The term Ayurveda comes from the Hindi ayur (life) and veda (knowledge or science).Ayurveda may have originated in India, but it is evident that it spread to Sri Lanka in ancient times. Therefore Ayurveda is literally the Knowledge or Science of Life - the knowledge of what is required to ensure a long life of optimal physical, mental and spiritual health. Health is the supreme foundation of damma (virtue), artha (wealth), kama (enjoyment) and moksha (salvation). Illness, on the other hand, is a destroyer of health, of the good in life, and of life itself. Ayurveda teaches one how to live in harmony with one's body and the environment.

Ayurveda is derived from the ancient Vedic philosophy of India, and includes yoga, meditation and astrology. It stresses a holistic approach to health by eliminating toxins from the body through massage, sauna, and diet, which is intended to strengthen the prana or life forces. This is coupled with bhavana or meditation, to achieve peace of mind.

The first major text to expound the tenets of Ayurveda, the Charaka Samhita, was compiled by the Indian practitioner, Charaka, well over 2,000 years ago. It was, in essence, a synthesis of the natural observation and research that men and women had made in quest of cures for the various ailments, both physical and mental, which afflicted them and their domestic animals. Charaka based these cures on a philosophy: that the individual person is a replica of the universe, and that both the external world and the individual are the manifestations of one and the same eternal spirit, i.e. Brahman.

According to the theory of the five component elements, the human body is made up of prithvi, ap, thej, vayu, and akash, the ultimate constituents of any entity. These elements must be in proportionate combination for the body to function properly. Even the herbs and plants used extensively in Ayurvedic medicines are composed of the five elements. These medicines restore the proportionate combination of the elements of the body. The way the plants and herbs work is explained by the Triposha principle, in which the three forces of vayu, pitta and kapa control the human body. These correspond to the humours of bile, wind and phlegm, and in each individual one of these three humours is predominant from the moment of conception.

10 Forms of Ayurvedic Medicine
• Powders - pounded dried herbs
• Infusion - extracted juice of fresh herbs
• Kalka - a paste taken orally often with bee's honey
• Decoction - boiled herbs
• Modaka - a mixture of powder and syrup
• Vitika - pills of ground herbs mixed with ghee
• Asava - herbs fermented in pots Arishta - a type of wine made from herbs and buried for a while
• Gritha - powdered herbs mixed with ghee and sugar
• Pathu - a poultice of ground herbs

Ayurveda may have originated in India, but it is evident that it spread to Sri Lanka in ancient times. Historical records indicate that the island's kings as far back as 437 BC were building Ayurvedic hospitals. King Pandukabaya set up hospitals in Ritigala. King Buddhadasa was an eminent physician himself and was famed for treating soldiers, horses and elephants. King Kasyappa constructed hospitals in Anuradhapura. And King Parakramabahu it was who built the Royal Hospital. (Those visitors who wish to view archaeological ruins of this nature - such as the intriguing medicinal trough, the beheth oru - should visit Mihintale and Ritigala.)


As Sri Lanka has a storehouse of herbal plants, the Ayurvedic system was easy to implement. The natural salts in the herbs or plants helps the human digestive system to digest food by purifying the blood and destroying or neutralising the acids accumulated therein. According to Ayurveda there is a deficiency of nutritive salts in the blood. Herbs can also act as a laxative, induce sweat production and excretion, regulate the blood circulation, strengthen the body, and even act as an antiseptic. The most valuable herbs known in Ayurveda are aralu (Terminalia chebula), bulu, (Terminalia belerica) and nelli (Phyllanthus embelica)

Robert Knox, writing in An Historical Relation of Ceylon, (1681), provides the first indication in the English language of the widespread practice of Ayurveda, particularly in the Kandyan Kingdom , and a description of some the curative measures:

Here are no professed physicians or surgeons, but all in general have some skill that way, and are physicians and surgeons to themselves. Their medicines they make of the leaves that are in the woods, and in the barks of trees. With which they purge and vomit themselves, and will do notable cures upon green wounds, and also upon sore eyes.

For purging they make use of a tree called dallugauhah. It bears no leaves, nothing but thorns, and is of a soft substance. Being cut there runs out a white thick milk, in which some whole corns of pepper are soaked a whole night. The next day the pepper is taken out, and washed clean, and then boiled in fair water with a sour fruit they call goraka. This they drink, and it purges very well.

