When the three, 'Doshas' are balanced, the body is in good health. When this equilibrium is disturbed and the balance of these complementary forces become unbalanced and upset, then illness results.
Ayurvedic practitioners study the patient as a whole with the object of restoring balance, getting to the root of the problem and treating it. Local folk have been known to say that while western medicine classifieds germs and attempts to destroy them, Ayurveda classifies human beings and attempts to save them.
The dive-pronged evacuative therapy 'Pancha Karma' is designed to rid the body of toxins and is achieved by special diets and herbal decoctions. The five elements of medical herbs: leaves, flowers, barks, roots and berries are used to cleanse the blood and the body of impurities.
The preparation of Ayurvedic medications is usually a long process with ingredients being ground in a pestle for a prescribed period of time. Juices and extracts of plants are simmered until they are reduced to a fraction of their original volume. Besides decoctions, wines, pills and powders for internal use, Ayurveda also uses poultices, pastes, ointments and oils for external application.
Massage with herbal oils, steam baths and bathing in herbal waters are said to be particularly beneficial to patients with migraine, insomnia and arthritis.
Methods of treatment vary, while one might have herbal oil dripping from a suspended clay pot onto a patient's head, another would place the patient in a steam bath like an ancient wooden chest with perforations, in which he or she lies relaxed, benefiting from the vapours of various steamed herbs wafting up from underneath.
Herbal teas are now available and gaining in popularity worldwide. Their ingredients vary. While some might invigorate and energize, others would relax and calm both mind and body.
The preventative aspects of Ayurveda recommend codes for healthy living which include dietary and social-cultural norms. Certain foods are considered good while partaking of others such as red meat is discouraged. Vegetarianism and the consumption of dairy products such as milk and curd are smiled upon while drinking alcohol and smoking are frowned on.
'Ayurveda' is a cure for a lifetime and a way of life; after all, generations of Sri Lankan have been using these age-old remedies, and obtaining relief from their illness, living to a ripe old age in excellent physical condition.
It is a gentle and relaxed treatment for both mind and body, one that leaves you feeling light, tranquil, yet filled with the zest and energy that our ancestors experienced and benefited from.
'Ayurveda' is nature's way of caring and curing for a lifetime!
The 'Ayurveda' method is administered in many forms; Ayurveda body massage, Ayurveda face massage and face pack, ayurveda back massage, hand massage and foot massages. The Ayurveda method is more skin and body friendly as it is devoid of harmful chemicals and uitilizes nature's herbs to cleanse and soothe.
Places to indulge yourself in Ayurveda;
Ayurveda Centre Maho- situated on the borders of the beautiful fortress city Yahapahuwa which was a capitol in 1301 is this edifice. It is a fully fledged Ayurvedic hospital.
Ayurveda pavillions -Negombo
Situated amidst tropical trees and beautiful gardens the Ayurveda Pavillions is a luxurious and tranquil health resort located in the coastal town of Negombo. The journey from the international airport is 30minutes.
Vil Uyana Luxury Boutique Hotel-Sigiriya
'Vil Uyana,' meaning garden of ponds, is a brand new lifestyle hotel located minutes away from the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situtaedd on the flatlands immedietly to the west of the Sigiriya Rock, the hotel is envisaged as a natural extension to the efforts of ancient Sinhala kings who developed and irrigated this area.
Amaya Lake -Dambulla
Amaya Lake ( Formely known as the Culture Club) is situated in the heart of a tropical parkland. It boasts a spacious and natural location, alongside the Dambulla lake and is perfectly placed to explore the many historic delights of the cultural triangle. The hotel itself is enveloped by a calm stmosphere which is ideal for an Ayurvedic setting.
Niroga Ayurvedic Resort- Induruwa
Nestled in a beautiful golden sandy beach, shaded by the coconu trees of Induruwa is this hotel which 90km away from the Bandaranayake International Airport.The tranquil ambience of the resort similarly rejuvenates the body and soul of the guests.
