Ayurveda spread to Sri Lanka from India around 6th century BC to become the main form of medical practice. Sinhalese kings contributed significantly to the development of Ayurveda in Sri Lanka. According to the Mahawamsa, ancient chronicles of history, King Dutugemunu built hospitals for the Buddhist monks and a maternity hospital as early as 173 B.C. It is known that King Buddhadasa (388 to 416 AD) was a great Ayurveda physician, who was well versed in medicine and veterinary science and is credited with the compilation of `Saratha Sangrahaya’, which is read by Ayurveda physicians even to this day. Ruins of these ancient hospitals still remain within the Cultural Triangle cities.

The Ayurveda system practiced today in Sri Lanka is intermingled with Siddha (medicine of South India), Unani (Greko-Arabic system) and some aspects of acupuncture from China. Until the introduction of western medicine by the British in the 19th century, Ayurveda attended to the health of the people. Even today, it remains part of Sri Lanka’s National Health Care system. Training in Ayurveda studies is provided at the Government College of Ayurveda, which is affiliated to the University of Colombo. More than 17,000 Ayurveda practitioners are registered under the Sri Lanka Ayurveda Medical Council.

Ayurveda is a natural healing method, a complete and holistic healing system, which promotes general well being and seeks not only to cure disease but also to rejuvenate the body by increasing immunity. The basis of Ayurveda treatment is a process of purification and rejuvenation. According to this philosophy the accumulation of toxic substances in your body, coupled with poor diet, digestion, sleep and excess stress leads to the imbalance of the system and can lead to poor health. Ayurveda treatments aim at eliminating toxins and balancing the body’s energies, so restoring health and vitality. Ayurveda is based on the principle that everyone has a unique mixture of three energies, which are: vata (air), pita (fire) and kapha (earth). When one of these energies gets out of balance illness can arise and treatment is needed. Herbs and natural medicines are used to restore inner harmony. You don’t have to be sick to enjoy the benefits of an ayurveda massage or bath. Among the benefits it is credited with are: slowing the ageing process, prolonging lifespan, improving digestive functions and eyesight and correcting sleep disturbances. (More)

According to Ayurveda, everything in life is composed of the ‘Panchamahabhutas’, meaning the Five Great Elements. They are: Apo (water – taste – the tongue); Theejo (fire – heat); Vayo (air – touch – skin); Pruthuvi (earth – smell - the nose); Akasha (space – hearing – the ear). Ayurveda is based upon these basic principles. The panchamahabhutas therefore serve as the foundation of all ayurvedic diagnoses and treatments. (More)

Ayurveda is ideal for stress relief, detoxification and rejuvenation. Treatments offered include herbal oil therapy, massages (head, feet, and synchronized body massages), application of herbal body masks, herbal baths, saunas and facial treatments. Short-stay guests can benefit from these treatments. Ayurvedic therapies are also beneficial for a range of other medical conditions including reducing of diabetes, cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, arthritis, and a host of other medical problems. A minimum of 14 days stay is required for the more intensive curative treatments inorder to experience a positive lifestyle change that will impact your future well being. (More)

Red Dot has designed a few Ayurveda focused holidays for you to consider. As always, we will be happy to tinker with these set itineraries to suit your needs. Some may wish to dabble. Some may wish to undergo total mind and body relaxation for three to four days through Ayurvedic therapies during a relaxing holiday. There are also several Ayurveda Resorts that offer more comprehensive curative therapies and take in only Ayurveda clients. These resorts require a minimum stay of 14 days. The itineraries that we have put together focus on Ayurvedic healing as well as time to experience Sri Lanka’s most beautiful and tranquil landscapes. Each itinerary provides a personal journey of inner peace and wellness.

Several Ayurveda resorts in Sri Lanka emphasise positive health and the balance between mind and body through a combination of ancient philosophies such as Ayurveda, 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 etc. These resorts take Ayurveda seriously and are only for those wishing to undergo intensive Ayurvedic treatments and require a minimum stay of 14 days. A registered Ayurvedic Physician will supervise your medical and nutritional programme. We have included some of the most reputable Ayurveda Resorts.

Several hotel and eco-retreats across the island offers Ayurveda treatments as a part of a wellness programme which also mighty include Yoga and Meditation. The Ayurveda therapies concentrate more on relaxation, stress relief and rejuvenation, and can range from a single session to a two or three days’s treatment under the supervision of an in-house registered Ayurveda physician.