The Team Members
D.Priyal Wijesuriya
S.S. Samarasinghe
G.D.D. Nishantha
K.V.S.S. Silva
A.P.M. Dharmasiri
M. Weerasekera
G. Fernando
1
Acknowledgement
Even though the art and science of Ayurveda had been among us from the
earliest of times most of us are not aware of the actual beneficial properties
that this provides us. From Yoga to Herbal medicines to the Relaxation
techniques makes us aware of how complex, but very easy to follow, this
actually is. This would not be so if it was not for Mrs. Panditarathne,
Lecturer of Tourism Studies, and our hotel school for giving us the
opportunity to experience this field with an in-dept study. We would also
like to thank the hotels and resorts that have provided us with the
information that is required to fulfill this effort.
2
Introduction
Sri Lanka is an island located in the
Indian Ocean on the equator where
the weather is nearly constant
throughout the whole year except for
the mild monsoon showers that fall
upon different parts of the country
during different times of the year thus
making this an all year round
destination. The climate variation
within the country is also greatly
varied. Down South experiences the sea breezes, the up country chilly air
and spectacular greenery view of the hills and valleys and the dryness of the
Northern Province.
About Stress in this World
Human Beings live a very stressful life with the recent advancement of
modern technology. Their jobs are now mainly their life which gives them
very little rest and home life to spend with ones own. The pollution brought
about by this is so immense that their health and livelihood are very much
negatively affected.
This brings us as to why Sri Lanka is an ideal place for relaxation and to just
get away from it all. People visiting here from the western countries and
other developed nations do not have the luxury of seen greenery and wildlife
in such vast amounts.
Even though the developed countries have their own chemical based
medicines that combat stress and fatigue and other chronic illnesses, the
3
peacefulness that helps fight these is significantly missing from their
recovery stage. This is what keeps Sri Lanka and its neighboring country,
India, a large leap forward over the other nations in its serene ambience.
Unlike the developed countries Sri Lanka has a large knowledge of ancient
herbal medicine whose herbal plants still thrive in today’s world and is used
by many.
With this information that has been passed down from generation to
generation, many houses opened their doors to their community to help them
fight disease and infection and even the occasional snake bite. A few found
out that many of their fellow people preferred this to western medicine as an
alternative form of treatment and decided to make it a business. This
expanded into clinics and hospitals that treated more than hundreds of locals.
People from all over the world who had just come to visit Sri Lanka either
for its other lucrative businesses such as garments and tea and the local
products found themselves drawn towards this alternative source of
medicine not only because it cured the root causes of the problem, unlike
western medicine where it focused on the symptoms, but also because of the
sense of tranquility and knowing that this medicine is direct from nature.
Even though tourists flocked to Sri Lanka because of its heritage and
cultural sites and the value of them, the sense of harmony could not be
gained from these historical areas and so more and more tourists started
visiting these clinics and small hospitals to help them with their physical and
psychological problems. This helped boom the tourist industry to what it is
today.
4
What is this herbal Medicine?
The herbs and plants used are found around Sri Lanka and India in the
jungles, plains and the mountains. The knowledge of the usage of plants in
healing the body is very old. Almost all illnesses can be cured by the use of
plants. This is basically South East Asia’s key to the knowledge of life,
which in Sanskrit, the ancient language, is Ayurveda.
What is Ayurveda?
Ayurveda has evolved as a self-care system by those who have accepted
responsibility for their own health and want a proven model for health and
longevity. It offers us an alternative to allowing imbalances to grow into lifethreatening diseases and then resisting them with drugs and surgeries.
Ayurveda is a holistic science of wellness based on creating harmony
between two fundamental complementary forces, movement, observed in
respiration, circulation, digestion, elimination and in the nervous system, and
stability which provides the structure to support movement. Behind these
two forces is the one energy which makes it all happen. Ayurveda works
through keeping these forces in balance, which creates harmony with this
natural rhythm found in all life. Harmony reflects itself in wellness just as all
disease grows from an imbalance.
All life forms contain a unique mix of these forces giving them their special
character. Thus, because every individual is unique and indivisible, what is
balancing for one person's body and temperament, may cause imbalances
and disease in another. Ayurveda provides guidelines to determine your
individual constitution and for your specific pathways for creating balance.
You can begin to look at yourself through these principles by taking a selftest at this website to discover your Ayurvedic constitution.
5
Ayurveda is not simply involved with treatment of disease or imbalance
however. Much of Ayurveda has been developed to create appropriate ways
of living the life to stay in balance and keep the body, mind and spirit
harmonized. There are preventive treatments, including the seasonal
cleansing routines that are known as Panchakarma, as well as an entire
branch of Ayurveda dedicated to achieving healthy longevity.
Ayurveda is the basis of much that has evolved as Tibetan Medicine and
even to some degree the Traditional Chinese Medicine, although it must be
pointed out that these other modalities have evolved in their own unique and
valuable directions while gaining some amount of impetus or even an initial
basis from Ayurveda.
What does Ayurveda help us in?
Ayurveda is known to prevent and cure many chronic diseases and help in
stress relief. Some of the benefits of following Ayurveda are mentioned
below:






Cancer Prevention
Healthy Joints and Heart
Healthy Blood Glucose Levels
Respiratory Problems
Reproductive Problems
Bone Healing
Ayurveda as mentioned before does not only cure diseases but also relaxes
the body and mind using various treatments though many of these therapies
are very much related to the western spa therapies.
6
What is Spa?
The term spa is traditionally used to mean a place where water that is
believed to have special health-giving properties occurs. This is usually a
mineral or hot spring, and can include cold water treatments. The term is
derived from the Belgian town of Spa.
Contrary to popular belief, 'sanus per
aquam' is not the source for spa, but a
false etymology or backronym.
