Sri Lanka boasts two primary traditional medical practices, each rooted thousands of years back. They are:
1. Indigenous Medicine, known locally as "Hela Wedakama" in Sinhala.
2. Ayurvedic Medicine
Indigenous Medicine(Hela Wedakama)
Indigenous medicine, believed to be unique to Sri Lanka, has its origins dating back five thousand years to the era of King Ravana, a renowned monarch and physician of great repute.
King Ravana, believed to be the grandson of a powerful rishi, was bestowed with divine abilities. He utilized these powers to safeguard Lanka, heal people with natural remedies, and pioneer remarkable engineering feats, including flying contraptions.
It was believed that he possessed ten forms of knowledge, symbolized by the ten heads depicted in his images. King Ravana was a distinguished scholar of natural medicine, possessing profound knowledge of the healing properties of natural ingredients to alleviate a wide array of ailments affecting people of that era. Hela Veda utilizes compounds crafted from indigenous medicinal plants found in Sri Lanka, which pose no harm to the body but with many natural healing powers.
Before commencing treatment, many genuine traditional medicine practitioners still pay homage to King Ravana, seeking the blessings of his divine powers to aid in the healing process. Yet, the authenticity of "Hela wedakama" has been compromised due to the invasions of Lanka by the Dutch, Portuguese, and British, resulting in its dilution over time.
Ayurvedic Medicine
Ayurveda, derived from the Sanskrit phrase meaning "science of life,". Authentic Ayurveda in Sri Lanka has its own unique medical science based on natural plants and traditions that goes back over thousands of years. Today, the Sri Lankan Ayurvedic tradition blends Hela Wedakama, Indian Ayurvedic practices, and Greek Unani therapies.
Similar to Hela Wedakama, it stresses the importance of addressing the physical, mental, and spiritual well-being of individuals to enable them to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.
The fundamental principle of Ayurveda revolves around the interconnectedness of mind, body, and soul, as well as the influence of five external elements constituting the universe: earth, fire, water, air, and space. The interplay of these elements and their energies gives rise to bio-energetic forces known as "Dosha," which manifest in three forms: Pitta, Vata, and Kapha.
These three Doshas are affected by five external elements:
Vata - air and space
Pitta - Fire and water
Kapha - Water and earth
A pivotal principle in Ayurveda is to strive for equilibrium among one's Doshas, fostering comprehensive holistic well-being. Similar to "Hela wedakama," the Ayurvedic system emphasizes treating the underlying cause rather than merely alleviating symptoms, unlike many Western medicines.
If you're keen on delving into the aforementioned medical treatments further, the Devonia Holidays team can assist you in accessing books and other resources. Additionally, they can incorporate visits to the Ravana Trail, Ayurvedic treatment retreats, or Buddhist spiritual retreats into your tour itinerary in Sri Lanka.
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