Well being and longevity have become a growing area of interest among Saudis and expatriates alike, especially within corporate circles where workplace-related health ills are becoming worryingly prevalent. Understanding the complications and limitations in conventional treatments, the availability of an enormous - and confusing - number of pharmaceutical drugs and side affects, a vast number of people are turning to a more holistic approach. The trend is turning towards Sri Lanka and India, the two countries credited with the centuries old medical practice: Ayurveda. Veda Medura Ayurveda Center is one of the best known destinations in Sri Lanka for Ayurvedic treatments. The owners are traditional indigenous medicine producers who have been in the business for a long time. During an interview with Saudi Gazette via telephone and email, the head of the team Athula Patabendige, spoke at length about the background of Ayurveda and its various treatments. “The word ‘Ayurveda' comes from Sanskrit; ‘ayur' means ‘life' while ‘veda' means ‘science',” he explained. “This is an ancient healing system based on 5000 years of tradition, that has been in use for as much time in India and Sri Lanka, with tested and proven treatments. In Sri Lanka today, approximately 60 percent of the population are still treated with this healing system.” He added that the whole basis of Ayurveda is nature; treatments involve medicines found in nature so there is never any worry about side effects or complications since no chemicals are ever involved. There is also a lot of emphasis on adapting a “holistic approach” to medical treatments. “The holistic approach to medicine views the person as a whole rather than just the symptoms or the disease. Instead of treating just the symptoms, holistic practitioners treat the entire person including the mental, physical and spiritual aspects,” said Patabendige. Ayurveda is ideal for stress relief, detoxification and rejuvenation. Treatments offered include herbal oil therapy, massages (head, feet, and synchronized body massages), application of herbal body masks, herbal baths, saunas and facial treatments. Short-stay guests can benefit from these treatments at Ayurveda health centers. Ayurvedic therapies are also beneficial for a range of other medical conditions including the control of diabetes, cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, obesity, arthritis, and a host of other medical problems. A minimum of 14 days' stay is required at such health centers for the more intensive curative treatments for the patient to experience a positive health and lifestyle change. Critics argue that Ayurveda takes far too much time and requires a lot of patience on the part of the patient, who - depending on the severity of the illness - may not be willing to invest in treatments. There is no “quick fix” idea in Ayurveda as can be found in conventional medicine since herbal medicine takes much longer to take effect. Ayurveda remains part of Sri Lanka's National Health Care system even today. The government has appointed a minister on the subject of Indiginous Medicines. Training in Ayurveda studies is provided at the Government College of Ayurveda, which is affiliated to the University of Colombo. More than 17,000 practitioners are registered under the Sri Lanka Ayurveda Medical Council. Some of the prescriptions are centuries old, well-guarded and passed from generation to generation like a family secret. The father usually passes the knowledge to his son before he dies who does the same thing with his own son, and so on. Potential patients must therefore note that it is advantageous to see an Ayurveda practitioner whose father was also in the trade. Another important factor is that the practitioner must have a license to conduct his or her practice. After that, practitioners are normally recommended via word-of-mouth. Today, the trade is endlessly exploited as a commercial businesses. If the treatment sought is for a particular symptom or illness, it is always better do some research before proceeding. Holistic treatment isn't right for every situation, but in many cases it can offer a gentle alternative to harsh drugs or surgery. Some emergencies such as a broken leg, cardiac problems, and other life-threatening illnessed demand a trip to a conventionally-trained doctor or to a hospital emergency room. But chronic acid reflux, annoying fatigue, and insomnia are just some examples of conditions that respond well to holistic medicine.