Some of the western spa treatments
are mentioned below:
Personal care
A spa is a place that provides body treatments. Types of spas include:
day spas (see also beauty salon) destination spas or resort spas, Spa towns
health spas (see thermal bath, balneotherapy and hydrotherapy)
trim spas - weight loss pills
Bathing
A spa may refer to:
a large tub for soaking, usually outdoors and containing whirlpool jets. See
hot tub.
any place for bathing, such as a mineral or hot spring.
Onsen (Japanese Hot Springs)
Thermae (Roman Hot Springs)
7
Places
Spa may refer to:
Spa, Belgium
Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, often shortened to "Spa"; a racing circuit
located in the region of Spa, Belgium
Spa, County Down, a small village in Northern Ireland.
Spa, County Kerry, a village in the Republic of Ireland.
Spa town
Day spa
A day spa is a business establishment which people visit for personal care
treatments such as massages and facials. It is similar to a beauty salon in that
is is only visited for the duration of the treatment. In contrast, a destination
spa offers the same services in a hotel setting where people reside for one or
more days.
Typical day spa services include:
facials — facial cleansing with a
variety of products
massage
waxing — the removal of body hair with hot wax
body treatments such as body wraps, aromatherapy
skin exfoliation — including chemical peels and microdermabrasion
8
Facial
A facial is a cosmetic treatment of the face, commonly involving a variety
of skin treatments, grooming steps and deep cleansing of the face by various
means including: steam, exfoliation, extraction, creams, lotions, masks,
peels, and massage. It is
a common spa treatment.
Body treatment
A body treatment, spa
treatment, or cosmetic
treatment is nonmedical procedure to
help the health of the body. It is often performed at a resort, destination spa,
day spa, or beauty salon.
Typical treatments include:
facials — facial cleansing with a variety of products
massage
waxing — the removal of
body hair with hot wax
body wraps
aromatherapy
skin exfoliation —
including chemical peels
and microdermabrasion
nail care such as manicures and pedicures
bathing or soaking in any of the following:
hot spring
9
Onsen (Japanese Hot Springs)
Thermae (Roman Hot Springs)
hot tub
mud bath
sauna
steam bath
nutrition and weight guidance
private trainers
yoga and meditation
Sauna
A sauna on Lake Vättern, in Karlsborg Municipality, Sweden.
A sauna (also sweathouse, sudatory) is a small room or house designed as
a place to experience dry or wet heat sessions, or an establishment with one
or more of these and auxiliary facilities. These facilities derive from the
Finnish sauna. Sauna may also be used as a verb describing the act of using
10
a sauna or metaphorically to describe an unusually hot or humid
environment, e.g., "It feels like a sauna in here."
Taking a sauna is usually a social affair in which the participants disrobe and
sit or recline in temperatures of over 80 °C (176 °F). This induces relaxation
and promotes sweating.
Inside a sauna
Under many circumstances, temperatures approaching and exceeding 100 °C
(212 °F) would be completely intolerable. Saunas overcome this problem by
controlling the humidity. The hottest Finnish saunas have very low humidity
levels, which allows air temperatures that could boil water to be tolerated
and even enjoyed for long periods of time. Other types of sauna, such as the
hammam, where the humidity approaches 100%, will be set to a much lower
temperature of around 40 °C to compensate. The "wet heat" would cause
scalding if the temperature were set much higher. Finer control over the
temperature experienced can be achieved by choosing a higher level bench
for those wishing a hotter experience or a lower level bench for a more
moderate temperature. Good manners requires that the door to a sauna not be
kept open so long that it cools the sauna for those that are already in it. A
draft, even if at 100 °C, may still be unwelcome.
11
Infrared saunas are growing in popularity, using far infrared rays emitted by
infrared heaters to create warmth.
The sauna can be so soothing that heat prostration or the even more serious
hyperthermia (heat stroke) can result. The cool shower or plunge afterwards
always results in a great increase in blood pressure, so careful moderation is
advised for those with a history of stroke or hypertension (high blood
pressure). In Finland, saunas are thought of as a healing refreshment and
have been used to cure people from many diseases through the ages. There is
even a saying: "Jos ei viina, terva tai sauna auta, tauti on kuolemaksi." (If a
disease can't be cured by tar, booze, or the sauna, it is
for death or).
In the Finnish sauna culture, a beer afterwards is thought
to be refreshing and relaxing. Pouring a few centiliters
of beer into the water that is poured on the hot stones
releases the odor of the grain used to brew the beer, and
can bring a wonderful smell of freshly baked bread into
the air.
Social and mixed gender nudity with adults and children is quite common in
the conventional sauna. Sometimes the sauna is considered not only a sexfree, but also almost a gender-free zone. It may also be noted that engaging
in sexual activity in an environment where the temperature approaches 100
°C would be impractical at the least. In the dry sauna and on chairs one
sometimes sits on a towel for hygiene and comfort; in the steam bath the
towel is left outside. Sometimes draping the towel around the waist is
required in the restaurant area.
Health Benefits of Sauna
During a 10-20 minute sauna session, your heart rate increases by 50-75%.
This provides the same metabolic result as physical exercise. The increased
cardiac load is the equivalent to a brisk walk. There is a nominal effect on
blood pressure because the heat also causes blood vessels in skin to expand
to accommodate increased blood flow.
Steambaths and saunas induce sweating to provide a comprehensive
cleansing of the skin and sweat glands. Skin is the largest organ in the body.
12
30% of body wastes are passed through the skin. [citation needed] Profuse
sweating enhances the detoxifying capacity of the skin by opening pores and
flushing impurities from the body. [citation needed] Sauna is an effective tool for
drug detoxification. Research on former drug users has shown that sauna
will contribute to evidence of drug metabolites in their system even though
there were no detectable metabolites before the sauna regimen started.