For vomit, there is a leaf of a plant called warracole, which in colour is like a cabbage leaf, but smaller. It grows upon a long stalk some three feet high. This leaf, as soon as it is broken from the stalk, is full of milk, which runs out. In this milk they put a lump of salt, and let it lie a whole night. The next day they take the salt out, which is not dissolved, and wash it clean. Then they boil a little rice and water together. After it is taken off the fire they put this salt into it and drink it.

For drawing and healing of sores, they have a leaf called mockina-cole. It is very like our tunhoof or ground-ivy, only it is a brighter green. They only take the leaf and clap it on the sore.

For a sore, or hurt in the eye, they take the two herbs oulcande-cole, and goderacole, the juice of each, and woman's milk, and having mingled them, drop them into the eye. Although the Western allopathic system was introduced during the 19th century, Ayurveda - or native medicine as the British knew it - never lost its popularity. The villager who practices Ayurveda, the vederala, remained highly respected within the community. Home remedies based on the Ayurvedic system were made from the villagers gardens for minor ailments and injuries. Such medicines were based on common condiments found in the home, such as cummin seed (Cuminium cyminium), turmeric (Cucuma longa) and coriander (Coriandum sativum), and common plants and herbs found in the garden, such as nika (Vitex nigandu) iriveriya (Plectanthus zeylanicus), adathoda (Adathoda vesica) , inguru (Zingiber ofiicinale) and ranawara (Cassia auriculata).

Some General Treatments in Ayurveda

Inhalation therapy
A mixture of fresh herbs is boiled producing steam for inhalation. This therapy loosens mucous deposits in the lungs, so purifying the respiratory tract.

Herbal oil therapy on the head (Shirodhara )


The patient lies face up on a special wooden bed and warm herbal oil is directed onto a spot between the eyebrows and allowed to permeate the scalp. This therapy is highly effective in the treatment of insomnia, migraine, epilepsy and amnesia.

Shirodhara is the Queen of Ayurvedic oil therapies. Following a brief oil massage, a warm herbal oil is continually poured on your forehead and scalp in a rhythmic manner enhancing circulation in the brain (improving memory), bestowing sound sleep and nourishment for the hair and scalp and is one of the best treatments for stress, insomnia and travel fatigue. This treatment is especially effective following our synchronized massage.

Panchakarma


This includes medicated oil enema (Snehavasthy/Thailavasthy), decoction enema (Kashayavasthi), purgation with medicines (Virechana) induced vomiting with medicines (Vamana) and nasal medication (Nasyam). Panchakarma is a pre-requisite of Rasayana therapy (formal Rejuvenation Therapy) and is also useful in cases of Subfertility and Impotence. However, the management of the same depends on the ailment of the patient & his health conditions. This is for diseases like Paralysis, Arthritis, Rheumatism, skin diseases and mental disorders.

Sirovasthi

Certain herbal oils are poured into a cap fitted on the head for 15 to 60 minutes per day according to the patient's condition for a period of 7 days. This treatment is highly effective for facial paralysis, dryness in the nostrils, mouth and throat, severe headaches, burning sensation of the head and other vatta-originated diseases.

Head Massage


The patient's head and neck are given a relaxing massage with a special herbal oil, which increases the blood supply to the scalp, relieves nervous tension and encourages hair growth. Medicated Steam Bath The patient's body is heated in a traditional wooden box made from the Margosa tree, while the head is on the outside staying cool. This therapy is specially recommended to alleviate certain skin diseases, to eliminate impurities from the body, and to reduce fat. Herbal bath therapy Fresh herbal leaves are boiled and the liquid added to a warm bath. This therapy dilates the capillaries, so creating a general sense of well-being. Facial therapy A special oil or herbal cleansing cream is gently massaged into the face. This therapy vitalizes and tones the facial skin and creates a soothing effect on the nerve paths.

Njavarakizhi


This is a process by which hot medicinal puding tied up in cloth pouches is applied on the whole body or part thereof to induce sudation. The procedure offers better physical consistency, strengthens the nerves and improves complexion. This is indicated in neurological disorders, rheumatism, arthritis and emaciation of limbs, sport injuries, pain in the joins. This treatment is restorative and nourishing.

