Ayurvedic treatment is a popular method of complementary therapy and one of the world’s oldest forms of healing. Derived from the Sanskrit word for life (ayuh) and knowledge (veda), this holistic therapy originated more than 3,000 years ago and is practiced extensively in Sri Lanka, located in the Indian Ocean and just four hours flying time from the GCC. Those keen on a rejuvenating break should consider a visit to this tropical island paradise as the perfect getaway for a stress relieving vacation in exotic surroundings.
The basis of Ayurveda is the belief in a few basic elements that form three types of energy within the body; vatha (a combination of air and space), pitha (fire and water) and kappha (earth and water). Ayurvedic practitioners believe that illness arises when these energies are out of balance and their practice is centered on work to restore harmony.
Sri Lanka has 6,500 registered Ayurveda practitioners, many whom have completed a seven year study course followed by two years work in a conventional hospital. The traditional method of healing is used to treat a number of ailments and disorders, including stress, diabetes, migraine, asthma, arthritis and high blood pressure. It is also thought that it can boost the immune system and help delay or even reverse the ageing process.
Visitors to Sri Lanka who are seeking a purely relaxing break can opt for one of the many luxurious beach resorts on the island which offer a spa and massage centre and where the principles and techniques of Ayurvedic medicine are put into practice to promote tranquillity and a sense of well-being. A comprehensive treatment at one of these resorts will include massages, herbal baths, oil treatments and a special diet, as well as music, meditation and yoga.
Those who wish to deal with minor medical problems, recover from a period of illness or simply concentrate on improving their over-all health will find a number of dedicated Ayurvedic centers with full-time doctors and staff and most of these are again, located in beautiful coastal areas, with one resort at Unawatuna being acclaimed as having one of the world’s top 10 beaches. The minimum stay at one of these dedicated healing resorts is for a weekend, but a sojourn of two to three weeks will help to obtain the maximum benefit from a combination of pure fresh air, a largely vegetarian diet and individually prescribed treatments.
Specific Ayurvedic treatments may include a herbal or floral bath, which is generally administered after a relaxing massage. Cleansing of the inner body, or detoxification, is carried out through a combination of a special detoxifying herbal compound and oiling the body to induce sweating. Another popular treatment is known as Shirodara and involves the dripping of warmed herbal oil rhythmically onto the centre of the forehead for about 20 minutes. This has been found to be a very effective treatment at curing migraine headaches and any disorders of the central nervous system.
A head and face massage with warm blended oil helps relax the central nervous system and balances the energies which control the functions of the brain, while a full body massage helps to relieve any aches and pains and provides a sense of total relaxation.
Once refreshed and rejuvenated, Sri Lanka offers a host of other activities to occupy the intrepid explorer. Colombo has all the attractions of a busy city, with star-rated hotels, shopping malls and a vast array of restaurants that cater for all tastes. Away from the capital, the central highlands feature tea estates, where you can discover the origins of your morning cuppa and the island’s highest mountain, Mount Pidurutalagala, a great place for spectacular hikes.
Those keen on botany will want to visit the Peradeniya Gardens in the city of Kandy, the second largest city after Colombo and the Hakgala Gardens, with 27 acres of land overflowing with roses and ferns. If you enjoy a round of golf, the island has three stunning courses set in beautiful surroundings and for the more adventurously inclined, there are the high adrenalin thrills of white water rafting, sailing, mountain biking and hot air balloon rides. You can also opt to cycle through the ancient ruins of a country whose history and heritage stretches back thousands of years.