Steam is an excellent treatment for respiratory problems, such as; chest
congestion, bronchitis, laryngitis and sinusitis.
A Finnish wood-heated sauna
The Finnish Savusauna
Historical evidence and records indicate that the Finns built the first wooden
saunas over 2000 years ago. The early Finnish sauna was dug into a hill or
embankment. As tools and techniques advanced, they were later built above
ground using wooden logs. Rocks were heated in a stone fireplace with a
wood fire. The smoke from the fire filled the room as the air warmed.
Once the temperature reached desired levels, the smoke was allowed to clear
and the bathers entered. The wood smoke aroma still lingered and was part
of the cleansing ritual. This type of traditional smoke sauna was called a
savusauna, which means smoke sauna in Finnish.
13
The Finns also used the sauna as a place to cleanse the mind, rejuvenate and
refresh the spirit, and prepare the dead for burial. The sauna was an
important part of daily life, and families bathed together in the home sauna.
Those of differing sexes generally do not mix in public saunas in the modern
era, though groups of friend sometimes do. Indeed Sauna was originally
place of mystical nature where gender/sex differences did not exist. Because
the sauna was often the cleanest structure and had water readily available,
Finnish women also gave birth in the sauna.
Wood-heated Floating Sauna on Iowa Farm Pond
Infrared Saunas, Wet, Dry, Smoke and Steam Saunas
Infrared saunas use a special heater that generates infrared radiation rays
similar to that produced by the sun. Unlike the sun’s ultraviolet radiation,
infrared is said to be beneficial to overall health. In an infrared sauna, the
electric heaters warm the air and also penetrate the skin to encourage
perspiration, producing many of the same health benefits of traditional steam
saunas.
Today there are a wide variety of sauna options. Heat sources include wood,
electricity, gas and other more unconventional methods such as solar power.
There are wet saunas, dry saunas, smoke saunas, steam saunas, and those
that work with infrared waves as described above.
14
Saunas and sex
In some countries there are adult-only saunas that have different rules and
customs, the term "sauna" being used for a bath-house or "health club",
sometimes with facilities like a standard sauna, but where people go to find
sexual partners and have sex on the premises (however not in the sauna
itself). Some such saunas rent out small rooms for this purpose: others are
disguised brothels. This euphemistic usage generally applies to
establishments that advertise themselves as being a sauna rather than those
that have a sauna on the premises. This generally happens more frequently in
inner-city areas of the UK and US than in Europe where a sauna is generally
seen as a family or social event. In Finland, where the amount of
Saunas/capita is by far the highest in the world, and families regularily bathe
together nude, sex in Sauna is in fact somewhat a social taboo. The use of
saunas and bathhouses as brothels dates back to the medieval 'stews', the
original European brothels.
Finnish "smoke sauna"
In Finland and Russia sauna-going plays a central social role. These
countries boast the hottest saunas and the tradition of beating fellow saunagoers with birch branches. In Russia public saunas are strictly single sex
while in Finland both types occur.
Benelux and Scandinavian countries, where public saunas have been around
for a long time too, generally have a moderate, "live and let live" attitude
towards sauna-going with few traditions to speak of. Levels of nudity vary,
single sex saunas are as common as mixed sex saunas and people tend to
socialise.
15
In Germany and Austria on the other hand, nudity is strictly enforced in
public saunas, as is the covering of benches with towels. Separate single-sex
saunas for both genders are rare, most places offer woman-only and mixedgender saunas, or organise women-only days for the sauna once a week.
Loud conversation is not usual as the sauna is seen as a place of healing
rather than socialising. Contrary to Scandinavian countries, pouring water on
hot stones to increase humidity (Aufguss) is not normally done by the sauna
visitors themselves, but rather by a person in charge (the Saunameister),
either an employee of the sauna complex or a volunteer. Aufguss sessions
can take up to 10 minutes, and take place according to a schedule. During an
Aufguss session the Saunameister uses a large towel to percolate the hot air
through the sauna, intesifying sweating and the perception of heat. Once the
Aufguss session has started it is not considered good manners to enter the
sauna, as opening the door would cause loss of heat (Sauna guests are
expected to enter the sauna just in time before the Aufguss. Leaving the
session is always, but grudgingly tolerated). Aufguss sessions are usually
announced by a schedule on the sauna door. An Aufguss session in progress
might be indicated by a light or sign hung above the sauna entrance. Cold
showers or baths shortly after a sauna, as well as exposure to fresh air in a
special balcony, garden or open-air room (Frischluftraum) are considered a
must.
In (at least the German-speaking part of) Switzerland it is generally the same
as in Germany and Austria, although you tend to see more families (parents
with their children) and young people. Also in respect to socialising in the
sauna the Swiss tend more to be like the Swedes or Finns.
In much of southern Europe, France and the UK single gender saunas are
more common than mixed gender saunas. Nudity is tolerated in the
segregated saunas but strictly forbidden in the mixed saunas, a cause of
confusion when residents of these nations cross the border to Germany and
Austria or vice versa. Sauna sessions tend to be shorter and cold showers are
shunned by most. In the UK, where public saunas are becoming increasingly
fashionable, the practice of alternating between the sauna and the jacuzzi in
short seatings (considered a faux pas in Northern Europe) has emerged.
Saunas in Slovenia and Croatia have setups similar to those in Germany and
Austria, and are perhaps a bit more relaxed about enforcing rules.
16
Hungarians see the sauna a part of a wider spa culture. Here too attitudes are
less liberal, mixed-gender people are together and they wear swimsuits.
Single-sex saunas are rare, as well as those which tolerate nudity.
