Bitter Sweet Pill

Esteric in its nature, the body of knowledge that encompasses ayurveda is yet unknown and not fully understood by all. To put in into perspective ayurveda has been at the root to almost all medical disciplines, philosophies and treatments throughout eastern civilization.

Passed down from successive generation to generation, since its origins some 5000 years ago, ayurveda has grown to become a way of life for millions. Man had grown up with ayurveda, tasted it as a child, reaped its benefits as an adult and passed on its wisdom to his own children.

The word ‘ayurveda’ originates from the ancient language of Sanskrit. ‘Ayur’ means ‘life’ and ‘veda’ means ‘science’. Thus this combination led to the formation of the ‘science of life’.

In a sanskrit context, ayurveda also takes into account a wider view of the life of plants, animals and all other living beings.

The history of ayurveda is shrouded in legend and myth. It is sad that the Hindu god of creation Mahabrahma passed on this method of healing to a number of in dividuals amongst them were Charaka and Sushrutha who went on to begin a science, based on their knowledge.

At its core ayurveda aims to prevent, treat and cure conditions and ailments that affect all of us.

Ayurveda also promotes stability via the equal presence of mental, physical and spiritural balance.

According to ayurveda, diseases are considered to initiate a state of disharmony in the body as a whole. The science of ayurveda has thus divided its actions across eight areas:

• Kaya Chikitsa – Internal medicine
• Bala Chikitsa – Paediatrics
• Graha Chikitsa – Psychological medicine.
• Shalakya Tantra – Surgery
• Agada Tantra – Taxicology
• Vajikarana – Sexology
• Rasayana – Rejuvenation

The art of ayurveda also believes that all matter in the universe consist of five constantly changing elements:

• Apo – Liquid
• Thejo – Heat
• Vayu – Air
• Pruthuvi – Earth
• Akasha – Space


Ayurveda further specifies that life is considered as a union of body, mind and soul. With this in mind three body types (doshas) have been categories according to individual dominance:

• Vata – Air ; initiates and promotes bio-logical activity responsible for all internal and external movements of the body.
• Pitta – Bile; responsible for the generation of body heat, metabolism and certain psychological attributes of the individual.
• Kapha – Phlegm; maintains healthy body tissues and a healthy balance of fat, water and other fluids.

These elements must exist in a dynamic equilibrium to help maintain prakruti (the original balance of the individual’s dosha inheritance)

For those seeking enlightenment and relief via this art of healing the Sidhalepa Ayurvedic Hospital is a godsend.

Ayurvedic medications and herbal preparations often include natural minerals and are said to possess the following properties:

• Rasa – Taste
• Guna – Quality
• Virya – Potency
• Vipaka – Digestion
• Prahava – Power of the substance

Established in 1989, the 24 hour, Hospital has six in house doctors who are complemented by ten visiting consultants. For those in dire need there is even an ambulance service.

Just as with any other hospital the Siddhalepa Ayuvedic Hospital offers an OPD facility. The OPD is open for a number of common ailments that include arthritis, skin diseases, asthma, paralytic conditions, headaches, fractures, stress, obesity, blood, purification, hyperacidity, gastric conditions, cholesterol control, stress management, stones in the gal bladder and rejuvenation following cancer treatments.

A little known fact is that the hospital also has a gynecologist and caters for children as well.

Amongst those in the know, the healing properties of ayurveda are equally balanced by its ability to rejuvenate the body, soul and mind. One of the more popular therapies catering to those who lead a busy life, is blood purification.

Although this may sound rather dramatic it is in fact a very effective remedy and detoxification technique.

The process involves the removal of toxins collected in the body over the year, the removal of which leads to patients feeling less lethargic and also reduces obesity in the latter year of a patient’s life.

It must be noted that ayurveda provides medication to identify and remedy the root cause of the illness and thereby restore the whole body system, not just treatment for a particular symptom. The remedy for certain ailments, such as gastritis, also include a controlled diet which is also provided to the patient.

The trained, committed and motivated staff ensure all treatments are carried out in supreme efficiency.

According to Dr. Siddhalepa, a complete ayurvedic treatment requires four essential elements. A qualified and experienced doctor well prepared medicines, finally the patient. Only once all four of these elements are brought together can a patient can be cured.

Contact : Siddhalepa Ayurveda Hospital,
No 106A,
Templer’s Road,
Mount Lavinia,
Sri Lanka
Tel : 0094112738622