Wellness and Ayurveda
Wellness tourism is a fast growing sector of the global tourism industry, with increasingly more visitors looking for wellness experiences to add to their travel itineraries. Wellness does not only include Ayurvedic treatments or spa therapies, but also wholesome food experiences, yoga, meditation, spiritual rejuvenation and a host of other health and well being related activities. The Global Wellness Institute estimates wellness travel at $639 billion, with a growth rate of 6.5% per year.
Here in Sri Lanka, wellness tourism takes on a whole new meaning because of the island’s historic connection to Ayurveda. Visitors who come to Sri Lanka are keen to experience Ayurveda treatments, go on retreats to remote locations, rest and relax during their time here.
According to Travel Weekly, a trusted voice in the global travel industry, coming out of the Covid-19 crisis has shown us that more travelers are seeking specialized experiences with wellness as a priority.
Inner wellness tourism
Inner wellness is enhancing one’s emotional, intellectual and spiritual well being.
Physical wellness tourism
Physical wellness tourism includes visits to a spa, treatments, massages, yoga and detoxification.
In Sri Lanka, wellness tourism is a combination of both, a classic example being Ayurveda. Ayurveda is an ancient authentic medical system which originated in India, more than 5000 years ago. In Sri Lanka, it is practiced in harmony with Sri Lankan Traditional Medicine, which evolved from the prehistoric eras and currently regarded as Sri Lanka Ayurveda, with a distinct identity, different from Indian Ayurveda.
The meaning of Ayurveda is derived from the two words (Ayuh) life and (Veda) science or knowledge; hence it is a science of living.
Ayurveda treats not the symptoms of a disease but its root causes. It helps people to strengthen the immune system by treating the body, mind, and spirit of a person as a whole entity. It works under the philosophy that mind and body are connected to each other and thus to cure any disease, both these aspects are taken as a whole. It concerns the unique healing practices accepted in Buddhist philosophy as well as in other religions.
Sri Lankan Ayurveda offers tailor-made treatment packages (14/21/30…or more days of continuous treatment programs) with yoga, meditation, and other spiritual activities in luxurious Ayurveda resorts and hospitals.
The healing process of treatment blends natural herbal therapy with the aura of beautiful breathtaking scenery that offers complete relaxation
High quality and attentive resort/hospital medical services in your room over 24 hours, protects your privacy in a serene environment with convenient and luxurious facilities
Job Roles
Ayurvedic Practitioner
An Ayurvedic Practitioner is usually a medical doctor who has studied Ayurveda. He/she will possess a wealth of experience and knowledge and would advise an individual in their wellness goals. They may also head a wellness institute.
Yoga Instructor
The main duty of the yoga instructor is to lead a group in yoga sessions and devise curriculum that will lead them through the various levels of yoga. This individual may have to engage in administrative work and may teach individual classes.
Massage Therapist
A Massage Therapist performs therapeutic massages on clients. They may use essential oils and age-old techniques to relieve stress, pain, and other ailments. Ayurvedic Massage Therapists on the other hand use ayurvedic concoctions and methods. Their aim however is the same. Most hotels and resorts have their own spas and employ Massage Therapists.
Meditation Teacher
Although the job title uses the word teacher, a Meditation Teacher is usually an individual who guides a person to achieve mental clarity, stability, a sense of peace and calm through meditative practices.
Pilates Instructor
Like a yoga instructor, a Pilates instructor will lead special classes in exercise, mindful meditation, stretching, and most importantly the Pilates fitness program. As part of their job they will have to devise programs and undertake admin work.
Fitness Instructor
A fitness instructor is also known as a personal trainer. These individuals will help clients achieve their fitness or weight loss goals. They are usually certified, highly skilled and work in gymnasiums in hotels and across other establishments such as resorts.
Nutritionist
A huge part of wellness and well being is based on being healthy. To be healthy one needs to consume nutritious food. A Nutritionist will guide a person in selecting foods that suit their fitness goals. Sometimes a Nutritionist will also be able to diagnose nutritional deficiencies or ailments related to nutrition and offer suitable solutions such as diet plans. Wellness focused resorts and spas employ Nutritionists to support their clients’ dietary and lifestyle changes.