In Latin America, particularly in the highlands of southern Mexico and
Guatemala, a version of the sauna indigenous to the Americas, called
temazcal, is quite popular. The temazacal is usually made of clay or stone,
and has a low ceiling. The temazcal structure is usually shared by an
extended family unit. Unlike European sauna culture, temazcal is an
individual rathern than social activity. One washes in the temazcal, with
soap, or in a more traditional setting, with herbs and medicinal bushes. One
uses the temazacal only in the evening, so that upon exiting one can feel the
chill of the cold evening air (temperature can fall below freezing at high
altitudes). One usually bathes in the temazacal 2-3 times a week.
In Africa, on the whole, saunas are kept at a much lower temperature than in
Europe.
In Japan, many saunas exist at sports centers and public bathhouses (sentos).
The saunas are almost always gender separated, often required by law, and
nudity is a required part of proper sauna etiquette. While right after World
War II, public bathhouses were commonplace in Japan, the number of
customers have dwindled as more people were able to afford houses and
apartments equipped with their own private baths as the nation became
wealthier. As a result many sentos have added more features such as saunas
in order to survive.
Unfortunately for sauna enthusiasts in the United States, sauna culture is not
widespread. While sauna facilities are often provided at health clubs and at
hotels, they frequently remain unheated because of disuse. To avoid liability,
many saunas operate at only moderate temperatures and do not allow
pouring water on the rocks. Sauna users enter and exit the sauna as they
please, alternately nude, fully dressed in workout clothes, or dripping wet in
swimsuits. In some health clubs, the sauna gets more use from patrons
drying wet clothing than for taking a sauna. Proper saunas in the United
States are either private or are businesses serving a particular ethnic group
with a more developed sauna culture.
17
One word in Finnish, strictly connected to sauna, is löyly. It is a bit difficult
to translate, but basically it means the heat of the sauna room, especially the
heat you get when you throw water on the hot stones of the sauna oven.
Originally this word meant spirit or life. In many languages which are
related to Finnish, there is a word corresponding to löyly. An example would
be lil in Ostyak, which means soul. All this also hints to the sauna's old,
spiritual essence.
There still exists an old saying, "saunassa ollaan kuin kirkossa," – you
should be in the sauna as in a church.
Jacuzzi
Jacuzzi is a company producing whirlpool bathtubs and spas. Its first
product was a bath with massaging jets. The trademarked Jacuzzi name is
commonly misused to refer to any bath with water jets, and can thus be
considered a genericized trademark. Sometimes spas and hot tubs are also
mistakenly referred to as Jacuzzis. The company advertises that "they are
Jacuzzi, and everyone else's are just hot tubs." Their current slogan is
"Jacuzzi: Water that
moves you."
Jacuzzis are
commonly found in
residential homes,
hotels and aboard
cruise ships and
have become
popular in high-end
spas around the
world. Jacuzzi
products are
distributed in about 60 countries. Jacuzzi today is the world's most widely
recognized name in jetted baths and spas.
18
As said, the Ayurveda spa treatments also deal in massages, baths, steam,
facials etc but with the use of both mineral water found from the hills of the
upcountry and also the hotsprings in the North. Not only this but the
therapies also involve the use of herbal plants for facials masks, oils and
essences and the herbal and flower baths.
A few are given as an example below:
HERBAL OIL BODY TREATMENT
Oil Body Massage, Herbal Steam and Herbal Bath
Complete body massage with individually selected Ayurvedic
medicinal oils. Intense relaxation for fatigue and muscle ache relief.
Followed by purifying herbal steam and herbal bath.
SAMBAHANA
Herbal Oil Body Massage
Treatment and Herbal Bath
Complete body massage with
individually selected
Ayurvedic medicinal oils. Intense relaxation for fatigue and muscle
ache relief. Followed by cleansing herbal bath.
19
VASHPA SVEDA
Herbal Oil and Steam Treatment
AVAGAHA SVEDA
Rejuvenating Herbal Bath which
cleanses the body externally
while also promoting the release
internal bodily toxins through the
skin.
HERBAL OIL HEAD
TREATMENT
Head Massage with Vital Point
Treatment
VAKTRA CHIKITSA
Herbal Facial Treatment
incorporating a facial massage
with herbal oil, medicinal facial
pack and facial steam. Herbal
ingredients such as sandalwood,
turmeric and aloe vera improve
the health and appearance of the
skin.
VAKTRA VIMARDANA
Herbal Oil Facial Massage with Vital Point Treatment
REFLEXOLOGY
Foot massage which stimulates the terminal point of the body’s
nerves. Reflexology treatments affect the entire body by
concentrating on individual nerves in the feet, which connect to all
major organs. Our therapists treat guests using techniques learned
from a Thai specialist.
20
The following is an extract from the TIME Traveler Magazine, Fall
issue 2002
Soft Touch
Sri Lanka's Ayurveda healing spas are
pouring oil over troubled bodies and souls
By Kay Johnson
21
The doctor in the fuchsia sari
leaned over her desk and took my
hand like a fortune-teller. "Just as I
thought," she murmured, feeling
my pulse. "Too much kapha." She
glanced at the symptoms on my
chart—fatigue, irritability and the
occasional blinding migraine—and
scribbled a prescription. "Don't
worry, we can help you." A day
later, I was in treatment, lying flat
on my back with a thin stream of
SCHAPOWALOW/COMNET
heated oil drizzling onto my
Visiting Sri Lanka
forehead. For 40 minutes two
increasingly means
barefoot attendants poured a
immersing in flower baths
pungent green oil over my brow in
or massages, for anything
a gentle back and forth motion. It
from migraines to arthritic
might sound like slow torture, but
joints
the shirodhara oil treatment is
deeply relaxing and said to cure migraines. It's one of the more
common prescriptions in the Ayurveda School of medicine,
which is one of the world's oldest forms of healing. Practitioners
have been using Ayurveda techniques for thousands of years,
prescribing gentle herbs, diet, hydrotherapy and medicinal
enemas to treat an astonishing array of illnesses, including
diabetes, asthma, arthritis and high blood pressure.
