Sri Lanka has always been a place that refreshes not just the mind and body, but also the soul and spirit. And for thousands of years, the most popular method used to restore and rejuvenate tired bodies and weary souls has been Ayurveda – the oldest and most holistic medical system available in the world.
Sri Lanka has been a centre of spiritual and physical healing for 2,000 years. Ayurvedic programmes consist of a range of herbal treatments and various types of baths and massages, together with cleansing and revitalization techniques such as yoga, meditation and special diets.
Sri Lanka now has a number of spas, mainly on the west coast, which not only provide Ayurveda but also other Eastern and Western therapies, such as Thai massage, hydrotherapy, herbal baths, reflexology and beauty treatments. For those seeking spiritual nourishment, meditation courses are also available.
What is Ayurveda?
Ayurveda is a natural healing method, a complete and holistic healing system, which promotes general wellbeing and seeks not only to cure disease but also to rejuvenate the body by increasing immunity. The name comes from two conjoined Sanskrit words “Ayuh” (life) and “Veda” (science or knowledge). The basis of Ayurveda treatment is a process of purification and rejuvenation. These treatments aim at eliminating toxins and balancing the body’s energies, so restoring health and vitality. You don’t have to be sick to enjoy the benefits of an Ayurveda massage or bath.
Ayurveda Treatments
Ayurveda is ideal for stress relief, detoxification and rejuvenation. herbal oil therapy, massages (head, feet, and synchronized body massages), application of herbal body masks, herbal baths, saunas and facial treatments are some of the treatments included in Ayurveda. Almost all prescriptions used in treatment are produced by raw materials found naturally. The raw materials come from roots, stems, seeds, fruits, barks, leaves, flowers, & nuts of plants. Among other natural things, milk, honey, pearls, musk, shells, iron, gold, silver & copper are used. Ayurveda drugs do not have any side effects. Below are some of the examples for Ayurveda treatments.
Shirobyanga
to nourish the scalp and enhance growth of hair
Shirodhara
to induce sleep and release stress
Picchill
to soothe and relieve inflammatory conditions of the scalp
Parisheka
to relieve burning sensation of the body
Abyanga
to impart strength, good complexion and longevity and to relieve fatigue and induce sound sleep. To relieve aches and pains, ease muscular spasms and muscular rheumatism.
Mukabyanga
to nourish the facial muscles and to improve complexion
Ayurveda Face Packs
to cleanse, moisturize and soothe the skin
Akshitarpana
to use a special eye bath to nourish the eyes and enhance eye sight
Netraparisheka
to cleanse the eyes, soothe and cool irritated eyes
Netrapindi
to place special medicated eye packs to soothe irritated eyes and to nourish and relax tires eyes.
Pinda Sweda
to induce sweat, remove stiffness of joints and make them supple, cleanse body channels and to invigorate and restore by the application of a special procedure of sudation.
Parisheka Sweda
to produce sweat and cleanse the body of its toxins.
Avagaha Sweda
special sudation for lumbago, sciatica and to relieve renal pain
Naadi Sweda
to direct regulated steam to localized areas to relieve pain by means of a special apparatus.
Kuti Sweda
(Sauna) to reduce weight used with care under the supervision of the ayurveda doctor.
Steam Bath
to reduce body weight and fat the body is made to sweat in a special chamber made from medicinal wood.
Herbal Bath
to alleviate certain skin disorders, remove toxins and relieve pain. It refreshes and invigorates the human body.
Pebble Walk
to bring about reflex reactions of the sole to stimulate and tone-up internal organs.
Some of the treatments are available only with long stays and treatments are different from hotel to hotel
Ayurveda Resorts and Hotels
Several hotels and Ayurveda resorts across the island offers Ayurveda treatments as a part of a wellness programme which also mighty include Yoga and Meditation. Treatments range from rejuvenating massages using herbal oils, body wraps, and flower baths to the more intensive curative Ayurveda treatments for a range of medical conditions including stress relief, weight loss, reducing of diabetes, cholesterol, high blood pressure and many more. The treatments take place under the supervision of an in-house registered Ayurveda physician.
Below are some of the Ayurveda Hotels and resorts:
- Heritance Ayurveda Maha Gedara – Beruwela
- Lanka Princess Hotel – Beruwela
- Siddhalepa Ayurveda Health Resort – Wadduwa
- Barberyn Beach Ayurveda Resort – Wligama
- Barberyn Reef Ayurveda Resort - Beruwala
- Eden Resort & Spa – Beruwala
- Jetwing Ayurveda Pavilions – Negombo
- Heritance Ayurveda Maha Gedara – Beruwala
- Karunakarala Ayurveda Spa & Resort – Wakkala
- Aida Ayurveda & Holistic Health Resort -Bentota
- Siddhalepa Ayurveda Health Resort – Wadduwa
- Vendol Resort – Wadduwa
- Srilanka Ayurveda Hotel – Hikkaduwa
- Santani – Kandy
- Aida - Bentota
- Aida – Induruwa
- Ayurveda Paradise Maho – Yapahuwa
