Wellness - Ayurveda
A healthy person is he whose humours (Doshas) and metabolic state (Agni) are in equilibrium; whose functional activities of the tissues (Dhathus) and excretory products (Malas) are in balance, and the soul (Athma), senses (Indriya) and mind (Manas) feel well". SUSHRUTA SAMHITA (Ancient Vedic Text on the Ayurveda)
AYURVEDA
The ancient medical science of ayurveda, which is experiencing a renaissance at present, is perhaps the most sophisticated and comprehensive approach to health care the world has known. Ayurveda places great emphasis on prevention and encourages the maintenance of health through close attention to balance in one’s life, right thinking, diet and lifestyle. This balance is believed to lead to happiness and health, and to help prevent illness.
The term “Ayurveda” combines the Sanskrit words ayur (life) and veda (science or knowledge). Thus, Ayurveda means “the science of life.” Ayurveda concepts have to do with universal interconnectedness, the body’s constitution (prakriti), and life forces (doshas). Ayurvedic medicine holds that:
· All things in the universe (both living and non-living) are joined together
· Every human being contains elements that can be found in the universe
· Health will be good if one’s mind and body are in harmony, and one’s interaction with other beings and the universe is natural and wholesome
· Disease arises when a person is out of harmony with the universe. Disruptions can be physical, emotional, spiritual, or a combination of these.
Ayurveda is a complete system of medicine comprising of the following eight specializations, all of which are practices at Plantation Villa:
· Kayachikitsa (Clinical Medicine)
· Shakakya Thantra (Otorhinolaryngology / ENT – Ear, Nose, Throat)
· Shalya Thantra (Surgery)
· Agadha Thantra (Toxicology)
· Bhuthavidya (Psychiatry)
· Kaumarabruthya Thantra (Pediatrics)
· Rasayana Thantra (Rejuvenation)
· Vajeekarana Thantra (Aphrodisiac)
Sri Lankan Indigenous Medicine (IM)
There are many similarities with Ayurveda and Sri Lanka IM. Archeological findings, ancient inscriptions and historical records reveal that advanced and organized medical services have existed within Sri Lanka for centuries. It is believed that Sri Lanka is the first country in the world to have established dedicated hospitals with the capability of performing surgeries for humans and animals. There are many ancient books on medicine from the time of King Ravana (2554 to 2517 BC). This tradition of medicine was carried on by lineage of families of doctors each specializing on one area:
The differing specialties and traditional lineages of Sri Lanka IM are:
- Kadum Bidum – Fractures and Dislocation
- Satva Visha – Poisons/ Toxicities
- Akshi Roga – Eye diseases
- Gedi Vana Pilika – Tumors and Cancers
- Charma Roga – Skin diseases
- Kantha Roga – Women’s illnesses
- Arsas Veddu – Recto Anal conditions
- Davum Pilussum – Burns
- Vidum Pilussum – Surgery
- Nila Vedakama – Acupressure
AYURVEDA & SRI LANKA INDIGENOUS MEDICINE AS A COMPLEMENTARY SYSTEM OF HEALING
Western allopathic medicine currently tends to focus on symptomatology and disease, and primarily uses drugs and surgery to rid the body of pathogens or diseased tissue. Many lives have been saved by this approach. However, drugs, because of their toxicity, often weaken the body. Ayurveda and IM do not focus on disease. Rather, they maintain that all life must be supported by energy in balance. When there is minimal stress and the flow of energy within a person is balanced, the body’s natural defense systems will be strong and can more easily defend against disease.
In many instances Ayurveda and IM can substitute Western allopathic medicine. There are also instances when the disease process and acute conditions can best be treated with drugs or surgery and Ayurveda can be used in conjunction with Western medicine to make a person stronger and less likely to be afflicted with disease and/or to rebuild the body after being treated with drugs or surgery.
Palliative and cleansing measures, when appropriate, can be used to help eliminate an imbalance along with suggestions for eliminating or managing the causes of the imbalance. Recommendations may include the implementation of lifestyle changes; starting and maintaining a suggested diet; and the use of herbs. In some cases, participating in a cleansing program, Panchakarma, is suggested to help the body rid itself of accumulated toxins to gain more benefit from the various suggested measures of treatment.
AYURVEDA AT PLANTATION VILLA
At Plantation Villa we offer treatments for illnesses (ranging from small discomforts to acute and chronic conditions), detoxification and rejuvenation treatments. Ayurveda cure is further strengthened using some proven Indigenous Medicines (or Sri Lankan Traditional Medicine). Some of our doctors are trained in both Ayurveda and Indigenous Medicine allowing us to use the best of both to help you.
If you want to embark on the Full Ayurveda program (Check our Packages), you will be first consulted by our doctor who will assess the balances of your doshas (the term in Ayurveda for the tendencies of your mind and body) and develop a treatment schedule for you. Your treatment plan will include Ayurvedic Treatments to detox and cleanse the body, herbal medicines to support the body to help gain its balance and you will be required to relax and reconnect with yourself through the practice of Yoga and mindfulness. During your stay, our doctors and teacher will have social discussions about Ayurveda and its science, meditation and health. We also have a number of books in our library for your use during your stay. A number of these books relate to Ayurveda and Buddhist principles of mindfulness. You are also encouraged to spend time in our gardens amongst nature, walk in the village and join in our nature preservation and community development activities.We are one of the best and most authentic Ayurvedic resorts in Sri Lanka. Our doctors and therapists have over experience of working with a wide range of patients both foreign and local. Our treatments range include all Ayurvedic treatments: from basic massages, shirodhara, to full Panchakarma. A 21 day stay is recommended if you want to undergo full Panchakarma treatments. If you have any queries, please don’t hesitate to contact us (Click to Contact Us)