Ayurveda originated in India but soon spread to Sri Lanka,
where it became the main form of medical practice for centuries.
Ancient Sinhalese Kings were said to be Ayurveda practitioners
and built hospitals in the ancient capital of Anuradhapura. More
recently, Ayurveda has attracted an enthusiastic new patient: Sri
Lanka's ailing tourism industry. A growing number of hotels on
the island now have treatment centers, and several Ayurveda
health spas have sprung up all around the country. As Sri Lanka
attempts to lure visitors in the wake of the recent cease-fire in its
19-year civil war, its beaches and sun, cool hills and cultural
curiosities may no longer be enticing enough on their own. Now,
hotels sell tourists on having body and soul healed in between
surfing and taking in ancient ruins.
22
That's the theory, at least. But for any true medical benefit, you
supposedly need at least two weeks' treatment. Anything less
may reduce stress, but is unlikely to provide medicinal value. "If
you have sinusitis, I need about two weeks to treat you. For
paralysis, it's about three months," says Dr. Deepthi, my
physician in pink at Beruwela, on Sri Lanka's southwestern
coast. Wait a minute—she's cured paralysis? "Of course," she
insists, "but it's a very long treatment."
Comprising the Sanskrit words for "life" and "science,"
Ayurveda is based on the principle that everyone has a unique
mixture of three energies: vata (air); pitta (fire); and kapha
(earth). When one of the energies gets out of balance—in my
case, too much lethargic kapha in conflict with my fiery pitta
nature—illness can arise. Or just crankiness and headaches.
Sri Lankan Ayurveda physicians are required to undergo seven
years of training and to spend at least a year in a conventional
hospital. Treatments range from the familiar and soothing, like
abhyianga, a body massage with medicated oil administered by
two masseuses working in tandem, to the out-there, like vasti, a
cleansing enema of oil, milk or herbal water. Some more
traditional Ayurvedic centers offer therapeutic purging and
leeching, but most tourist spas stick to the treatments that
actually feel good, like massages and herbal or flower baths.
Almost every treatment involves oil, and lots of it. Green oil,
brown oil—all infused with special mixtures of up to 40 fresh
herbs—oil on your head, your body, your feet and all while stark
naked. My masseuses, a stoic old woman and a giggly younger
girl, had little time for modesty, kneading and prodding me as I
lay on my back without so much as a postage-stamp towel. After
my treatments, it took three washings to rid my hair of green oil.
By that time, though, I was so relaxed I didn't care.
Treatments in spas start at about $35 for a day's rejuvenation to
$300-$400 a week for intensive treatments. Choosing a spa
depends on whether you're looking for Ayurvedic immersion or
a sideline to your beach or hill-country holiday. A wide range of
hotels at most major beach resorts and in the cool hills of Kandy
23
also feature treatment centers—but it's wise to do your
research. I chose a combined resort and got a tranquil wooden
treatment center with natural rock fountains; but the attached
hotel was a glitzy package-tour palace that jarred my newfound
bliss.
Whether or not it changes your life or heals a chronic illness,
Ayurveda offers a pleasurable glimpse of Sri Lanka's living
history and culture. And, for the record, I haven't had a migraine
since I left.
From the information provided above, the enthusiasm of ayurveda
amongst the tourist were positive and impressive that hotels had got
the idea to market it as part of the industry thus not only earning them
a higher revenue but also promoting the concept of Ayurvedic healing
to the rest of the world. The best way to show this is to compare
some of the hotels in Sri Lanka located in different parts of the
country. The hotels selected are Eden Hotel and Spa, Saman Villas,
Siddhalepa Ayurveda Resort and Kandalama Hotel and Earl’s
Regency which are situated in Down South, Northern Province and
Upcountry respectively.
Some complaints and ailments where Ayurveda doctor at Confifi Group
Hotels have already successfully helped
Migraine,
Back Aches
Stress Relief
Skin rashes
Headache
24
Green and
Grey star
Over-under
Sexual disorders
weight
Digestive
High/low blood pressure Organs, Gut,
Stomach
Asthma, Bronchitis
Sinuses
Eye complaints, Eyesight
Damaged Finger - and
Toe - nails
Nerve
complaints
Bladder
stones
Metabolism
Insomnia
Disorders of
Debilitated
Immune
concentration
Systems.
Rheumatism
Gut-region
Respiratory
Tension
For those who want to be healthy, and take care buildup and
strengthen their bodies and minds. Ayurveda stimulates and
maintains the vitality and has self curing power; performs capabilities
of the body and mind up to very old age. Ayurveda is also helpful and
effective for a large number of ailments - often surprisingly rapid.
Since Ayurvedic Medicine preserves the internal and external
harmonization there is an absence of after effects. For a successful
treatment, a cheerful environment is a significant part of the therapy
and the Ayurveda Health Spa has
been designed to provide it.
Your stay will be amid beautifully
landscaped surroundings, created
within 'the return to nature'
concept, which features a cluster
of pavilions, timbered pathways,
still and flowing water with exotic
fauna & flora to add enhancement
to the atmosphere
Spa Package - 3 hrs.
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Adam and Eve-Spa Package Specially formulated to rejuvenate and
revitalize the mind and body. Important Spa treatments are
administered for the satisfaction of the gentleman or lady.
" Aromatherapy Body Massage
" Natural Body Wrap
" Vichy Shower
" Hydro Bath
" Reflexology and Foot Bath
Oriental Spa Package - 3 hrs.
