There is an old saying in Sri Lanka: ‘If you cannot be a king, become a healer’. And if you are already a king, what better than to create a system of treatments that salve and nourish both mind and body.

The word Ayurveda has derived from Sanskrit words Ayuh and Veda meaning life and knowledge, and this traditional medicinal treatment has been practiced in Sri Lanka is for many centuries.

King Buddhadasa (398 AD), who was also the most prominent physician of his time, wrote the Sarartha Sangrahaya, which drew on ancient inscriptions on rock surfaces that reveal the full extent of Ayurveda’s powers to rejuvenate mind and body.

Throughout Sri Lanka are ancient hospital sites that were active centuries ago, and which now attract the tourists who marvel at these beautiful ruins, which symbolize the sense of healing and care that was so prevalent at that time.

The Ayurvedic tradition followed in Sri Lanka is an amalgamation of different Ayurvedic traditions, including the Siddha system of India and the Unani medicines of Arabia.

One of the best-known Ayurvedic centres in Sri Lanka is in Negombo, where two resident doctors and nine therapists dispense some excellent therapeutic and traditional treatments which are derived from ayurvedic medecine.

The Ministry Of Indigenous Medicine.

The was established in 1980 to encourage the revival of the Ayurvedic. In 1977, there were only 10 Ayurvedic hospitals and central dispensaries in Sri Lanka. Today, there are 270, where more than three million people a year seek treatment.

One of the fundamental beliefs of Ayurveda is the doctrine of ‘Tri Dosha’ or the Three Vital Forces – Vayu, Pita and Kapha.

Translated somewhat unromantically as wind, bile and phlegm, a more accurate interpretation is the transmission of energy within the body; in modern medical terms, nerve impulses, muscle contraction and hormonal activity.

When these 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, illness takes over.

Sri Lankans like to say that while western medicine classifies germs and attempts to destroy them, Ayurveda classifies human beings and attempts to save them.

Sri Lanka’s Ayurvedic treatment centers provide Ayurvedic body massage, leg massage, arm massage, facial treatment, head oil application, ayurvedic bath, steam bath and similar rejuvenating treatments.

Body massage

This is used for relaxation, as well as giving tone to the muscles and promoting blood circulation. The regular application of oil gives longevity, strengthens the muscles and relieves fatigue. It also treats diseases of the nervous system (Vata Roga)..

Head oil application

This improves blood circulation and prevents and cures headache and migraine. It also helps prevent hair loss, baldness and premature graying, and promotes good eyesight and clears the complexion.

Facial treatment

Herbal pastes and steam are used to smooth out wrinkles and clear the skin.

Ayurveda Herbal Bath

Herbal leaves and roots are boiled and the water is poured on the patients. Different types of herbal water is used according to any prevalent ailment and the condition of the patient.

Herbalsteam bath

Herbal leaves and roots are boiled and the vapor passed over the body to treat obesity and joint pains.

Nasal treatment

This is very effective for chronic sinusitis, chronic headache, migraine, facial paralysis, nasal congestion, cataract and diseases of eye, nose, ear, mouth and head.

Arm massage

Headaches, neck pain, aching shoulders or tired hands can all be caused by tension in the arms. Massaging the arms helps the arms and shoulders to relax, and can alleviate many of these problems.

Leg massage

By stimulating the circulation, massaging brings blood and nutrients to the legs and helps to prevent varicose veins. Gentle stroking up the legs towards the lymph nodes can help to reduce puffiness or swelling in the lower legs, and helps to reduce accumulation of cellulite, dry skin and flabby thighs.

Neck and shoulder massage

Special herbal oil is applied to the neck and the shoulder to release muscular spasms, rheumatic pain and stress related conditions as the neck and the shoulder area is so often stiff and tense..

Foot massage

This massage produces a reflect effect on the internal organs as well as creating a combined soothing and invigorating effect. Massage of the feet prevents and cures dryness, numbness, roughness, fatigue, and cracking of the heels. It also strengthens walking and running.