Healer's Paradise - Sri Lankan Ayurveda

Ayurveda is an ancient medical system originating in India over 5000 years ago. In Sri Lanka, it's associated with Sri Lankan Traditional Medicine practiced in Sri Lanka for many centuries which evolved from the prehistoric eras and is currently regarded as Sri Lanka Ayurveda - with a distinct difference from Indian Ayurveda.

Let’s Have a Look at the History of  Sri Lankan Ayurvedic System

Sri Lanka developed its own Ayurvedic system based on a series of prescriptions handed down from generation to generation over a period of 3,000 years. The ancient kings, who were also prominent physicians, sustained its survival and longevity. King Buddhadasa (398 AD), the most influential of these physicians, wrote the Sarartha Sangrahaya, a comprehensive manuscript that Sri Lankan physicians still use today for reference. Some believe the age of "Hela wakame" comes from the great King Ravana as most of the real traditional medicine practitioners still worship the King Ravana in order to obtain the permit prior to starting treatments for the patients or prior to starting making medicines according to the ancient traditions.

Ancient inscriptions on rock surfaces reveal that organized medical services have existed within the country for centuries. In fact, Sri Lanka claims to be the first country in the world to have established dedicated hospitals with the capability of performing surgeries even for the animals. The Sri Lankan mountain Mihintale still has the ruins of what many believe to be the first hospital in the world. Old hospital sites now attract tourists, who marvel at the beautiful ruins. These places have come to symbolize a traditional sense of healing and care, which was so prevalent at that time.

Historically the Ayurvedic physicians enjoyed a noble position in the country's social hierarchy due to their royal patronage. From this legacy stems a well-known Sri Lankan saying: "If you can not be a king, become a healer." Along with Buddhism, the interrelationship between Ayurveda and royalty continues to influence politics in Sri Lanka. However, most of the traditional values of Sri Lanka had died with the invasions of Dutch, Portuguese, and English Nations. Recently however many tourists seek out traditional Ayurveda in Sri Lanka at one of the many Ayurveda resorts on the island, offering Ayurveda, yoga, and meditation.

Ayurveda is a holistic approach to health and wellbeing and is based on herbs and diet. Sri Lanka is blessed with an abundant supply of medicinal plants, herbs, and spices, which are carefully used not just to heal or mitigate a particular disease or ailment, but also to promote the overall wellbeing of the patient. It also emphasizes the harmony of body, mind, and spirit.

Today Sri Lanka’s traditional medicine is increasingly attracting international attention for its holistic healing powers. As a result, operators in both Wellness Tourism and Ayurvedic and Herbal products industries in Sri Lanka are in for a great time.

In our over-stressed world, anyone can benefit from these gentle, but powerful treatments.

Why Not Come to Sri Lanka for Ayurvedic Holiday?  Let SkyHaven Tours arrange an “Ayurvedic Retreat” for your healing and rejuvenation!

See our Wellness & Retreat Itinerary on our website