Some of the well known local therapies are provided to revitalize and
entice the body system. Which reduces tension and accelerates the
functions of the organs.
" Full body massage
" Herbal Steam Bath
" Medicated Stick Application
" Royal Spa or Diana Bath
Asia Beauty - 3 1/2hrs
A refreshing cleansing treatment programme using natural-anti-aging
Ingredients to re-generate new skin cells and maintain the natural
balance. This treatment will reveal a glowing complexion, and
removes all toxic impurities from the body.
" Mild Body Massage with Essential Oils.
" Natural Body Scrubs and Deluxe Facial Treatments
" Paraffin Wax Treatment on all areas.
" Maniure, Pedicure, Eyebrow shaping and make-ups
" Fragrant Bath of flowers.
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Eden Holiday Booster - 2 ½ hrs.
Mainly an anti stress reliever for the tired body and mind.
Recommended for quick relief after travel or work, best suited to start
the holidays or during short vacations to achieve maximum
relaxation.
" Special Head, Shoulder and Neck Massage
" Swedish Massage
" Herbal Spa
" Hydro Bath
Leisure Pleasure - 3hrs
Whist on holiday this package should be tried intermittently.
Energizes your body and improves blood circulation. Re-activates
and enhances your holiday mood.
" Full body massage - Swedish or India
" Body Glow and Herbal Steam Bath
" Reflexology with Foot Massage
" Aromatic Royal Spa
Executive Day Retreat - 3hrs
Relieves fatigue and tension. Quick get - away from boredom of work
and mental worries. Refreshes your mind and sets the pace for
positive thinking .
" Synchrone Massage using Aromatic Oil
" Magneto Therapy Application for Joint, Neck, Shoulder and Head.
" Steam Bath with Natural Herbs
" Hydro Spa Bath
" Mind Relaxation/Meditation
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Hands & Feet Package - 3 1/2hrs
A relaxing manicure and pedicure treatment incorporating external
care
" Reshaping of nails and trimming.
" Cuticle Tidy
" Hand Massage & Foot Massage
" Removal of Rough Skin
" Soothing Lower Leg Treatment
" Foot Bath
" Vanish Application if required
" Eyebrow Shaping and tinting if required.
8. Spa Delight - 3hrs
Treatments are formulated to soothe the body mainly using hydro
base. Therapies specially designed to relieve aches and pains.
Recommended for highly active personalities.
* Under water massage in the spa pool
* Natural mud body wrap
* Aromatic spa bath
* Vichy shower spray
* Ended with Royal Spa
The Vichy shower will find you under 124 water jets of varying
pressures and temperatures, while lying on a water proof net, for
rejuvenating and revitalizing your body and skin.
Aromatherapy
Indulge that adventurous spirit and give some of our specialties a try!
These include Aromatherapy, an ancient healing art dating back to
4500 BC. Reflexology, to restore the smooth flow of energy
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throughout the body. Shiatsu Massage for vital points using finger
thumb palm pressure. Paraffin Treatments, to rejuvenate tired shin, or
the Wax Coat which creates a vacuum to cleaned pores, remove
dead cells and act as a great relaxation.
Spa
at
Earl's
Regency
Hotel
Being a relaxing and rejuvenating destination
Earl's Regency will now also have a Spa from
November this year managed by The Sanctuary
Spa (Pvt) Ltd. Imagine being pampered in
surroundings so serene and beautiful, in a city
where ancient Kings and Queens used to
reside. The Renaissance Spa will be the only
Spa in Kandy and would be an inviting
recreational opportunity for those who visit the
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Hotel.
This year the hotel will be going through
several
changes,
from
renovations
to
introducing new services in order to enhance
their already five star quality services. Being
situated in such a calming environment it
seemed like the obvious option to open a Spa
which
offers
clients
anything
from
Aromatherapy massages, Swedish massages to
Reflexology. The Spa will also have the
Balinese massage, an Indonesian massage
using a combination of pressure and strokes to
help
restore
and
calm
oneself.
You too will be treated like royalty; we have
created a unique package especially for this,
called 'The Royal Package', or you have the
option of choosing from the Spa menu anything
you desire. We have created a menu where
you can choose to be pampered from Head to
Toe. Since there a lot of weddings that take
place in the hotel, brides to be have a special
package just for them, so they can look and
feel
beautiful
for
their
special
day.
The Spa industry is up and coming in Sri Lanka
and it is fitting that a five star hotel would have
a service which promotes wellness of mind,
body and soul, catering from foreigners to
locals and even the corporate. As every one of
us needs a little relaxation and to feel calm and
rejuvenated.
An Ayurveda Health Resort surrounded by woodland & meadow and
fronted by sparkling blue waters of the Indian Ocean. Enjoy a
harmonious holiday in our Ayurveda resort comprising 50 Rooms.
Luxurious Chalets with TV, Radio, A/C, attached Bath with Hot water,
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Hair Dryer, IDD Tel, Electronic Safe, Mini Bar in Theme Rooms. The
Architectural Designs of the Resort depict the ancient heritage and
culture of Sri Lanka transcending different eras.
Siddhalepa Ayurvedic Health Resort
Provides Traditional Ayurvedic Therapy to Cleanse, Detoxify, and
Rejuvenate Mind, Body and Soul to promote general Wellness for
Health conscious clients using 100% Natural Ayurvedic treatments
under the guidance of experienced Ayurvedic Doctors.
Attractive & many amusements await the kids. Paddle boating on the
waterway, an island for treasure hunts & merry-making beside a well
protected kiddie’s swimming pool.
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Ayurveda translates into English as the
Science of Life (Ayur - life, veda science). Considered to be the oldest
healing science in the world, this ancient
medicine is practiced extensively in Sri
Lanka and India. This curative art was
passed down from time immemorial
through an oral tradition, through old
masters
to
their
disciples.
