Ayurveda is everywhere in Sri Lanka! This ancestral medicine originating from India (with a history going back over 2500 years) is a central part of local daily life. For tourists, there is no shortage of opportunities to learn about its principles. The most pleasant way to do so is undoubtedly through massages.

Ayurveda in daily life

For thousands of years, Sri Lankans have practised Ayurveda, which literally means the "science of life". This traditional medicine is based on a holistic approach to health, which means that it considers the individual as a whole, and the body and mind as interlinked. It is also preventive (isn't it said that prevention is better than cure?) and is applicable in many aspects of daily life, such as cooking.

For its medicinal products, Ayurveda uses oils and many medicinal herbs, which grow very well in Sri Lanka. The country has a lush environment and a warm and humid climate. For minor ailments, you can buy Ayurvedic remedies both in grocery shops and pharmacies. For example, herbal teas or Siddhalepa balm (a kind of local Tiger Balm) can be used to treat colds and migraines as well as to relieve muscle pain.

Try the famous Ayurvedic massage

Whether you have a specific health issue or just want to relax, an Ayurvedic massage is bound to do you good! In Sri Lanka, travellers love these massages performed using oils and plants packed with active ingredients. You can get a massage almost anywhere: in hotels or spas, or in Ayurvedic centres and clinics, if you have opted for a treatment. The supply is particularly rich in Kandy, the major city in central Sri Lanka.

A little advice when choosing a place to have a massage: 

- Choose places with a proven track record (be sure to look up the experiences of other travellers' online). The use of essential oils and herbal treatments is not easy and must be properly controlled. It is also best to go to places that use quality products.

- If you are a woman, make sure you are massaged by a woman.

More information

Want to try other treatments? You can try the steam bath (vashpa swedanam), which is great for eliminating toxins. Also, if you are planning a long trip to Sri Lanka, you can opt for an Ayurvedic treatment plan. Although short treatments are available, it is advisable to do more than 10 days, for more long-term results. You can practice yoga, which is related to Ayurveda. Some hotels offer the possibility of combining a yoga course with an Ayurvedic treatment. Finally, to gain an even deeper knowledge of the practice, you can also be trained in Ayurveda in Sri Lanka. Through these courses, you can learn how to give massages and/or use Ayurvedic pharmacology.