Joanna James
With many travellers placing their focus on rejuvenating and healing wellness experiences, Sri Lanka’s Ayurveda traditions have now become increasingly popular among visitors to the paradise island. Ayurveda treatments are known for being particularly gentle and relaxing, with a focus on strengthening the body and mind rather than fighting against symptoms. Moreover, Ayurvedic treatments distinguish between internal and external healing, with both practices making use of natural ingredients like roots, herbs, flowers and bark to prepare various oils, rubs and even food as remedies. Here are some of the most popular and frequently available treatments in the world of Ayurvedic wellness in Sri Lanka.
This is a classic full-body oil massage that is usually administered by two therapists who use both hands. The treatment is meant to relieve fatigue, tension and exhaustion and also strengthen muscles, joints and nerves. It achieves all this via the skin, by opening various body channels to get rid of any accumulated toxins. The massage often has a revitalising effect on body tissue and has been known to reduce conditions like paralysis and arthritis. Due to it being a fairly relaxing treatment, Abhyanga is often recommended for tourists seeking a rejuvenating wellness experience at beachfront resorts in Sri Lanka like Heritance Ayurveda.
With this oil treatment, a smooth flow of oil is applied on the head or forehead while you are lying down. After the oil pouring, a massage is administered to the upper back and neck areas. Lasting around 20 to 30 minutes, this treatment is known to have an intense effect in calming the mind and reducing the vata-dosha. It also improves sight and hearing ability, while strengthening hair as well. The Shirodhara treatment can additionally help overcome restlessness, anxiety and insomnia and it is popularly available at many Ayurveda resorts in Sri Lanka.
The Pinda Sweda therapy is a popular Ayurvedic treatment that uses herbal pouches as a key element. At first, the body is oiled and gently massaged, after which hot linen bags or pouches are applied across the whole body. These pouches are filled with various natural ingredients including herbs, spices, and various rice decoctions. This treatment is known to stimulate cell regeneration and is used for treating disorders in the musculoskeletal system such as muscle tissue degeneration and arthritis. The Pinda Sweda treatment is grouped among the rejuvenating therapies for its ability to promote the generation of cells and increase mental vitality.
This treatment is applied on the nose and head and is one of the five known Panchakarma therapies. It is performed to clean the nose, paranasal sinuses, frontal sinuses and the throat. The treatment is usually prepared using inhalation and head pouch massages. The Nasyam treatment helps to relieve problems with the neck and throat including headaches, migraines, chronic colds and asthma.
The Marma Massage is an ancient technique practised over thousands of years for balancing the body’s vital energy flow or Shakti. This treatment is done by applying pressure and circular massages on various energy points (Marma) on the body, the same points identified in acupuncture. In modern times, this massage has been improved and refined to be able to treat several common issues such as headaches, backaches, cervical arthritis and more. It is often applied across the whole body using a medicated oil, although certain areas of the body may be specifically focused on depending on the needs of the individual.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