Ayurveda is a holistic system of curative
and preventive medicine, focusing on the
prevention of disease through a deeper
connection between the mind and the
body.
It
concentrates
on
a
state of total health based on vigour,
energy and balance. The concept of
balance is important in Ayurveda - the
balance of body, mind and consciousness
based on each person's individual
constitution.
Ayurvedic Concepts
According to Ayurveda the human body is composed of five
elements known as the Panchamahabhuta (Pancha - five,
Maha - great, Bhuta - elements). These five elements are apo
(water), theejo (fire) vayo (air) patavi (earth) and akasa (space
or
ether).
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The Ayurvedic concept of creation focuses on four interrelated
factors. These are Body, Mind, Consciousness (or Soul) and
the Panchamahabhuta (or five elements). These four elements
blend into three bio-energetic forces that govern the health and
determine the physical constitution of living beings. They are
called Va (or Vata - air and space), Pith (or Pitta - fire and
water) and Sem (or Kapha - water and earth).
Ayurveda refers to three other forces, which control mental and
spiritual functions. They are Sattva, Rajas and Tamas. Mental
disturbances are caused by imbalances of these three
properties, in the same way that the five elements influence
the body.
Individual
Constitution
The three bio-energetic forces Vata, Pitta and Kapha are
present in every human being. Vata is considered to be the
energy of movement. Pitta the energy of digestion and Kapha
is the energy of lubrication and structure. Although all three
forces are found in the human body one is usually prominent.
Vata
People with Vata dosha tend to be thin, light and quick in their
thoughts and actions. Change is an important aspect of their
lives. When Vata is balanced they are creative, flexible,
enthusiastic and lively. However, if Vata becomes excessive,
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we may develop anxiety, insomnia, or irregular digestion.
Pitta
People with Pitta dosha are vivacious, smart and determined.
If Pitta is balanced they tend to be warm, understanding and
intelligent. Excessive Pitta can however, create irritability,
jealousy and aggressiveness.
Kapha
Those with Kapha dosha tend to be leisurely and stable. When
balanced, Kapha creates calmness, sweetness and loyalty.
When excessive, Kapha can result in greed and attachment.
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Saman Villas is magnificently perched on a rocky headland
dividing two long seemingly endless, surf-swept unspoilt beaches of golden
sand, backed by dense green coconut plantations, in the quiet-sleepy fishing
village of Aturuwella in Bentota. The inviting "infinity edge" swimming
pool with sea blue water appears to merge with the vast Indian Ocean
beyond. The cascading gardens on the rock face offer a variety of locations
to appreciate the magnificent views, caressed by cooling sea breeze, in quiet
relaxation.
A choice of restaurants overlooking the pool and the sea beyond - terrace
restaurant opening onto the garden, for breakfast, lunch and weekly
barbeque dinner and the main restaurant well known for its excellent cuisine
and the daily 4-course set menu dinner. Two bars- the Lounge/Pool Bar
overlooking the pool and the ocean, and the open-air sunset bar on the upper
floor with magnificent panoramic views from coast to coast and the central
hills. The cozy air-conditioned Library Bar has a snooker table and a wide
selection of books - the latter an acknowledgement "Saman Villas" specialty.
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The Sahana Spa, a luxury all suite garden spa offering an array of treatments
and yoga. Each suite features facilities of a luxury spa and offer treatments
in complete privacy. The Deluxe Suite, set in a water garden, is comprised
of an aromatic sauna, steam shower, large ergonomically designed Jacuzzi,
mud bath, treatment room, dining pavilion and relaxation pavilion with a
double bed. The Superior Suite incorporates its own aromatic sauna; large
ergonomically designed Jacuzzi, mud bath, treatment room and dining
pavilion. This impressive suite is set in a tropical garden.
Packages
SAHANA SPA ONE DAY PACKAGE:
* Sahana Romance – US$ 318.00 nett per person. A 365 minute romantic
treatment just for the two of you using exotic fragrances of Jasmine, Rose,
Neroli, YlangYlang and Patchouli known throughout history for their
aphrodisiac.
* Sahana Traditions – US$ 268.00 nett per person
A 245 minute treatment with legendary experience of body healings dating
back 5,000 years. The massage is followed by placing warm herb and rice
pouches on the whole body to bring relief to tense muscles and improve
blood circulation.
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SAHANA SPA TWO DAY PACKAGE:
* Sahana Skin Treat - US$ 436.00 nett per person. A 555 minute treatment
designed to soothe, soften and moisturize the skin.
* Sahana Traditions - US$ 398.00 nett per person. This 420 minute
programme uses steady rhythmic flow of relaxing palm strokes massage
derived from the age-old Ayurvedic principle. It stimulates a free flow of
energy in the body while heightening your mind and concentration. A thirty
minute Shirodhara treatment is carried out to calm the mind and induce
relaxation.
SAHANA SPA THREE DAY PACKAGE:
* Sahana Detox - US$ 709.00 nett per person. A 830 minute gentle natural
deep cleaning treatment programme that purifies and detoxifies the body by
increasing circulation and acting as a natural exfoliator. It helps Calm the
nervous system, tighten and elasticity. It is also a boon to slimming by
breaking down fatty tissue and dramatically reducing cellulite.
* Sahana Soother - US$ 563.00 nett per person. An amazingly 695 minute
effective treatment to warm away everyday aches and muscle stiffness, and
to improve circulation
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





Hand-Spa / Manicure (one hour)
Treat yourself to a one-hour relaxing and pampering
treatment for your hands. It is a complete indulgence,
which includes a soak, a scrub, a massage, and
meticulous nail and skin care beautifully finished off
with a glossy polish.
