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Ayurveda

Ayurveda is a Sanskrit word derived from two roots: 'ayur', which means life, and 'veda', meaning knowledge. Originating in India over 5000 years ago, Ayurvedic practice uses herbs & natural remedies, combined with a wider look at diet & lifestyle, to create balance in body and mind.

Ayurvedic practice assumes that every human being is a creation of the cosmos and, as a result, has his or her own distinct energy pattern. The practice looks at the components of energy pattern: body movement ('Vata'), digestion & metabolism ('Pitta') and body fluids & structure ('Kapha'). The idea being that when all are in balance, the individual feels healthy and immune to distress. Ayurveda is often described as a total healing art.

The practice in Sri Lanka is widespread and can be found from top Colombo hospitals to small village huts. Ayurveda is as much a prevention as it is a cure, and one needn't be unwell to practice it. However, many people experience incredible results when using Ayurveda to treat illness or injury. Ayurveda aims to treat the root cause of injury and illness, not merely the symptoms. The Ayurvedic remedies act on the total body, strengthening the power of resistance and promoting healing. One Ayurvedic treatment centre explains that Ayurvedic practice will 'add years to your life and life to your years'. Most Sri Lankans use forms of ayurvedic medicine, although in rural areas it sometimes referred to as "Sinhala Behet" or ‘Sinhalese medicine’.

Many hotels now have Ayurvedic treatment centres where guests can try Ayurvedic remedies, from short massages or oil & cream remedies to a longer, more detailed programme which also looks at diet and the individual's circumstances. For those particularly interested in following an Ayurvedic course, there are specialist centres which are geared towards 1-2 week stays - which are recommended if you want to seriously explore the power of Ayurveda. Others may wish to try Ayurveda at some point during their stay. Flower baths, herbal saunas and steam rooms are popular short-treatments, as is the treatment whereby warm herbal oil is applied to the forehead. Please contact us if you are interested in trying a longer course of Ayurvedic treatments and would like more information on how they can be assimilated into wider itineraries.

Specialist ayurvedic hotels - rates and full course details upon request:

Barberyn Reef, Weligama

Barberyn Reef, Aluthgama

Ayurveda Pavillions, Negombo

Ayurveda Walauwa, Bentota

Lanka Princess, Aluthgama

Sidhalepa Ayurvedic Resort, Wadduwa

For a really special remote and beautiful place to do an Ayurvedic treatment course Experience Sri Lanka thoroughly recommend Rainforest Edge. It is a unique eco style hotel by the Sinharaja Rainforest and we couldn't think of a better place to escape from it all and rejuvenate the body and mind!