AYURVEDIC CARE IN SRI LANKAN HEALTHCARE

Table of Contents

1. AYURVEDIC CARE IN SRI LANKA;4

1.1 INTRODUCTION;5

1.2 WHAT IS AYURVEDA?;5

1.3 AYURVEDA IN SRI LANKA;9

1.4 WESTERN MEDICINES ADVANTAGE OVER AYURVEDIC MEDICINE;15

1.5 CONCLUSION;16

2. REFERENCES;19

3. APPENDICES;21

3.1 INTERVIEWS;22

3.2 SURVEY;28

4. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS;37

1. AYURVEDIC CARE IN SRI LANKA

AYURVEDIC CARE IN SRI LANKAN HEALTHCARE

1.1 Introduction

The word "AYURVEDA", derived from the Sanskrit words "ayur", which means Life and "veda", which means science or knowledge, come together to make the perfect meaning "the science of life". This is built on the understanding that there exists a natural balance of mind, body and soul. It is a science of both prevention and cure based on the unique individual balance.

Although most refer to ayurveda for cure, one must understand, ayurveda is much more than just a cure - it is about healthy living. Although this medical system may have been around in Sri Lanka from as early as 4000 B.C. the western medicine has taken over significantly. However, in the recent past there has been a re-awakening. It is therefore important to know what role the ayurveda system can play in the healthcare system in Sri Lanka.

1.2 What is ayurveda?

Ayurveda is a traditional form of medical science based on natural balance of the body soul and mind and the inter connectedness of all living and nonliving things. The system addresses both aspects of healthcare, namely prevention and cure. This system has a holistic approach to healthcare, by not only addressing the balance between all forces but also the preservation of it to ensure healthy living.

Deepak Chopra, M. D. says that our bodies are inbuilt with the instinctive sense of what is good and bad, and that it is capable of regaining its natural balance if only we are willing to obey the instinctive tendencies. However an average person is usually unable to understand these instinctive tendencies. Although the human body strives to regain the balance, when naturally it is unable to obtain the resources within our body, it gives out signs in the form of symptoms. As each person's body, although performing the exact functions, ayurvedic experts say, have unique balance of their own. It takes the ayurvedic deep "knowledge of life" to understand the one's point of balance.

Doshas

It is impossible to proceed further without mentioning the doshas - vata, pitta and kappa. These doshas are a combination of the five basic elements - space, air, fire, water and earth. Vata, a combination of space and air, controls basic body functions such as cell division, breathing and heart. Pitta, a combination of fire and water, controls hormones and digestive system. Kappa, a combination of water and earth, controls immune system and growth. It is said that each individual has a unique balance of the three doshas, although they lean more towards one. The understanding of the dosha of the patient and the imbalance is crucial for ayurvedic practitioners in prescribing medication. Sharma, Pandit Shiv, stresses the importance of the understanding of doshas.

Diet, Exercise and Lifestyle changes

Treatment in ayurveda may include medicines prepared from natural sources, including herbs, fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts spices, oils, metals, etc., physical exercise and/or dietary controls. The diet plays a major role in the science of ayurveda. According to H. K. Bakhru, the food diet may be the single factor effecting in maintenance of good health and curing many diseases. P. R. P Thandapani denotes many herbs that have medicinal values which are used in the process of curing ailments, are used in our everyday lives. The interview with Dr. Dineh Balachandran also revealed that the use of herbs and oils prevent many ailments. Drawing from the rich old Sri Lankan medicinal traditions, it is probably safe to assume that is the primary reason for the use of some herbs and spices used in our daily cooking it in contrast to the western cooking, is their ability to preserve health.

Exercise, yoga, meditation and habitual and lifestyle changes too are as vital in treating the ailments. Deepak Chopra, M. D., O'Brien, J. E., and Dr. Dinesh all discuss that while these may be treatments on their own these are often prescribed in conjunction with medical preparations and dietary changes and/or restrictions.

Diagnosis

According to Dr. Dinesh one of the most effective methods of diagnosis is pulse reading. However physical observation and understanding of lifestyle and diet of the patient will greatly aid the accuracy of the diagnosis and the success of the treatment. Cumulatively they are able to obtain a much deeper understanding of the patient's body functional status and pinpoint the source of the problem, often a problem with western medication.

