Ayurveda - Herbal Healing
Increasing numbers of visitors now come to Sri Lanka specifically to experience the ancient healing practice of Ayurveda. Based on an holistic approach to health, Ayurveda has for thousands of years used the island's prolific herb and plant life to cure and revi talise. Though discredited by Western colonials during the 19th century, Ayurvedic practice has always been revered by the Lankan people who have passed its secrets down the generations and kept the art alive through chants, verses and ala leaf manuscripts. And now, with the West's awakening to natural health philoso- phies, Ayurveda is being given the international respect it has always deserved. 

If you have doubts about the healing proper ties of Ayurveda, it is worth noting that, when Lankans are bitten by a snake, they rarely consider any Westem-style allopathic treatments, preferring tried and tested Ayurvedic cures. However, while Ayurvedic treatments are widely recognised and readily available, the newly arrived traveller needs to be clear that it comes in many different forms and from many different outlets and centres. So, if you are planning a holiday around a course of treatments, it is essential to find out what exactly is on offer at your proposed destination to avoid disappointment. Visitors wanting only to experience herbal baths, massage, de-stressing and toning with cleansing oils will not need to be quite so discerning as someone who is seeking serious cure.

A Science of Llife
" Because Ayurveda is such an integral part of 1 the island's culture, you will find its influence ! in all sorts of places and products. Locally manufactured toiletries, beauty treatments, food, laxatives .and supermarket-shelf consumables are all quite likely to contain Ayurvedic ingredients. A mouthwash made from munamal, for example, will strengthen the gums; lime fruits boiled with dill seed are considered effective for dandruff; and bombu sticks are excellent for cleaning teeth. 

The ordinary Sinhalese curry contains 13 key herbs and spices: rampe (Pandanullatifolia}, karapincha (Murraya kopenigii}, sera (Cym bopogon citratus}, onions, garlic, chillis, lime, turmeric, cumin, fennel, coriander, fenugreek and ginger. These 13 ingredients not only add flavour but also have digestive and medicinal powers. 

If you need specific health treatments quickly, Ayurveda is readily available from a number of sources. You could visit the nearest local clinic, find an Ayurvedic physician or seek out the wise man in every village, who will be familiar with Ayurvedic remedies. In fact, most households in Sri Lanka have some knowledge of this ancient indigenous treatment. Your success at most of these sources, however, will probably depend on your command of the Sinhala language.

The Full Treatment 
For those who have come to the island for less urgent or longer -term treatment, and perhaps want to pamper themselves at the same time, there are an increasing number of luxury hotels: these include the kandalama hotel near Dambulla, on the edge of the cultural Triangle, where you can expect tiptop attention from trained specialists, doctors and masseurs while surrounded by forests and mountains.

Dr.Hettigoda of the siddhalepa wellness centre recommends a course of treatment lasting three weeks, which, he maintains is enough time to find relief from practically all maladies of the body. But for those who are simply curious illness is not a prerequisite for trying them. Many hotels have jumped on the bandwagon, and whilst there is no harm in a relaxing massage with herbal oils, some do not do justice to the full range of therapies. See the Travel link of the this website for a guide to some of the best hotles. Health centres and also suppliers - for those who want to take a few pungent bottles home with them.