Ayurveda, spas and wellbeing in Sri Lanka, the back story

About Ayurveda, spas and wellbeing in Sri Lanka, the back story

By the ULTIMATE Sri Lanka Editorial Team

Ayurveda is a traditional system of medicine from South Asia, practised in Sri Lanka for centuries alongside the island’s own healing traditions.

What it is

Ayurveda uses oils, herbs, diet and massage. In Sri Lanka it is recognised by the state, with its own government department, and many hotels have an Ayurveda spa.

At a spa

A typical treatment begins with a consultation and is followed by an oil massage, often a herbal steam bath, and treatments such as shirodhara, a stream of warm oil poured over the forehead.

Think of a Sri Lankan spa as a ritual of oils, herbs and quiet, not a cure.

Panchakarma and longer stays

Some resorts offer stays of a week or more built around panchakarma, a traditional programme of treatments and diet. These are demanding, so read carefully what is included.

Choosing a place

Look for practitioners registered with Sri Lanka’s Ayurvedic Medical Council, clear prices and a written programme. We describe what places offer; we make no claims about health results.

Our advice: enjoy a spa treatment as a relaxing experience, talk to your own doctor before any programme, and tell the therapist about any medication or condition.

Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Ayurveda, spas and wellbeing in Sri Lanka, the back story before you go.