Treatment

Dr. Deepak Chopra claims that ayurveda treats ailments by

•Elimination of impurities

&bulleltReduction of symptoms

•Decreasing worry and increasing harmony in the patient's life

•Helping to eliminate both physical and psychological problems Dr. Dinesh is of the view that it is possible to heal most diseases to the root. With the help of pulse reading which gives an accurate picture of the problem being addressed, and equipped with "inner-technology" - the deep awareness of balance and body functions, they are able to cure the diseases with a combination of diet, exercise, yoga, meditation and habitual changes, which are unique to the patient. Patients usually do not feel the relief immediately; in fact during the first few days of the treatment the symptoms of the disease actually increases, while internally the cleansing begins. However this is reversed in a few days as symptoms begin to subside as healing begins. Usually medication programmes are designed to aid relief of the out break of symptoms by other means, which may include outside application, physical exercise, etc. Although it is true that some medications programmes take extremely long time, usually when there is a complication of diseases, one must understand, in order to restore the natural balance, i.e. cure, all impurities should be eliminated. Dr. Dinesh is of the view that all medicinal preparations are safe with no side effects, while being very effective, as they are prepared from natural ingredients. However, the medical experts warn, while it is harmless when the preparations are carefully carried out by qualified and trained practitioners, the use of metals may prove to be harmful when prepared by unqualified practitioners.

1.3 Ayurveda in Sri Lanka

History

Ayurveda has been around almost as long as history has been recorded. Records say that ayurveda was practiced in Sri Lanka from at least 700 B.C.; however it is expected to be for much longer This science originated in India and is said that in the olden days it was brought to Sri Lanka by those who came from India bringing Buddhism to the country. History tells us that even as far as (at least) 161 B.C. at the time of the king Duttu Gemunu there were hospitals built in contrast to the first hospital in the western society not built until 700 A.D.. Traditionally kings of that time supported the growth and development of this science and built hospitals for the welfare of the people. History also tells us that there were strict rules as to how the hospitals have to be built, how the beds in the hospital have to be arranged and what floral arrangements were to be kept. This shows the deep understanding of the early practitioners in how the internal systems of the body are inter-connected to the external systems. Different notes also tell us that there were surgeries that had taken place according to the strict rules of ayurveda understandings. It is however sad to note that most of these practices have been lost in time. Our country was exposed to the new medicines brought in by the foreigners, when they evaded our country and much of the ayurvedic practice was abandoned. Since then western medical practices have taken precedence over ayurvedic practices in many parts of the country, especially where the influences of the foreigner were the greatest.

Ayurveda today

Today Sri Lanka on the outset seems to have abandoned much of its ayurvedic practices. But there is hope. Although much of the urban areas have sought to embrace western medication in their quest for quick and easy solutions, much of Sri Lankan population still depend on ayurvedic medical practices to sustain their health. Even in the urban areas people still practice home medications, drawing from their knowledge of ayurveda, the knowledge of medicinal herbs, mostly as a preventive measure and as a cure in cases of general cold, fever, phlegm, etc. one must not forget that massages, oil baths and spas, for which Sri Lanka is so well renowned among tourists are part of ayurvedic practices, which benefit the mind and body. It was traditionally both preventive and curative method of helping people who are stressed. Oil bathing is also a significant part of the New Year cultural practices, which are given much attention to, even though most do not realize the medicinal value of the practice.

Most people outside the urban areas, who have no or minimum access to expensive western treatments, are totally dependant on ayurvedic medicines. Polls tell us that about 60% of the population in Sri Lanka seeks ayurvedic healing system. Ayurvedic practitioners not only treat the patients, but are also able to guide the people of maintaining a balance and a healthy lifestyle, as part of the healing process. As discussed earlier ayurvedic treatment is about bringing back the natural balance within and outside the patient's body. This promotes healthy living and reduces recurrence of illnesses, focusing on preventive measures rather than the curative measure. This benefits the poor people who populate villages and cannot afford repeated visits to the doctors. They often have to walk many miles or cycle long hours to reach hospitals. Buses are usually a luxury in most remote areas in Sri Lanka, which most urban residents take for granted. Rare medical herbs are found in abundance in the village areas. Thus guided home medications can be prescribed, which will benefit the poorer communities of Sri Lanka. After having studied many materials, it is safe to make an assumption, that there are less sick people (as a percentage) in the villages, than in the urban areas. Ayurvedic practitioners are of the view that most of the ailments that urban dwellers suffer from are due to the side effects of medications used to treat other disease.