Revitalizing herbal oil therapy

Herbal oil is applied all over the body to promote the excretion of toxic waste products and to develop the immunity of the body. This therapy is ideal for all types of rheumatism and arthritis, high blood pressure, cholesterol, and certain skin disease.

Herbal oil body massage


This is a relaxing and energizing oil massage for the whole body using medicated herbal oil. The massage is done according to traditional Ayurvedic techniques. This therapy is good to reduce stress and fatigue and also to improve blood and lymph circulation.

Facial Massage


Facial massage helps to exfoliate the skin, taking away dirt and dead skin cells that make the skin look dull. For another, massage increases the circulation of blood to the face, and such improved circulation makes the skin more nourished and brings to it a healthy glow. And yet another reason is that massage improves the elasticity of the skin, thereby removing the wrinkles and fine lines that are associated with aging.

Udwarthana


An herbal paste is blended and massaged onto your body by two therapists using synchronized movements. The repeated movements over hair follicles and skin tissue promote the breakdown of fatty deposits. The friction of the powder during the massage creates heat on the body which increases circulation. Benefits range from reducing cholesterol levels, adipose tissue and skin problems as well as imparting mobility to the joints while strengthening and shaping the muscles. It also removes toxins and exfoliates the skin. Very stimulating!

Nasya Treatment


The face, shoulders and chest are massaged with a specific herbal oil and made to perspire. The medicine in exact doze is measured and poured into the nostrils, while inhaling. After this process, the area around the nose, chest, palms and foot are massaged vigorously. This treatment is highly effective for headaches, sinusitis, migraine and rhinitis.

Heated Stones Massage


A truly nurturing massage, heated stones are used to induce total relaxation in your muscles. The use of this earth element makes this therapy very grounding when you're feeling fragmented from too much stress. Stones invite a spiritual element, increase circulation and broaden the platform for healing.

Abhyangam

Full body Ayurveda massage done with special herbal boluses to restore vigour and vitality with medicated oils which have potent curative powers and promises freedom from stress and lethargy. Utilization of constitution matching herbalized oil is very much important. As it is a procedure which improves the tolerance power against various stresses.

Mud Therapy

Mud is supposed to be a rejuvenator of the body and when it is mixed with Chandan, it comes out as one of the best beauty secrets. Mud is best used for the skin therapies. The Mud pack is supposed to calm down the senses and rejuvenate the body and mind. It also acts as secret for youthful skin with no wrinkles. The mud retains the moisture of the body intact, open the pores of the skin to let it breathe, relives internal congestion and pain and promotes elimination of morbid matter. Mud helps in clearing the dark spots on .

Aromahealing Hand Reflexology

Begin with an aromatic inhalation as your hands receive a softening and cleansing warm bath soak. A smoothing exfoliation is then performed to prepare you hands for the skin healing, moisturizing massage.

Foot reflexology


Foot reflexology is a simple, non-invasive method to help balance the body. Reflexology serves to relax, improve circulation and promote a general feeling of wellness. Foot reflexology is based on the principal that there are reflexes in the feet which correspond to every part of the body, and refers to the reflexes that have been mapped out in the foot. It is thought that reflexology works through nerve endings whereas massage is applied to the muscles and soft tissue of the body.

Water Therapy
Water Therapy is really simple. The person who wishes to undergo water therapy should prepare 1.5 liters of water everyday. The person then drinks them altogether and fasts for at least an hour from any food or drink and that’s it. You may wonder why 1.5 liters. It’s the estimated amount of water you can take so that you body can be cleansed with the use of water. Everyday the water will clean all the toxins found in your body and release them via sweat or urinal excretions.

Before we look into its effects, let’s all consider first the danger of this therapy. People have shown hesitation to this kind of therapy since there is a potential of water intoxication – a fatal disease that can happen from drinking water. This can be prevented by drinking clean waters and give intervals in drinking the whole 1.5 liters. People also showed hesitation since drinking 1.5 liters will make you urinate from time to time. This is true however, with daily intake of water; the body would eventually adjust to the water intake and you can act normally even with the daily intake of 1.5 liters everyday.

Curative Therapies


administration of medicines internally, the application of medical preparations externally, surgery, and even treatment by psychosomatic measures. In all cases, Ayurvedic physicians build confidence with their patients by being open in the diagnosis of their condition, and individualize the therapy with regard to the combinations of medicine, diet and rest according to the psychosomatic constitution of the patient and the predominance of the humours.

