2020-02-26
Ayurveda is believed (with good reason) to be an eternal science that first existed in the universal consciousness (Brahma) before it was passed from the creator to the ancient Indian mystics through meditation. The roots of Ayurveda go deep into the antiquity. Many of the foods and spices associated with Ayurvedic cuisine, including rice, lentils, urad dal, ginger, and turmeric, were already being cultivated during this period. Later on, the nexus of civilization shifted to the Ganges basin, where a peoples’ who called themselves the Arya or noble ones practiced a positive and life-affirming spirituality expounded in the Vedas. Composed between 500 and 1000 BCE in an ancient form of Sanskrit, the Vedas celebrate the elements of life, especially fire, wind, and water, as well as Mother Earth and the plants and animals who live upon her. Many herbs, some now unknown and some still used in Ayurveda to this day, were first described in the Vedas.
In Sri Lanka, it’s chronicled in Mahavamsa and many other tomes of history that the ancient kings-built hospitals for both people and animals such as horses and elephants. The master physician and king Buddadasa (398-426 A.D.) is the best known of all the Sinhalese monarchs, who endeavoured to ensure the well-being of all people and animals under the profound influence of the Buddhist philosophy, at the heart of which is the concept of loving-kindness for all beings. It’s Ayurvedic medication that was prescribed by the medical practitioners at the time. The practice of Ayurvedic medicine in ancient Sri Lanka is corroborated both by the literary and epigraphical references and by the archaeological remains scattered throughout the country.
But Ayurveda fell into neglect during the four centuries of foreign rule, which started in the early 16th century with the invasion of Sri Lanka by the Portuguese. From around 1920s, the revival of the practice of Ayurveda began, which coincided with the agitation for independence from the British imperialism. However, the real turning point in the revival of Ayurveda in the recent history befell with the enactment of the Ayurveda Act No.31 of 1961. Today, Ayurveda is increasingly seen as a much better alternative to Western medicine; hence, it’s becoming hugely popular among people from all walks of life across the world.
Going part and parcel with Ayurveda are the herbal medications, fusions of plants and/ or plant parts such as roots, bulbs, bark, flowers, blossoms, seeds, sap, stems, fruit, leaves, or buds. From ancient times, a multitude of herbs, some indigenous and others not quite so, have been recognized for their unique medicinal properties. It’s estimated that over 70,000 plants with therapeutic benefits have been used at one time or other. EDB eMARKETPLACE offers a whole range of Ayurvedic & Herbal products for sale online. Explore the product collections of our vendors below.
Because Ayurveda focuses on healing the body, mind and soul, it’s widely regarded as a more holistic treatment system in comparison with the Western medicine. Also, akin to Ayurveda are some specialised spas and wellness treatment centres. Sri Lanka is home to a steadily growing network of Specialised Ayurvedic & Therapy Centres that stand as follows at the moment.
To produce qualified and skilled practitioners of Ayurveda, Sri Lanka operates a number of Ayurvedic teaching hospitals. Also, there is an effective regulatory system in place to ensure the quality of service and proper code of ethics observed by all practitioners, therapists, and support staff in these organisations.
As the world population ages and emphasis is placed more and more on the natural and organic medication that’s free from side effects, Ayurvedic medicine gains in popularity leading to an explosion in demand. With a sound and comprehensive strategy, Sri Lanka enjoys the opportunity to harness massive potential in this service segment in the foreseeable future.