Recent years have seen a rise in the number of urban dwellers who turn to ayurvedic medicines for cure. It may be part of the global phenomenon where the entire world has turned green sensitive and herbal, from medicine to cosmetic products. However there are reasons to believe that the traditions of the past, coming from their origins in the villages are playing a role in this

shift in Sri Lanka. People are also becoming aware that many if their ailments are not fully cured by the western medicines, but rather leading to side effects and other complications. They have identified through firsthand experience the true healing that the ayurvedic treatments give, although they have to go through long durations of unpleasant medicines and diet restrictions. They are also learning that by understanding some of those principles and adopting them in their lifestyles, they will be able to maintain healthy lives. It is also evident that even though most people perceive that ayurveda is not the style of the urban dwellers, in contrast many do use many herbs and medicinal plants to address health problems at the home level. Urban dwellers, like most people of the western world have been too busy with their work lives. Their lifestyles have taken a change for the worse. They do not have time to prepare traditional full meals and resorting to junk food and short eats, which are not healthy. The rise in the complicated illnesses has not helped them either. The new surge of awareness is taking many people by surprise. They are willing to revert back and change their lifestyles to accommodate the healthy eating habits and routine exercises, which are used as preventive methods by ayurvedic science. They are willing to adopt traditional methods taught by their parent and grand parents to lead healthier lifestyles.

Role of the government

Sri Lankan Government has taken many measures to help promote the ayurvedic practices. The government has invested on raising the awareness of the people to understand the medicinal values of plants and herbs. The ideology is to promote the use of these as curative and preventive measures.

One should not forget that people sought to home medications, without the consultation of an ayurvedic practitioner or proper knowledge of the ingredients and their effect on our body. While some medicinal herbs can be good for some ailments, they can be completely useless to treat other. Although herbs and plants usually do not harm our bodies, the problem may still remain unsolved. Besides, the problems are usually only symptoms of much larger illnesses, which ordinary people do not understand. This awareness will also promote healthy living and eating practices. The government has introduced porridge made of green leaves, known in Sinhala as "kolakande" in schools, in the attempt to make their point heard. They have also introduced the yoga in some institutions to relieve mental stress. It is praiseworthy thus that the government is making an attempt to raise the awareness of ayurvedic practices among common people.

The government of Sri Lanka is also reaching out to render the service of these practitioners to the sick who want to obtain it. The government through the municipal councils has built and overlooks the healthy running of many ayurvedic hospitals around the island. In addition there are two major hospitals, one in Colombo and the other in Jaffna, which come under the direct purview of the central government. These hospitals also double up as teaching hospitals, endeavoring to pass on the deep understandings of life to students who wish to practice forth these principles with precision. Island-wide in addition to the government hospitals, there are many private hospitals and clinics that serve the people. Siddhalepa Hospital could be a famous example for the private ayurvedic hospitals. There are cumulatively approximately

17500 ayurvedic practitioners practicing island-wide, both in the private and public sector.

The commitment of the Sri Lankan government to develop the sector is further enhanced by the impending introduction of an ayurvedic medical faculty to the Eastern University. Additionally there is also a postgraduate institute in Colombo to aid in the transfer of knowledge. The government has also invested in two research institutes in Nawinna and Kelaniya to aid the growth and development of the science. Further more, in order to ensure island-wide distribution of ayurvedic medicines at affordable rates, the government has instituted the Ayurvedic Drug Co-operation, through which all ayurvedic medicine distribution is channeled.

Shortcomings

Having praised the government of Sri Lanka for its efforts, as with all other government services, efficiency and effectiveness remain an issue even in ayurvedic and healthcare at large. Although the government has put much effort in ensuring that the awareness of ayurvedic practices has been created, the allocations to cater for the growing number of patients seeking the service

have not been created. Practitioners are of the view that they are unable to treat and accommodate all the patients. They complain that many have to be turned away because of the lack of resources. The research institutes lack sufficient laboratory facilities and sophisticated equipments required for the development. The equipments are outdated both in the research institutes and in the hospitals. Urban dwellers have many private practitioners and organizations to develop the healthcare sector, but the people of the rural area are dependent on the government and the NGOs. It is time for the government to take stock and make resources available to the development of the existing ayurvedic facilities.

