Ayurveda

Ayurveda translates into English as the Science of Life (Ayur - life, veda - science). Ayurveda is a holistic system of curative and preventive medicine, focusing on the prevention of disease through a deeper connection between the mind and the body. Widely practised in both Sri Lanka and India , it is considered to be the oldest healing science in the world. This curative art was passed down from time immemorial through an oral tradition, through old masters to their disciples.

Ayurveda has been the root to almost all-medical disciplines, philosophy and treatment throughout eastern civilisation. Since its birth, some 5,000 years ago, in India , Ayurveda has been passed down from successive generation to generation and simply become a way of life for millions. In the East, Ayurveda has almost become man's best friend, having integrated itself deeply into his life.

According to Ayurveda, the human body is composed of five elements known as the Panchamahabhuta (Pancha - five, Maha - great, Bhuta - elements). These five elements are apo (water), theejo (fire), vayo (air), patavi (earth) and akasa (space or ether).

The Ayurvedic concept of creation focuses on four interrelated factors. These are Body, Mind, Consciousness (or Soul) and the Panchamahabhuta (or five elements). These four elements blend into three bio-energetic forces that govern the health and determine the physical constitution of living beings. They are called Va (or Vata - air and space), Pith (or Pitta - fire and water) and Sem (or Kapha - water and earth).

Ayurveda refers to three other forces, which control mental and spiritual functions. They are Sattva, Rajas and Tamas. Mental disturbances are caused by imbalances of these three properties, in the same way that the five elements influence the body.

Swedha Karma

"Swedha Karma" is the name given to ancient medicinal therapy where Nature provides the 'drugs'. It literally means stimulating the body and comprises massaging the entire body with medicinal oils made from herbs, spices and selected oils - the same course using Ayurveda preparations from plants and herbs. Science has shown us that while these treatments induces perspiring, stimulating and toning of muscles and nerves, it also mitigates the accumulation of cholesterol, making it ideal as treatment for cardiac discrepancies.

“Swedha Karma” is a threefold medicinal method.

• Massaging the entire body with medicinal oils made from herbs, spices and selected essential oils.
• Massaging the entire body with various Ayurvedic preparations comprising of plants and herbs.
• Massaging the entire body while immersed an oil bath.

It has been customary in this process, to boil ginger, coriander and lime leaves together and allow those suffering from influenza and fever to inhale this powerful therapeutic vapour, and when necessary, cocoon the entire body in a steam bath in an elaborate wooden structure made from “Kohomba” wood (a tree popularly known for its antiseptic power) and allow the patient to lie in this sauna with this powerful vapour circulating around the body.

Semi or total paralysis is completely cured by these Ayurvedic methods, which involves a rather prolonged treatment. Skin ailments and ageing skin are treated and cured giving the body an attractive glowing appearance.

At Mahaweli Reach Hotel, special Ayurvedic Programmes to suit your specific needs can be arranged at short notice !