Ayurveda & Spa
Sri Lanka has always been a place that refreshes not just the mind and body, but also the soul and spirit. And for thousands of years, the most popular method used to restore and rejuvenate tired bodies and weary souls have been Ayurveda – the oldest and most holistic medical system available in the world. Sri Lanka has been a center of spiritual and physical healing for 2,000 years. Ayurvedic programs consist of a range of herbal treatments and various types of baths and massages, together with cleansing and revitalization techniques such as yoga, meditation, and special diets. Sri Lanka now has several spas, mainly on the west coast, which not only provide Ayurveda but also other Eastern and Western therapies, such as Thai massage, hydrotherapy, herbal baths, reflexology, and beauty treatments. For those seeking spiritual nourishment, meditation courses are also available. As the name ‘Spice Island’ implies, Sri Lanka is no stranger to the world of herbs and spices. It is no exaggeration to state that spices have influenced the cuisine and the taste buds of the local communities with their rich flavor profiles and aromatic properties. The ‘Spice Island’ came to be as a result of Sri Lanka’s climatic conditions allowing for a variety of spices to be grown on the Island’s soils. The abundance of these culinary treasures attracted the attention of many western nations throughout history who wished to source from Sri Lanka’s spice market.
Ayurveda treatment starts with an internal purification process, followed by a special diet, herbal remedies, massage therapy, yoga, and meditation. The concepts of universal interconnectedness, the body’s constitution (Prakriti), and life forces (doshas) are the primary basis of ayurvedic medicine.
Thai massage or Thai yoga massage is a traditional therapy combining acupressure, Indian Ayurvedic principles, and assisted yoga postures. The idea of Shen-lines alias energy-lines was first used as “Thai yoga massage”. These are similar to nadis as per the philosophy of yoga by Gorakhnath.
Hydrotherapy is the use of water to treat a disease or to maintain health. The theory behind it is that water has many properties that give it the ability to heal: Water can store and carry heat and energy. Water can dissolve other substances, such as minerals and salts.
Now, as the name suggests, an herbal bath is a way to infuse your hot bath with herbs that are known to de-stress. Not just herbs, but a herbal bath is infused with essential oils and flowers that soothe the muscles, soften skin, improve circulation and combat any infection.
Reflexology is the application of pressure to areas on the feet (or the hands). The theory behind reflexology is that areas of the foot correspond to organs and systems of the body. Pressure applied to the foot is believed to bring relaxation and healing to the corresponding area of the body.