1.4 Western Medicines' advantages over ayurvedic medicines

Having talked about the many advantages of the ayurvedic medicines, it is unfair not to say a few words about the advantages of the western medicines. In contrast to ayurvedic medicines western medicines take far less time to take effect. In fact the effect is almost instantaneous; as soon as one takes the medication he/she feels the relief. In unbearable illnesses it is draining to suffer from pain till the ayurvedic medicines takes its effect. Further more western medicines require no dietary control (in general). Although recently managed dietary and physical exercises are recommended, they are not part of the medication and do not affect the effects of the medications.

The biggest advantage of the western system of treatment is that surgeries and the treatments based on latest technologies. Surgeries are not carried out by ayurvedic practitioners currently, although they were a significant part of historic ayurvedic practices. When ailments require such big treatments, the people have no alternative but to obtain the service of the western medical practitioner.

1.5 Conclusion

Ayurveda is the knowledge and science of life that has been passed down the generations. Although many feared that the great principles may have been lost forever, it has recently been reincarnated, owing to the efforts by the government. For many generations it has been the source of healthcare for many village people, due to the inaccessibility and the high cost acquiring western medications. The government has pledged to create awareness of ayurvedic medications and the medicinal values of herbs and plants. Many increasingly prefer to use this stream of healthcare as they believe it is safer than western medications. Although it is proven that many diseases can be completely cured effectively by ayurvedic treatment, other illnesses which require surgeries and modern treatments may have to be treated according to the western practices. However these remain only a handful in comparison to the amount of people who daily seek treatment for many illnesses for which western medicines cannot give complete cure, nor eradicate the recurrence of the diseases.

In my view the ayurvedic care provides a significant part of the healthcare in Sri Lanka. However, with the increasing population and the increasing number of pre-western medicine users turning to ayurvedic treatments, there are not enough resources to go around. Although government has made an effort, which should be praised, the effort has not been sustained to cater to the growing needs of the population seeking ayurvedic treatments. In my opinion, there is much to be done to attend to the cries of the sick calling for help

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2. REFERENCES

References

•Bakhru, H. K., Diet Cure For Common Ailments, Bombay: Jaico Publishing House, 1988

•Chopra, D., perfect health. The complete Mind / Body Guide, New York Harmony books, 1991

•Department of Ayurveda, Introduction of Ayurveda and History, 2006, http://www.ayurveda.gov.lk/, downloaded on 09th March 2008.

•NCCAM, What is Ayurvedic Medicine?, Backgrounder, 2007, http://nccam.nih.gov/health/ayurveda/, Downloaded on 10th March 2008.

•Packard, C. C., Six stages of disease, Light on Ayurveda Educational Foundation Journal of Health - Fall 2006, http://www.loaj.com/articles/basic_ayurveda.html, downloaded on 10th March 2008.

•Sharma, Pandit Shiv, Realms of Ayurveda. New Delhi; Arnold-Heineman, 1979

•Thandapani, P. R. P., Simple Sidha medical notes, Sivakasi Chtra publications, 1999

3. APPENDICES

3.1 Interviews

3.2 Survey

3.1 INTERVIEWS

1. Dr. Dinesh Balachandran (D.A.M.S. hons.)- Private Ayurvedic Practitioner, Colombo, Sri Lanka

2. Dr. M. Krishna Moorthy (M. D. Sidha Pediatrics, India)- Senior lecturer University of Jaffha, Sri Lanka.

Interview with Dr. Dinesh Balachandran

Ql) How does Ayurvedic healing system help humanity?

As a private medical practitioner aspects taken into consideration are

i.	Preparation

ii. 	Costs

iii. 	Availability of herbs and ingredients and iv. People's acceptance.

Most of the herbs used in this system can be found locally, for the patients themselves to prepare the medicines under the guidance of a physician. Costs are affordable to the patients.

Many preventive methods are introduced in this medical system, e.g. Use of margosa tender leaves and sacred basil leaves help prevent and control infectious diseases. Purgatives, oil baths and massages help in prevention of the diseases too. While oil baths and massaging help in cooling the body purgatives help in disposing the unwanted elements in the body as well as act as a purifying agent. Some herbs help preserve the skin texture, e.g. Turmeric Aloe-vera. Yoga and meditation help in mental wellbeing and help in relieving of mental strain.

So ayurveda helps one in leading a healthy life, gives the body physical immunity and also gives emotional resistance to sickness.

Q2) What are the other benefits of this medicine?

When we take the curative aspect of this medical system there are many benefits. Some diseases which are not curable by other medical systems are

curable by ayurveda, such as some skin diseases, asthma. Some of the uterine conditions could be treated effectively by this system.

