Ayurvedic Massage : Introduction to Sri Lankan Ayurvedic Spa

Ayurvedic massage is a part of traditional Ayurveda alternative medicine. Ayurveda is believed that the knowledge received from god. It was developed in India and spread among Indian continent and beyond. Some academic studies suggest it was developed from prehistoric time. Sri Lanka has very long historical connection with Ayurvedic medicine (BC 437) and it has world’s oldest (Ayurvedic) hospital.

Ayurvedic massage

Sri Lanka practices similar Ayurveda of India. However, it differs by using herbs. The country has about 60 Ayurvedic hospitals, more than 200 dispensaries and approximately 20,000 registered practitioners. Almost every spas in Sri Lanka offer Ayurvedic massage. However, quality and standard can differ per centers. Some centers just hold the name “Ayurveda”, but not deliver real treatment. The following checklist can help you to find real centers in Sri Lanka.

• Government approved centers (Ayurvedic department registration number is compulsory, not spa registration)
• The center should have an experienced doctor.
• Well-trained therapists
• Center should have necessary equipment and fully setup (Ordinary setup cannot support. Eg: A single spa bed is not enough)
• Variety of oils and herbs (Since the treatment has various types)
• It could not cost for low cost like 2,000 rupees since it obtains some valuable herbs, oils and flowers.

Pure Ayurvedic massage can balance energy, movement and digestion in a person through massage techniques on certain energy points as well as create a sense of harmony of body and mind. Since it based on traditional belief, it depends on several practices. It believes universe and ourselves connect through five elements (panchamahabhutas) such as air, fire, space, water and earth. These five can make up the three doshas or tridoshas, and namely vata, pitta and kapha. It can control body type, mind/emotion and personality. Therefore, Ayurvedic massage could be a holistic treatment and well-trained therapist referred as sculptor. Sometimes it connects with Mantras, a kind of silent prayer that chants by therapist during massage. Also, meditative music and good smell or odor can fulfill the process.

Traditionally Ayurveda body treatments have various types of massages. The following table shows the significant types.

Type/Name	Meaning/Description
Abhyanga	One, two or more therapists massage in synchronal order. It simply known as four-hand or six-hand massage.
Aromatherapy	Using of essential oils for treatment. It can perform without Ayurvedic methods.
Bindi	Bindi means "point" or "origin" and it refers as Bindi treatment. It could be hydro soak, botanical mask, exfoliation and herbal wrap.
Dosha wrap	It is like Bindi treatment, but focuses much on wrap. It could be custom blend of oils, exfoliation, massage and wrap by warm towels or sheets.
Garshan	One or two therapists briskly massage the client wearing raw silk gloves.
Kati basti	It is a massage that uses heat & specific oils to address lower back pain.
Pinda	One or two therapists who hold muslin bags full of rice, milk herbs massage the client. It could give very relaxation and smooth skin.
Pizzichilli	Large amounts of warm oil pours over the body while two or more therapists perform massage.
Reflexology	Some points on the feet, hands and ears get massage with cream and finish with mask
Shirodhara	A thin, thread-like drizzle of refined sesame oil is poured across the forehead to bring calmness of mind, body and spirit.
Swedana	An herbal steam bath gives after a massage.
Udvartana	It is an invigorating massage delivered by an herbal paste.
Vishesh	A firm massage that uses deep strokes and squeezing movements.