‘If you can not be a king, become a healer’
Ayur (life) veda (science). Ayurveda, life of science. The word originates from the ancient language Sanskrit. It is the oldest health and wellness system on earth. Since its birth 5000 years ago in India it has become a way of life for millions. Traveling through Sri Lanka, the teardrop of India, ayurveda is everywhere. The healing power of spices and healthy food is used at home, by doctors, in hospitals and in many luxurious spas’.
After eight weeks of traveling through Sri Lanka we spend our last day at Siddhalepa Ayurveda Health Resort. Along the West coast in Wadduwa the resort is set in a tropical garden with fountains and a large swimming pool. In the garden grows a wide selection of herbs and fruits like sandalwood, pomegranate and red hibiscus used as medicine for the treatments. It is the perfect place to detox, rejuvenate and relief stress.
When I walk through the high doors to enter Siddhalepa retreat we are warmly welcomed with a healthy lunch. The lunch consists out of a selection of ayurvedic dishes made from fresh vegetables, fruits and spices. New to this holistic way of healing I am excited to experience my first ayurveda treatment.
But what is ayurveda?
Ayurveda is based on three elements (doshas): Vata (wind), Kapha (earth) and Pitta (fire). They are the three energies believed to circulate in the body that need to be balanced to maintain health. To identify our dosha’s we are introduced by an ayurveda doctor for a 30 minute during consultation. We are asked about our conditions, lifestyle and what we eat. Based on the imbalances and equilibrium of our dosha’s the doctor prescribes us a personal treatment.
My first ayurveda treatment
When I enter the spa there is a selection of natural oils and spices, a ring of dough and a stamp on the table next to the massage bed. The fragrance of herbs and spices make me feel immediately relaxed. The base of every treatment oil is made of coconut and sesame oil. Different herbs are added depending on the treatment. The herbs are freshly picked in the garden of the spa. I take place in front of the masseuse and close my eyes. The treatment starts with a face and head massage. After 30 minutes I lay down on the bed, warm oil is being dripped onto my body. It is a special form of massage called piccichil. It is prescribed for gentle health and rejuvenation. She uses the warm rice pudding stamp to open the pores and taps my whole body with it. The ring of dough prepared out of wheat flour and water is put on my back. She pours lukewarm medicated oil into it and let it cool down for a while before she massages my back. This special type of therapy is called Kativasthi and is meant for the low back or waist. With my body fully covered in plants and herbs I float the last part of my treatment in a relaxing herbal bath. I feel super relaxed when we end our treatment with a short yoga session in the spice garden.
We overnight in a beautiful spacious chalet with two large beds, a huge bathroom with a bathtub and a wide selection of body products. The rooms are fully equipped with air conditioning, full screen TV, a living area and a private terrace. On the beds are two presents waiting for us. A package full of self produced natural herbal products.
Away from the hustle and bustle of the city (Colombo is 30 km away) Siddhalepa Health Resort is a great place to relax, unwind and re-balance your body and mind.
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