Sri Lanka is the world’s second largest cinnamon exporter – this precious crop is grown in estates along the south coast. You can purchase fresh cinnamon from plantations in Mirissa as well as in Koggala where villagers process cinnamon on an island in the middle of Koggala Lake. Various other aromatic spices and condiments, such as mixed curry powder, chili powder, saffron, turmeric and cloves, can be purchased from the main grocery stores. ‘Ma’s’ spices are highly recommended.
Ayurveda spread to Sri Lanka from India around 6th century BC and would go on to become the main form of medical practice in the island. Sinhalese kings contributed significantly to the development of Ayurveda in Sri Lanka – King Dutugemunu built hospitals for the Buddhist monks and a maternity hospital as early as 173 BC, and King Buddhadasa (388 – 416AD) was a great Ayurveda physician and is credited with the compilation of ‘Saratha Sangrahaya’, which is read by Ayurvedic doctors to this day. Ruins of these ancient hospitals can still be seen in the ruined cities of the Cultural Triangle.
Ayurveda in Sri Lanka is today intermingled with Siddha (medicine from 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, and even today remains a part of Sri Lanka’s national healthcare system.
Ayurveda is a natural healing method, a complete and holistic healing system which promotes general wellbeing. 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. Herbs and natural medicines are used to eliminate toxins and balance the body’s energies, so restoring health and vitality.
You don’t have to be sick to enjoy the benefits of an Ayurveda massage or bath, and the benefits include: slowing the ageing process, prolonging lifespan, improving digestion and eyesight and correcting sleep disturbances. Ayurvedic therapies are also beneficial for a range of other medical conditions including reducing diabetes, cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, arthritis, and a host of other medical problems.
If you are interested in exploring Ayurvedic treatments, why not try our ‘Ayurvedic Rejuvenation’ tour? After spending a week exploring the island, head to a specialist retreat for a two-week immersion in Ayurveda practices – after a consultation with an Ayurvedic doctor, follow a personal meal plan and enjoy a range of treatments tailored specifically to you. As always, we will be happy to tinker with the set itinerary to suit your needs: some may wish to dabble, whilst others may wish to undergo total mind and body relaxation through various Ayurvedic therapies.
There are also a range of independent spas across the island – mostly in Colombo and along the south coast – which offer Ayurvedic massages, and many hotels also offer a range of treatments. Siddhalepa in Colombo is a good-value option for those seeking a traditional relaxing massage, whilst we also offer a more authentic experience in the Cultural Triangle where treatments are undertaken in a remote wattle-and-daub hut.