Ayurvedic system uses "pulse reading" for diagnosis, aiding the physician to treat the disease effectively. Ayurveda only uses medicines from natural sources. No artificial products are used. So these drugs do no harm to the body and its natural balance, and gives rise to no side effects.

Q3) Does diet go hand in hand with the treatment of diseases?

Yes. Underlining rule is avoiding all that have damaging influence on body and soul, including addictions such as use of liquor. Ayurveda operates on the precept that various vegetables and fruits have medicinal values. E.g. Lime used in treating vomiting and anorexia, garlic has the ability to control cholesterol.

Ayurvedic treatment not only requires diet change but also lifestyle and habitual changes. Patient will have to resort to some sort of activity such as meditation, yoga and/or exercise to gain peace and fulfillment of mind.

Q4) Is it true that ayurvedic healing system heals the disease completely?

In ayurvedic system the root of the cause of the disease is detected and healed. If the root cause is destroyed there is what most refer as complete cure of the disease, unlike in other medical systems where the symptoms are subdued more often than otherwise. With healthy lifestyle and meditation one could prevent disease from recurring.

AYURVEDIC CARE IN SRI LANKAN HEALTHCARE

Interview with Dr. M. Krishna Moorthy

Q1: Can you explain briefly the Ayurvedic care in Sri Lanka?

In Sri Lanka Ayurveda has been practiced from ancient time. It plays a great role in Sri Lankan health care as it adopts many preventive methods as well as curative methods. The people from remote rural areas use this medical system more often. Recently we note that the people of urban areas too have reverted back to this healing system.There are many dispensaries set up to provide services to the people who use this healing system, Most of which are under provincial councils. There are two major ayurvedic hospitals which come under the purview of the centra) government. They also serve as teaching hospitals.

i. Borella Ayurvedic Hospital, Colombo

ii. Kaithady sidha hospital, Jaffna

These hospitals have O.P.D. facilities as well as inward facilities. Every day more than 500 out-patients receive treatment in these hospitals. These hospitals have a capacity of 150 beds as to treat in-patients, should patients be require to be hospitalised for treatment. There are other private ayurvedic hospitals, one of which is the Siddhalepa Hospital. Many people get treated here daily. Island-wide approximately 17500 ayurvedic practitioners are serving the people in both private and public hospitals and clinics. Distribution of ayurvedic medicines are channeled through the Ayurvedic Drug Co-operation.

Although only the two government hospitals, i.e. in Kaithady, Jaffna and Borella, Colombo, perform the role of universities currently, an ayurvedic medical faculty is to be introduced to the Eastern University in the near future.

There is also a postgraduate institute located in Colombo. There are research institutes located in Nawinna, Bandaranayake Ayurveda Research Institute and in Kelaniya, Gampaha Wickramarachchi Sidha Ayurvedic Institute, which aid the ayurvedic medical system to grow and provide the people of Sri Lanka more effective services.

I could say ayurveda plays an important role in the heath care of Sri Lanka.

Q2) Ayurvedic system of healing is hailed for its prevention of diseases. Is there any steps taken to make people aware of this concept of ayurvedic medicine?

Yes. In rural areas where herbs are freely available herbal gardens are introduced by the government, and people are made aware of the medicinal values of these herbs. Under that concept some schools have introduced with 'kolekande which is a porridge made with green leaves and Yoga is introduced in some institutions to ease the stress of mind. Other famous method is oil application. It is very popular among rural folk. In the customs of New Year celebration we note the great importance given to this practice. Oil baths and fermentation are other preventive methods, which help people physically and mentally and are very effective. It is no wonder that it is popular among tourists and they visit our shores to tap on this rare asset of oil baths and massage centers available island-wide. The good news is that message is enhanced by advertising carried out by the commercial institutions.

AYURVEDIC CARE IN SRI LANKAN HEALTHCARE

Q3) How could this great medical system and its services be improved in Sri Lanka?

Recently there have been tremendous developments in this field. People have begun to value this system of healing. But in my opinion it is not sufficient. More research could be done to improve this medical system. More Laboratory facilities are needed in hospitals and research institutes. Hospitals could be upgraded, that more patients will have the facilities to be treated in the ayurvedic hospitals.

