEDA IN SRI LANKA

The definition of ‘Ayurveda’ in simple terms means “the science of life”. In Sri Lanka Ayurveda medicine is based on the country’s centuries old treasure trove of indigenous knowledge base, natural environment and cultural repertory. According to archeological evidence, human civilization dates back 3,000 years. Cave men of that age domesticated many wild plant varieties and used them for food and medicines.

“Ayurveda” is not only a form of medication – it is a way of life known to generations of Sri Lankans for over 3000 years.

The health conscious today are searching for effective alternatives to the spiraling costs and side effects that result from the use of modern medicine. Sri Lankans, in the last couple of millennia has made use of the “user-friendly and traditional medicine – Ayurveda” which over 75% of the island’s population depend on because of its reliance on natural plants, herbs and oils.

BASIC PRINCIPLES OF TREATMENTS

The fundamental principle of our treatments is based on total Relaxation, Detoxification and Rejuvenation of your body and mind.

Deepana, Pachana – Increasing Appetite & Digestive Energy in the body

Shodana, Shamana – Detoxification and Neutralization of Toxins

Rasayana – Body Rejuvenation

Mano Santharpana – Relaxation and Psychological Rejuvenation

AYURVEDA THERAPIES

Panchakarma - Purification Therapy
Panchakarma is the main purification process in Ayurveda. Panchakarma is the common word used for all three stages of the purification process and could include the preparation of the body for the main purification (Purvakarma), the Panchakarma or the five methods of purification, and the post purification or the rejuvenation treatment (Paschath karma) Over the years your body collects toxins from food, pollution, smoking, alcohol, and drugs etc. Pauchakarma therapies remove these toxins from the body through a series of herbal decoctions (taken orally) oil applications, and heat treatments.

Synchronized Oleation (Oil application) - Abhyanga
After a head and face massage, two therapists will apply oil on your entire body using a special medicated oil The oil application to suit your individual body type. Massage promotes relaxation, tones the body and promotes circulation. Oils increase strength, relieve fatigue and help cure diseases.

Herbal Bath - Drasvasveda
Herbal leaves and roots are boiled and the water is poured onto your body while you sit in a warm herbal bath. Herbs used in preparing the bathwater have healing properties.

Herbal Steam Bath - Ushmasveda
You rest in an enclosed wooden casket in which steam from boiled herbs and roots vaporize. The herbs and steam help relieve various ailments including being overweight and joint pain.

Herbal Steam Inhalation - Vaaspasveda
Herbal steam is inhaled to cure colds and coughs and clear sinus problems.

Formentation - Pinda Sweda/ Nawarakizi
This special heat treatment is done by applying small steam-heated bundles of herbs tied in cotton bags and pressed gently on aching parts of the body.

Head Oil Bath - Shirodhara
A steady flow of warm medicated oils is poured onto the forehead and applied into the scalp and neck. This treatment helps diseases of the head and neck. It also eases chronic headaches, migraine, insomnia, mental stress and many other diseases.

Head Oil Bath - Shirovasti
Warm medicated herbal oil is poured into a cap fitted onto the head so that the oil is kept on the head for a longer period. It eases facial paralysis, insomnia, chronic headache, migraine, and mental stress.

Herbal Pastes - Lepa /Alepa
Powdered herbs are made into a paste and used on the body to relieve muscle pains, swellings, skin conditions, etc.

Oil Bath - Phisichill/ Sarvangadara
Heated medicated oil is collected in a cloth or natural sponge and squeezed onto your body. The oil is then gently rubbed onto your body by the therapist. It is very effective for paralysis, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, sciatica, spandilosis and osteo-arthritis.

Nasal Treatment - Nasya
Herbal juices, medicinal oils and powdered herbs are put into your nose either in nose drops or inhaled vie the nose.

Special Medicated Oils Pads - Pichu
These soft pads are used to cover the areas of the body affected by pains, aches, arthritis, etc.

Milk Rice Treatment - Pindasveda
A special recipe of cooked rice is stuffed in small cotton cases and pressed on problem areas of the body.

Facial Treatment
Herbal pastes and steams are used to cleanse the skin and smooth wrinkles.

Medicated Enema Treatment - Vasti Karma
Liquids such as medicated oils, milk, and herbal water are administered through the rectum.

Purgative Therapy - Virechana
Oral medicines are administered to induce purgation.

Blood-Water Therapy - Raktha Mokshana Karma
Impure blood is drained out using an ancient method whereby water leeches are applied to affected part of the affected part of the body.

Eye Treatment - Akshitarpana
The eye is bathed in medicated oils by creating a small tank around the eye using special pastes. It improves eyesight and strengthens the ocular muscles.

Acupuncture
Application of needles onto the body's meridian or vitality points to cure specific ailments.

Decoctions
Herbal medicines are prepared according to individual prescriptions. A large number of natural ingredients (bark, root seed, flowers etc) are boiled in earthenware pots over a long period of time. The water is reduced to about one cup and the medicine is consumed each morning and evening, the flavors can seem quite strong and pungent.

YOGA

Yoga is the one of the oldest forms of physical culture in the world. It is a wondrous gift to mankind and holds the secret of eternal youth.

As we get older our bones get stiff and our muscles get slack. The skin loosens its bloom and wrinkles begin to appear, and we slow down in our activities. Instead of using more cosmetics and pills to tighten the ravages of an over-rich diet, shallow breathing and little or no exercise if we invest a little time on a yoga regime with a wholesome diet, the results will be amazing.

A system of exercises called "asanas"or postures keeps the body fit by speedily removing its toxins, massaging and toning the internal organs and activating the endocrine system.

The endocrine system is made up of a number of ductless glands such as the pituitary, pineral thyroid + Para-thyroid, thymus, adrenals, pancreas adrenals+ sex-glands. These glands release the secretions directly into the blood system, which has a profound effect on youthfulness.

WELLNESS RETREATS IN SRI LANKA

While there are many accommodation options for you to choose from Sri Lanka also has some specific wellness resorts that have your health and well being foremost in their minds. Here are some of the Pure Ayruvedic Hotels in Sri Lanka.

· Jetwing Ayurveda Pavilion in Negombo

· Krunakarala Ayurveda Resort in Negombo

· Siddhalepha Ayurveda Resort in Wadduwa

· Priviliage Ayurveda Resort in Wadduwa

· Life Ayurveda Resort in Wadduwa

· Heritance Ayurveda Mahagerdara in Kalutara

· Muthumuni Ayurveda Resort in Beruwala

· Hotel Lanka Princess in Bentota

· Aida Ayurveda Resort & Spa in Bentota

· Laluna Ayurveda Hotel in Bentota

· Ayurvi Weligama in Weligama

· Talalla Retreat in Matara

· Suriya Lanka Ayurveda Resort in Tangalle

· Nature Lanka Ayurveda Resort in Tangalle

· Amuna Ayurveda Resort in Sigiriya

· Santani Wellness Resort & Spa in Kandy