Foot-Spa / Pedicure (one hour)
A one-hour relaxing and pampering treatment for your
feet. This complete indulgence, includes a soak, a
scrub, a massage, and meticulous nail and skin care
beautifully finished off with a glossy polish.
Balinese Massage (one hour)
A very relaxing body massage using only natural
fragrant oils.
Swedish Massage (one hour)
A general relaxation massage – gentle but firm
manipulation of your muscles.
Cream Bath (one hour)
A deeply relaxing head, shoulder and arm massage
designed to stimulate pressure points on the scalp,
neck & shoulders and to increase your blood flow.
Mandi Lulur (two hours)
An exfoliating herbal body scrub and massage to
remove dead skin cells, followed by a yogurt body
treatment and a relaxing flower bath.
The Basic Facial (one hour)
Relax and rejuvenate your skin with the basic facial
designed to suit a broad range skin types. The
treatment includes relaxing facial massages
incorporated with cleansing, exfoliation, hydrating
moisturizers, head and shoulder massage, and your
choice of a skin-reviving collagen mask.
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A Penny for your Thought
It is of no point just to provide information about what the hotels offer and
so we thought to provide some valuable comments from people who had
patronized the services that were offered to them. Below shown are the
feedback:
Siddhalepa Ayurvedic Resort
-Hikkaduwa
It’s such a great honour to be the first guest in this book and let me
point this out truly:
What a divine place. Heavenly – with your special support; let me
thank you for every day. What a joy to wake up and being pampered
with Ayurveda.
Sincere Greetings !
Sgd / Kristina E – Germany
What a wonderful time we have enjoyed at your Resort! Relax, Relax,
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Relax was the order of the day. The staff in all the departments were
most professional, polite and friendly. All went out of their way to
assist us with all our requests – from special meals to accompanying
us for a walk on the beach. We look forward to bringing many guests
from Australia.
Thank you all!
Sgd / Heather H.- Australia
We want to thank you all for your kindness and the care you show to
us every moment of our holiday. We hope we will come back soon to
“Siddhalepa ”Paradise!
Best Wishes
Monica R. - Germany
I spent 3 days and 2 nights at the Resort with my 2 children and
elderly parents.
We all have fallen in love with the place. It is a perfect family resort.
The food, environment and most of all the hospitality of the staff
nurture one’s physical and emotional health. My only regret is that we
did not have more time to spend. I will certainly recommend this place
to all my friends in UK. Mrs. Ambiga Selvaraj, 11 Spencer Rd.,
Langley, Slough SL3 8RS, UK. Thank you for all the attention shown.
It was a very pleasant stay, although very short. The next time my
stay will definitely be long!
All best wishes for the Winter Season – UK
Yamee F.
We spent three weeks in your very nice resort. We feel us like in the
paradise. Your staff is really excellent. We got much help through
your health centre. We will recommend you by our heart and we wish
you for the future much success.
Hildegard and Dr. Walter Schwab - Germany,
Wuttemberger str. 171.,
D-76646 Bruchsal.
Let me point this out truly. Never in my life before I felt so relaxed and
40
pampered. I will certainly recommend this paradise to my friends. Let
me thank you for every day.
All the best wishes for the Winter Season.
Brigette T - switzerland.
We enjoyed beautiful holidays in your resort. From the food to service
and Ayurveda Centre –everything was perfect! We will certainly
recommend this peaceful hotel to all our friends and clients. We had
a great time – thank you very much! We are looking forward to
coming back soon.
Regula Zeller & Maria Cavelti – Switzerland
Dear Management,
We would like to thank you all for the excellent services and the smile
from
Everybody you give to us in this very special place! Wishing you a
very long life!
Warm Regards,
Peter .R – Switzerland
Arriving on Dec 30, 2001 rather spontaneously!
I did not know what to expect. Leaving on Jan 25, 2002 after 26 days
and after having extended my stay twice. I am pleased to confirm.
The Siddhalepa Resort and the Ayurveda Health Centre are both
worth a visit and will change even the Look with Ayurvedic Energy.
I appreciated every day!
M. Werner - Germany
I spent 3 beautiful days Ayurveda Therapy. Excellent Room, Pool
view – excellent I enjoyed very much my stay. I have to congratulate
and to thank everybody and wish you all the best and peace for you.
Wonderful country.
Tuenis Bewmi
Ambassador of Switzerland in Sri Lanka
Dear Siddhalepa Ayurveda Resort Team,
41
This is the most amazing holiday resort I have been to. The holistic
approach to a total caring for your guests. Good place for body, mind
and soul healing.
I will remember this place with the love you gave and hope to be back
soon.
Christina K.- Germany
Eden Resort and Spa
19/01/02
Was just lovely to enjoy the treatments (especially the "Massage")
with my new friends Deepa and Tayamali.
All the best.
Gislla
Dank an Chandresa und Tranger is war eine wunder bar zeit die
standen mil euch waren wanderbar
Danke
Bernadette
Sehr gute gesichtsmassage
Kopfmassage gut
Komm auch gerne wiederzuruck
Danke
Eveline
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Ayurvedic Spas and Traditional Spas are now scattered all over Sri
Lanka bringing peace, tranquility and serenity to the minds and body of
those who wish to experience it. Most of the other countries such as
Thailand, Japan and China are following suit to market their
traditional alternative medicine both to provide a good foreign
exchange and also to promote their ways and cultures.
Although this is very beneficial to our country, just putting up
Ayurvedic spas around should not be done so easily and much planning
and organizing must be involved to control the standards as well as the
natural beauty following the footsteps of Eco-Tourism. If this is done so,
Sri Lanka may one day be a leader in the field of Ayurvedic Therapy.
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