Each guest is given undevided attention , hence the limited number of guests rooms totalling 8. The restaurant caters meals based on diagnosis and recommendation by the doctors on guest-to guest basis.
Siddhalepa Ayurvedic Health resort- Wadduwa
This resort provides traditional Ayurvedic therapy to cleanse, detoxify and rejuvenate the mind, body and soul. Additionally providing a general wellness for the health conscious clients using 100% natural Ayurvedic treatments under the guidance of experinced Ayurvedic doctors.
The kids too are kept occupied by many activities such as paddle boating, the island for treasure hunts and an adequately safe guarded kiddies swimming pool.
Mt.Lavinia Hotel-Mt.Lavinia
The hotel is located on a stunning promontory overlooking the Indian Ocean. It is the former residence of a governor of Sri Lanka. The Mt.Lavinia Hotel, still retains the old world charm and imperial elegance of yesteryear combined with the most up to date facilities of a modern resort. With extensive beach frontage, a tropical bar on the beach. four restaurants inclusive of a magnificient sea food restaurant, and a terrace bar one would be spoilt for choice. The swimming pool and Ayurveda Centre are ideal places to grab some well deserved R & R.
Neptune Ayurveda Village- Beruwala
This ancient art of rejuvenation and healthy living is available at an Ayurveda centre, adjacent to the popular beach resort, Neptune Hotel. Here the dawn emerges with a sense of serenity, providing an idyllic setting for a program of Ayurveda. Their dedicated team of well experienced, qualified doctors will provide the guidance needed and ensure tailor made packages to suit each individual need.
Heritance Kandalama-Dambulla
160km from Sri Lanka's business hub Colombo and a few minutes away from the nearest town, the Heritance Kandalama is an oasis of luxury and relaxation.
Apart from enticing the guests with an alluring Ayurvedic experience, the hotel offers a chance to visit two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in close proximity to it, the 2000 year old cave temple at Dambulla nd the Sigiriya rock fortress.
Anuradhapura,Polonnaruwa, the Minneriya wildlife sanctuary are some of the other attractions on offer, making the Heritance Kandalama an ideal base to explore both Sri Lanka's ancient heritage and its rich bio-diversity.
The Cinnamon Lodge-Habarana
Conveniently located in the centre of the cultural triangle, made to grow with and into nature, The Cinnamon Lodge- Habarana is green hospitality at its best. A you enter the premise you will wonder why this part of the country is referred to as the 'dry-zone,' as there is nothing dry about the Lodge. The staff at the Cinnamon Lodge believe that harmony with nature is also about harmony between people.
Ulpotha-Anuradhapura
Ulpotha has been a pilgrimage site for thousand of years and remains a tranquil place to this day. It is a beautiful private hide-away open to guests for a certain period annually. A place of total peace, where you can experince the warmth and hospitality of Sri Lankans. You can also indulge in the Ayurvedic methods which are practiced at this place.
Ulpotha is a traditional working village cradled on one side by low mountains and a lotus ringed lake, on the other side by tiny emerald green paddy fields.
Earl's Regency-Kandy
Situated on a higher elevation enabling a breath-taking view from its balconies is this jewel of Kandy. This luxurious hotel is home to an Ayurveda centre which provides the guests with every requirement and the service caters to your every whim.
Barberyn Reef Ayurveda Resort, in Beruwala
Barberyn Reef Ayurveda Resort, in Beruwala, in the south west coast of Sri Lanka and Barberyn Beach Ayurveda Resort, Weligama, in the Southern most point of Sri Lanka are beautiful beach front properties that cater exclusively to guests seeking Ayurveda treatment. The philosophy of Barberyn, the company that pioneered the resort concept of Ayurveda in Sri Lanka rests on authentic Ayurveda, yoga, cultural and spiritual enhancement and community development. Extensive Ayurveda facilities are combined with fine hospitality and a nurturing environment for guests to experience good health that comes from within.
www.barberyn.com
