The word Ayurveda is made out of Ayu and Veda. Ayu is conglomeration of
Physical body, mind, sense organs and the soul which experiences happiness or
the misery. The word Veda is described as a union of science, art, philosophy
and a way of life. Therefore together Ayurveda is understood as the art of
healthy living or the science of life.
Ancient tradition
Ayurveda is an Upaveda (sub part) of Atharva veda, one of four Vedic texts, and
is considered a source of eternal knowledge. Knowledge of Ayurveda had been
subject to times of dark periods where there was difficulty in learning and
receiving the authentic wisdom. Its existence today despite these hurdles itself is
proof of its eternity and continuity.
Ayurveda from its roots in Indus valley has spread its benevolent wings all over
Asia. As the legend begins the seers and divine scholars of Ayurveda like lord
Brahma , Ashvini Putra ( twin deities) , Indra and Daksha Prajapati have received
the knowledge by word of mouth. At the beginning of times it was easier to
receive the knowledge due to pious nature of people.
But as the era progresses and as intelligence, memory and life span declines the knowledge
was recorded in the form of scriptures. Definite texts of utmost value in the form of major
triad and minor triad have surfaced. As the authors of ancient times were humble enough to
submit their literary abilities to the almighty, these texts are ambiguous about the time
of authorship and authorship it self.
One memorable event mentioned in classics is the gathering of seers to clarify
contradictory points regarding Ayurveda and that Pulasthi rishi (King Ravana's Grand
Father) has taken part of it. The
time when Indus valley was one stretch of land where southern part was called as
Tamrapanni- land of bronze color , a strong devotee of lord Shiva ruled this area by the
name king Ravana. King Ravana valorous in his reign was also a learned scholar and
excelled in Rasa Shatram(alchemy), which bought him immortality. Three books remain till
date, i.e. Arka Prakasha, Naadi Prakasha and Kumara Tantra which stands as proof of his
expertise in different fields like herbal pharmacology, pulse diagnosis and pediatrics.
Authenticity of these texts is controversial yet all the books are written in similar
manner as a dialogue between king Ravana and his queen. There are many other books of
different disciplines attributed to king Ravan in the field of legislature and astrology.
As the time progresses, the Indus valley civilization flourishes in to a huge empire with
prosperity in worldly things as well as philosophy.
It becomes an ancient tradition for the princes to master in 64 arts and
Ayurveda is mentioned as one of these. Therefore ayurveda received royal patronage and
Tamrapanni has witnessed excellent physicians as well as surgeons amongst royalty
in the coming generations. The texts written by
kings like Buddhadasa are valid proof of continuity of practice of Ayurveda and
its development under an indigenous touch.
Later, during the reign of King Devanam piyathissa , Emperor Asoka’s own son
Mahinda Thero, brought knowledge of Buddhism to Ceylon, reviving the
tradition of Ayurveda in Sri Lanka. Being a Buddhist monk, Mahinda Thero
initiated the tradition of monks participating in health care. Till recently main
temples had ‘pirivena’ which is the study place of monks and they were given
knowledge of Ayurveda along with religious knowledge. Therefore Ayurveda and
traditional medicine was practiced through out country with a touch of
compassion. Evidence of these can be still seen in ancient cities like Mihintale,
Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa
which holds ancient relics of hospitals and treatments places and even maternity homes till
today
. Today Ayurveda is practiced as an organized health system along with other natural
therapies like Unani and Homeopathy systems of medicine in Sri Lanka.
At the Ashram Center for Ayurveda we combine this indigenous knowledge with Ayurveda and
for maintaining health and to treat illnesses pertaining to mind and body.
Come Join us to experience our unique treatments with a touch of true Sri Lankan
hospitality at the heart of Negombo.
The Ashram Approach
At the Ashram we are serious about your health. We practice Ayurveda true to its principles
restoring the balance of Dosha and thereby bringing a total feeling of health and
wellbeing.
This is why we follow a well structured process. The steps of this process are as follows:
Initial Ayurvedic Consultation
For us each person is an individual. Therefore before an Ayurvedic treatment there will be a
consultation with our physicians where we take in to account the Prakriti (natural
temperament), doshic imbalances, life style and dietetic habits as well as specific life
events such as trauma or accidental injuries. Our physician will then decide your specific
treatment plan to bring back the balance of Doshas.
Recommended treatment plan
Once the physician decides the individual treatment plan for you it will be explained by the
physician. We encourage our guests to actively participate in the treatment by taking
responsibility during treatment and to take medicines on time and to be in contact with the
physician to report your progress. Without your personal commitment treatment cannot be
completely successful.
The therapies and the herbs used in your therapy would be what is ideal for you , it may not
match with another’s therapies or the herbs or timings. Please do not be worried about this
fact.
Aspects of Ayurveda Treatment at Ashram
At the Ashram your daily treatment prescribed by the physician can include a combination of
any of the following Ayurvedic therapies:
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Abhyanga’- Synchronized medicated oil application on body.
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Pottali Sweda’- Fomentation on specific parts of body with poultice/
herbal balls.
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‘Kashayam’- Freshly prepared herbal decoctions
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‘Asava , Vati, Kalka, Churnam’- herbal elixirs, herbal pills, medicated
powders etc
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‘Shiro Dhara’- Pouring medicated oil on the forehead ( 3 days).
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‘Sarvanga Dhara’- pouring of medicated oil on the whole body.
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‘Shali Pinda Sweda/ Navara Khizi’- A treatment done with rice balls
cooked in milk
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‘Upanaha’- Herbal packs are tied on the joints where there is pain etc.
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‘Vamana, Virechana’ etc Panchakarma therapies as per the disease condition (as and
when required).
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‘Ayurvedic Diet’ – your diet will be specifically explained to you and
it will be prepared using the organic vegetables, fruits and grains indigenous to
Sri Lanka, following the dietetic principles mentioned in Ayurveda. Along with the
diet you would be given a specific guidance about daily routine.
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‘Yoga & Meditation’ – A complete array of therapies such as practice of
Yogic Asana and Buddhist meditation goes side by side with the daily treatment, for
relaxation of mind along with the physical body – this is a perfect chance for you
for introspection and recouping inner vitality.
Assessment of treatment
While you undergo treatment at the Ashram, we will continuously observe your progress. Our
physicians will arrange frequent consultations so that your health concerns can be given a
patient hearing. This will help them to change your therapies and medicines where it is
necessary.
Doshic balance and future advice
At the end of your treatment your Doshas will be assessed and the physicians will advice you
on the diet and life style you need to adopt to maintain the Doshic balance. This would be
the moment to clarify all your doubts regarding the treatments, life style etc so that you
would be able to follow an Ayurvedic way of living with understanding its principles.
This whole process is carefully designed and monitored to ensure that you regain the inner
harmony and perfect balance of your Doshas- for a rejuvenated freshness that will linger as
a fragrant memory from Sri Lanka. We recommend a stay of two weeks or more in order for you
to get the full benefit of Ayurveda Treatment.
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