Ayurveda Background

Snapshot

What exactly is Ayurveda?

Ayurveda is a natural healing method which promotes general well being and seeks not only to cure disease but also to rejuvenate the body by increasing immunity against disease.  It can be effective in curbing stress and in promoting a positive and relaxed mental attitude. Users of the gentle system of holistic treatment say it is based on the observation of humans and plants and searches for balance in body and mind.

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 this 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.

Sri Lanka Ayurvedic physicians are required to undergo seven years of training and spend at least a year in a conventional hospital. Practitioners prescribe gentle herbs, diets, hydrotherapy and medical enemas to treat an array of illnesses, including diabetes, asthma, arthritis, high blood pressure, alcoholism and obesity.
For any true medical benefit, you need at least two weeks’ treatment. Anything less may reduce stress, but it is unlikely to be of any medicinal value.

Examples of basic methods are the use of cinnamon oil to cure colds and toothache, herbal balm for aches and pains, and aloe vera for constipation, cough, asthma, nervous diseases and various eye diseases. Ginger is used in some form or other to treat most diseases: for nausea, colic, and palpitations of the heart. Jasmine is used for skin diseases, mouth ulcers, toothaches, and sandalwood oil to make wrinkles disappear. The treatment is generally administered through oil massages, hot baths, pills, powders, wines and tea or taking drops of herbal liquids.

Ayurveda is based on the concept of treating the diseased holistically and treats the person rather than the disease.