The Ayurvedic medical system is known as the most complete healing system throughout the world. The magnitude of what this means and the body of knowledge it encompasses are yet unknown ant not so fully understood in today’s society. In short it can be described as esoteric in its nature.

Ayurveda has been the root to almost all-medical disciplines, philosophy and treatment throughout eastern civilisation. Since its birth, some 5000 years ago, in India, Ayurveda has been passed down from successive generation to generation and simply become a way of life for millions. The eastern man has grown up with Ayurveda, tasted it as a child, reaped its benefits as an adult and passed on its wisdom to his own children. Ayurveda has almost become the eastern man’s best friend, having integrated it into his life; both have lived and continue to do so in harmonic symbiosis.
 
Meaning of AYURVEDA
The word ‘AYURVEDA’ originates from the ancient language of Sanskrit, ‘AYUR’ meaning ‘LIFE’ and ‘VEDA’ meaning ‘SCIENCE’, therefore, ‘SCIENCE OF LIFE’. In Sanskrit, this word has a wider meaning, which includes the life of plants, animals as well as other living beings.

The origins of Ayurveda are shrouded in Indian mythology. ‘MAHABRAHMA’ (the Hindu god of creation) is said to have communicated this system of healing to a number of enlightened and distinguished personalities. Among them are two individuals known as ‘CHARAKA’, who founded internal medicine and ‘SUSHRUTHA’, who comes from the ‘DHANWANTARA’ school of surgeons.
 
AYURVEDA IN SRI LANKA
 
Sri Lanka has its own Ayurvedic system based on a series of prescriptions handed down from generation to generation over a period of 3000 years. The kings, who were also prominent physicians as recorded by historical texts, sustained its survival and longevity. King Buddhadasa (398 AD) was the most prominent physician, who wrote Sarartha Sangrahaya, which is being viewed by physicians to date.

Ancient inscriptions on rock surfaces reveal the full establishment of the medical services, which existed within the country. These ancient hospital sites which were active centuries ago, now attract the tourists, who view and marvel at these beautiful ruins, which have come to symbolize a sense of healing and care which was so prevalent at that time. The Ayurvedic physicians enjoyed noble position in the social hierarchy in the country due to its Royal patronage and from this stem a famous Sri Lankan saying; ‘IF YOU CANNOT BE A KING, BECOME A HEALER’. This inter-relationship between Ayurveda and royalty has brought Buddhism and Ayurveda into a top position in Sri Lankan politics.

Ayurvedic students receive 6-year full time training at university. Training includes western medicine alongside Ayurvedic subjects.

Today, the Ayurvedic medical council maintains and controls the registration of physicians and code of practice, ethics and conduct. The Ministry of Health controls the department of Ayurveda, headed by the commissioner of Ayurveda, the Ayurvedic Drug Corporation and the Ayurvedic research institute.

Finally, Ayurveda has its own unique quality, which embodies and enraptures the whole being, treating the diseased holistically, and examining components which construct a particular diseased person, and the factors which influence its development or regression. Thus it treats the person, rather than the disease.