What is Ayurveda?

An ancient form of indigenous medicinal practice, Ayurveda has roots in the Indian subcontinent mainly in India and Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka’s Ayurveda that go as far as 3,000 years and the knowledge has been passed down through successive generations. This ancient holistic practice using medicine prepared by various plants has been passed on from generation to generation. Although in ancient times, most of the healers were of noble descent, kings also took up the profession. One such king was Buddhadasa (398 AD), perhaps still the most influential Ayurveda doctor in Sri Lanka. His manuscript Sarartha Sangrahaya is still used by Sri Lankan physicians as a reference tool.

This ancient healing method still enjoys great success in Sri Lanka as a result of the natural plant ingredients found in abundance throughout the island, as well as a result of having these ancient techniques and recipes for effective holistic medication passed down from generation to generation. Sri Lanka also has its own department of Ayurveda, within the Ministry Indigenous Medicine (http://www.ayurveda.gov.lk/).