By Shabna Cader
Where does one go when there is no cure for aches and pains that tire your body? Who should one turn to when Western medicine provides no relief? Where is the right place to find the right cure and treatment needed?

Sethsuva Ayurveda Hospital was inaugurated with the hope of finding answers to these questions. Foundation for Co-Existence Chairman Dr. Kumar Rupesinghe briefing the media on that historic day explained his part in establishing such a hospital and his own journey of finding ‘healing hands.’

“I have always had an interest in alternative medicine and recently when I was suffering from a back pain, a colleague of mine gave me an ointment to rub. Pranajeewa is a daily medication, which, after some time gives relief. It is an ancient, 200-year-old medication made with hundreds of herbs that have undergone a phase of fermentation of four months. I must also make a note to inform everyone that this is not a spa, but an Ayurvedic Hospital; not for just relaxation, but also for healing,” he said.

Ayurveda
Being a frequently practiced source of medication over the centuries, the word Ayurveda comprises the words ayur meaning ‘life’ and veda, meaning ‘science.’

It has been proven over the years to be the oldest science of healing in the world, and has been passed down from generation to generation. Evolving throughout its history, Ayurveda continues to remain an influential system of medicine especially in South Asia. The main aims of Ayurveda are to prevent, treat and cure diseases by focusing on health– physical, mental and spiritual.

Eight main branches of Ayurveda
• Kaya Chikitsa – Internal Medicine
• Bala Chikitsa – Pediatrics
• Graha Chikitsa – Psychological Medicine
• Shalakya Tantra – Oto-Rhino-Laryngology and Ophthalmology
• Shalya Tantra – Surgery
• Agada tantra – Toxicology
• Vajikarana – Sexology
• Rasanaya – Rejuvenation
Diseases or ailments are the result of a variety of factors, including inappropriate lifestyle and activities, diet, mental or physical trauma. When it comes to finding a cure or healing for such diseases and/or ailments, it is believed in Ayurveda that poor lifestyle choices are made due to our lack of understanding of our own bodies.
Consisting primarily of herbal remedies and perhaps even certain natural mineral preparations, Ayurveda is believed to consider the fact that all herbs have the power to increase or decrease any illness.

Sethsuva Hospital
Situated amidst the greenery of Batalanda, Sethsuva Hospital is the true mother hospital of all Sethsuva Ayurveda Treatment Hospitals and Osu Salas situated in several areas of the country. Hundreds of people ailing from various diseases make their way to these locations in search of a cure.
This is the place that people come to when Western medication fails to provide relief or total cure and when they have nothing else to turn to.
The treatment centre offers cure using fresh produce and herbal medication – handpicked, hand washed, dried and squeezed to preserve the natural goodness.

Pranajeewa Oil
The most sought after product at Sethsuva Hospital is used both in Sri Lanka as well as the world over.
Obtained from Ola leaves, the ancient recipe has been passed down through generations, and dates back to over 200 years.

Health Care Services
• Body massage – A synchronised massage by two therapists, specially selected Ayurvedic herbs for your body. This massage helps to improve the tone of the skin and helps get rid of body aches.
• Head massage – This is ideal to relieve tension as the head and neck is massaged with a special oil. It also invigorates hair.
• Foot massage – The ancient art of massage brings total relaxation to the body and mind by the use of a pressure point massage technique.
• Face massage – The face is massaged with a special or herbal cream, which removes the impurities of the skin, leaving the face soft and relaxed.
• Shirodara – Warm oil is poured from a bowl onto the forehead continuously while you lie flat on a special bed. This is ideal for mental and spiritual relaxation.
• Warm Oil and Herbal massage (Pinda Sweda) – Two therapists massaging the body with warm oil and thereafter fermenting the body with rice bags. This stimulates the blood circulation, relaxes and relieves pain.
• Herbal Water Bath – Immersed in a hot water bath consisting of herbal liquid, it relives tension, purifies the system and gives you a general feeling of well being.
• Herbal Steam Bath – Many types of dried and fresh herbs are used to generate the herbal steam that envelopes the body.
• Herbal Inhalation – It dilates and purifies the respiratory passage.
• Sethsuva Ayurveda Special – This incorporates face, head and body with special oil suited for your body and herbal hot water bath.

The treatment and services provided at Sethsuva Ayurveda Hospital are so effecting and are known to prevent, treat and cure common lifestyles diseases such as diabetes, cholesterol, hypertension, conditions affecting the nervous system, as well as ailments of the kidney system, cancer, skin ailments, conditions affecting joints and bones, failing heart conditions and premature ageing.

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