Sri Lankan Ayurvedic tradition

Sri Lanka, with an archeological history dating back to at least 30,000 B.C., has its own indigenous scheme of medicine. This system has been practised for many centuries in the island nation. The Sri Lankan Ayurvedic tradition is a mixture of the Ayurveda systems of North India, the Siddha system of South India, Unani medicine from the Arabs, and most importantly, the Desheeya Chikitsa, which is the indigenous medicine of Sri Lanka.

The word "Ayurveda" translates into English as the "science of life" . Considered to be the oldest healing science in the world, this ancient medicine is practiced extensively in Sri Lanka and India. Passed down through time, this system focuses on the connection between the body and the mind. Using natural cures, Ayurveda aims to maintain the body in a balanced state of health.Sri Lanka developed its own Ayurvedic system based on a series of prescriptions handed down from generation to generation over a period of 3,000 years. The ancient kings, who were also prominent physicians, sustained its survival and longevity. King Buddhadasa , the most influential of these physicians, wrote the Sarartha Sangrahaya, a comprehensive manuscript which Sri Lankan physicians still use today for reference.