Things To Do -> Health & Wellness ->The Ayurveda in Sri Lanka
The Ayurveda in Sri Lanka is a blend of Sri Lanka’s traditional medicine system known as ‘Hela wedakama’, the Ayurveda and Siddha systems of India, and the Unani medicine of Greece. Sri Lankan Ayurveda system was passed down from one generation to the other for 3000 years. Some of the ancient kings happened to be great physicians and they preserved this knowledge in its purest form.
King Buddhadasa (398 AD) is one of such great physicians who wrote the Sarartha Sangrahaya, an in-depth manuscript that is used as a reference even today by Ayurveda practitioners. Some even believe that the knowledge of Hela Wedakama has been given by King Ravana. This is evident from the fact that most traditional medical practitioners nowadays worship King Ravana before starting treatment for patients or preparing any medicine.
According to historical facts, Sri Lanka has had a well-organized medical service system for centuries and even claims to be the first country in the world that had dedicated hospitals with surgery facilities even for animals.
The ruins of the Mihintale Mountain in Sri Lanka are believed to be the first hospital in the world. These are evidence of Sri Lanka’s sense of care towards health and well-being since ancient times. In ancient times, the Ayurveda practitioners enjoyed great patronage by the masses that they were held high in par with the King.
Unfortunately, due to the colonialism and introduction of prescription drugs, Ayurveda medical system gradually started to die. However, people from across the world that are aware of the benefits of the Ayurveda healing system visit Sri Lanka in recent times in search of a cure for a lot of chronic diseases for which allopathic medicine has no cure.
The history of Ayurveda
The word Āyurveda means knowledge of life and longevity. The origin of Ayurveda is rooted in the Indian sub-continent and has evolved over more than two millennia. According to history, this medical knowledge was passed down from gods to sages and then to human physicians.
In Sushruta Samhita (Sushruta’s Compendium), Sushruta has stated that Dhanvantari, Hindu god of Ayurveda, incarnated himself as a king of Varanasi and taught medicine to a group of physicians, including Sushruta. Ayurveda was brought to the Western world by Baba Hari Dass in the 1970s and Maharishi Ayurveda in the 1980s. Another group of scholars believes that some concepts of Ayurveda had existed from the time of the Indus Valley Civilization or even earlier.
The Concept of Ayurveda:
Ayurveda states that the human body is composed of dhatus (tissues), malas (waste), and doshas (biomaterials). It also states that the human body is made of 5 classical elements viz. earth, water, fire, air, and ether
The doshas are of three types– space or air which is connected to the nervous system; pitta or fire which is connected to the enzymes; and kappa or earth and water which is connected to the mucus. Similarly, the human mind is also composed of particular doshas known as satogun, rajogun and tamogun that control psychology.
Each dosha, mental and physical, has particular attributes and roles within the mind and the body respectively. Thus a person’s physical and mental constitution depends on the predominance of one or more doshas. Ayurveda holds the belief that imbalance among the bodily and mental doshas is a major cause of a disease.
The Ayurvedic preparations include a surprising range of leaves, roots, bark, resin, spices, and fruits, with familiar ingredients such as black pepper, ginger, cinnamon bark and sesame oil, esoteric items, and many more.
Ayurveda Sri Lanka Retreat at SigiriyaJungles Hotel
Many in the west are aware of the limitations of the allopathic treatment that treats only the body and hence turn towards Ayurveda, a holistic method of treatment. As a result, Sri Lanka has become a popular destination for Ayurveda treatment. There are around 6500 registered Ayurveda practitioners in Sri Lanka and another large number practices informally in villages. There are specialized Ayurveda resorts across the country which cater to all the needs of those who visit Sri Lanka for treatment.
Understanding this demand, JourneyScapes Travels has designed a unique 14 day Ayurveda and Wellness program at the SigiriyaJungles Hotel located in Sigiriya. The program consists of 10 days of intensive Ayurveda treatment including yoga and meditation and visiting the most important places of Sri Lanka during the remaining 4 days.
The Ayurveda treatment will start on the second day beginning with a private consultation with the doctor who will decide on the treatment plan after the preliminary evaluation. The treatment is based on the ‘Panchakarma’ healing method. Panchakarma is the Ayurveda term used for five purification procedures operated for cleansing and detoxification of the body.
The purification process consists of Shiro dhara (body, scalp, and head massage), Shirovasti (pouring of medicated oils), Shiro Abhyanga (head massage), and Shiro lepa (herbal head pack).
These treatments will help you overcome stress, anxiety, and fatigue and additional meditation programs will help you attain mental peace. The program also includes simple or deep muscular relaxation, primordial sound meditation, walking on the mineral stone foot therapy path, and psychological counseling sessions.
In your tour program, you will also explore few highlights of the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka– Sigiriya Rock Fortress (UNESCO), Dambulla Rock Cave Temple (UNESCO), Ancient City of Polonnaruwa (UNESCO)– and Elephant Gathering at Minneriya National Park and Sri Lank’s hill country, Kandy.
We follow international health & safety guidelines whilst you are traveling, visiting sites, and staying in the hotels in Sri Lanka to ensure that you enjoy a safe and pleasurable holiday.
SigiriyaJungles Hotel –At a glance:
SigiriyaJungles is a sister company of the reputed JourneyScapes Travels, a top-notch tour operating company that has been awarded and recognized for its professionalism in inbound tour operations. Sigiriya Jungles was opened to the public on 1st August 2016.
This 4 + star category, luxurious hotel is found on a stunning 10-acre property in a naturally landscaped garden blending in perfect harmony with the surroundings. The hotel overlooks the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress and is built in an ideal place from where one can explore the cultural triangle to the fullest.
Moreover, the hotel is spread across a 10-acre land as individual chalets. The split-type individual air conditioners prevent the circulation of air among other rooms. It is open to the air and overlooks a large garden which enables the guests to enjoy fresh air anytime which makes it an ideal retreat during the Covid pandemic. Rest assured, at SigiriyaJungles, you are the safest.