Ayurvedic Treatment & Massage

One of the world's oldest forms of healing, Ayurvedic - derived from the Sanskrit for life (ayuh) and knowledge (veda) - originated more than 3000 years ago.

A head and face massage with warmed sesame oil blended with herbs, a blissful soak in bath water filled with fragrant tropical flowers, followed by an exquisite meal incorporating organically grown vegetables and fruits.

If Sri Lanka's Ayurvedic treatments don't give an unrivalled sense of well-being, possibly nothing will.

Sri Lanka has around 6500 registered Ayurveda practitioners many of whom have undergone a seven-year study course, followed by two years in a conventional hospital.

As well as specialised Ayurveda hospitals, many luxurious beach resorts now offer a spa or massage centre. The principles and techniques of this ancient medical approach are used to promote a sense of relaxation and rejuvenation, as part of a pleasurable holiday, rather than to treat illness.

Herbal or Floral Baths

Generally following a relaxing massage, are given depending upon the guest's particular requirements. Cleansing of the inner body, or detoxification, is carried out through a combination of a special detoxifying herbal compound, and oiling the body before inducing sweating.

One popular treatment known as SHIRODARA, involves dripping warmed herbal oil rhythmically onto the centre of the forehead for about 20 minutes. This treatment has been found to be very effective at curing migraine headaches and disorders of the central nervous system. Head and face massage with warm blended oil helps relax the nervous system and balance the energies which control the function of the brain, while body massage helps diminish any aches and pains and gives sense of total relaxation.

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