Preventative measures prescribed by Ayurveda include personal hygiene, nutrition and diet. These measures involve daily routines of yoga, diet regulation, patterning of work, and adequate rest and sleep. Furthermore, they take into to consideration the climatic and environmental conditions in which the patient lives. Ayurveda also prescribes that a person's social behaviour should be such as not to interfere with the physical or mental health of others.

Ayurveda has a treatment for all types of acute and chronic illnesses and many patients with diseases that do not readily respond to allopathic treatment such as diabetes, arterio-sclerosis, asthma, allergies, some skin diseases of the nervous system and some mental ailments, have all benefited from Ayurvedic treatment. In addition, Ayurveda provides relief in cases of rheumatic disease, chronic insomnia and tiredness, migraine and other forms of headache, high blood pressure, depression, chronic inflammation of the sinus, bronchitis, inflammations of the bladder, and stomach and intestinal problems.

The importance of a proper diet both in health and sickness is repeatedly stressed in the Charaka Samhita. It is even asserted that the life process itself depends upon the production of body heat, which is generated by the food ingested. In fact, in Ayurveda no distinction is drawn between food and drugs, as both possess taste and nutritive value, and cause a specific action on the body.

Revitalization therapy is another prominent feature of Ayurveda. It is believed that the body fluids are capable of being replenished and renewed by proper medication, and that it is possible to achieve not only vitality and vigour but also greater resistance to disease. Moreover, longevity without senile decay, heightened memory and intelligence, and improvement in vitality, strength and sense perception, are claims made by Ayurvedic practitioners.

The attraction of the Ayurvedic system over allopathic medical practises has meant that thousands of visitors journey to Sri Lanka to attend the many health resorts and spas located on the island. These visitors are wise enough to entrust their health to the many skilled Ayurvedic physicians working in the profession in Sri Lanka. Furthermore, these visitors have faith in natural herbal medicines to cure and relieve a host of ailments, and promote a positive mental attitude and relaxation of the mind.

At a health resort or spa visitors are likely to go through a similar procedure. This invariably begins with an assessment by an Ayurvedic physician, who give a diagnosis (if there is one to give) and provides guidelines on the improvement of lifestyle. Then the healing Ayurvedic therapies prescribed by the physician are administered. In addition, the physician may prescribe other modalities of treatment to achieve the best possible health for the patient, such as yoga and meditation.



Some Home Remedies


Diarrhoea
One cure involves the ingestion of the mulled juice of the iriveriya (Plectrothanthus zeylanicus). Another involves the ingestion of the pounded, streamed extract of gatathumba (Leucas zeylanica), which is ingested with lime juice and honey.

Stomach Disorders
For other stomach disorders, the five parts of the karapincha (Murrya koenigii) - roots, leaves, bark, stalks and flowers - are boiled or ground and ingested as a mixture or powder.

Tonsillitis
For tonsillitis and throat infections a few grains of pepper (Piper nigrum), some bark of murunga (Moringa oleifera) and some common salt are pounded. A bundle of the mixture is kept in the mouth and the active ingredients swallowed along with the saliva.

Inflammed Respiratory Passages
Tender leaves of adathoda (Adathoda vesica), elabatu (Solanum Melongena), kiriunguna (Dragea volubilli), raw ginger (Zingiber officinale) and garlic (Allium sativum) are pounded, then steamed and the resulting juice ingested with sour orange (Ambul Dodam), and bees honey.

Hyper-Acidity
For hyper-acidity, leaves of the belli (Aegle marmelos) are half roasted in a clay pot, boiled and then ingested. Alternatively, some cummin seeds (Cuminum cyminum) are roasted, salt water sprinkled onto them, pounded, and the mixture ingested.

Boils and Ulcers
For boils, a paste of leaves of velpennala (Cordiosperum halicacabum) is applied. For ulcers, a paste of the bark of karandua ( Pongamina glabvra ) and ambukaha (Curcuma longa) are pounded, then mixed with coconut milk, and applied.

Ayurveda is more than a system of herbal medicine. It is a way to a healthy & long life and can complement modern medicine. Thank you so much for sharing this information.