AYURVEDIC CARE IN SRI LANKAN HEALTHCARE

3.2 SURVEY

1) Intention

2) Questionnaire

3) Survey Results

AYURVEDIC CARE IN SRI LANKAN HEALTHCARE

Intention

A survey conducted for the purpose of this project, intending to study the preferences and the practice of people using ayurvedic preparation both for medical and cosmetic purposes, both of which are famous in Sri Lanka.

Participants					100

Area of survey				Colombo, Sri Lanka

Method of Survey			Random

AYURVEDIC CARE IN SRI LANKAN HEALTHCARE

Sample Questionnaire

Questionnaire

1) Age group

<20

20-40,

40-60,

>60

2) Origin

Village

Town

3)	Do you believe in ayurvedic products?

Yes

No

4) If "yes" what makes you believe in them?

5) Are there any special reasons for you to believe in them?

6) How often do you use ayurvedic medicines?
7)	For what type of sicknesses do you prefer to use ayurvedic medicines?
i. Home level

ii. Prescribed by the Doctor

8)	What type of herbs do you use when making home medicines?

9)	For what type of sicknesses do you prefer to use other medicines?

10)	Which gives you better satisfaction?

Ayurvedic

Other

11)	Do you use ayurvedic preparations / herbs for cosmetic reasons?

Yes

No

12)	Have you used other cosmetics?

Yes

No

13)	Which gives better results?

Ayurvedic

Other

14) In your opinion, why?

15) What are the advantages of using ayurvedic medicines/products?

16) What are the disadvantages of using ayurvedic medicines/products?

AYURVEDIC CARE IN SRI LANKAN HEALTHCARE

Statistical results

Origin

% of total

Rural 			55					55.00

Urban			45 	45.00

Belief in ayurvedic medication

% of "Origin"

Rural							55		100.00

Urban							35			77.78

Of all surveyed		90			90

Used ayurvedic medication

% of 'believing in Ayurveda"

Rural							55		100.00

Urban							8			22.86

Of all surveyed		63		63

Ayurvedic products for cosmetic reasons

% of total

Yes			77		77.00

No 				23		23.00

People preferring to use ayurvedic products to others for cosmetic reasons
% of total
Yes		65		84.42

No		12		15.58

People's view

The results of the survey revealed some interesting facts. Although the survey was taken in Colombo the identification of the origin made a startling impact on whether they believed in ayurvedic medications or not, even though the use of such preparations for cosmetic purposes

The results of survey revealed that all rural folks not only believed in the healing powers of ayurvedic medicines, they also used them for most ailments. They agreed that herbs and medicinal plants are a big part of home medicines for common cold, fever etc. However, subsequent discussion with the city dwelling rural origin participants revealed that although they used it more often than otherwise, they seek western medicines when it comes to more serious diseases.
s
Urban origin participants however were less positive about ayurvedic medications. Although 78% of the urban origin participants had faith in ayurvedic medications, only 22% of them had actually sought to ayurvedic medicines for cure. Subsequent discussion revealed that some of those who had claimed that they don't use ayurvedic medicines have actually used them but for reasons under said prefer other medicines more than the ayurvedic medicines.

The survey revealed that people believe in ayurvedic medicines because they believe these medications give complete cure of their ailments - not just relief. Most of them have experienced it first hand and have no doubt about their beliefs. Others have heard testimonials or have seen a relative or friend healed. Some admit that they had sought ayurvedic treatment as a last recourse, when all other medications had failed. They are reassured by the fact that these medicines do not give rise to side effects. Even those who do not believe in

ayurvedic medicines agree to this fact. They say only ayurvedic medication has the answer for many hereditary diseases. Other ailments for which ayurvedic treatment is sought after include rheumatic disorders, migraine, arthritis, skin disorders, etc.

Some said they use it for preventive purposes while most said for curative purposes and some for both. However when asked if they did use some of the medicinal herbs, and medicinal products, they agreed to the usage of them They had not realized the medicinal value in adding some medicinal items into our cooking and some procures we follow. Those who used home medications said they used katpooravalli, corriander, ginger lime, garlic, dill seed, pepper etc. to cure common problems such as headache, stomachache, cold, cough, body pain, gastric disorders, phlegm etc.

Almost all participants said that they prefer western medical care for major sicknesses like heart attack, cancer, AIDS, appendix, brain tumor, etc. They also agree that they prefer western medication for quick relief.

Most use ayurvedic products for cosmetic purposes. Although almost none use direct preparation by ayurvedic practitioners, some did agree to using herbs such as turmeric and aloe vera as home remedies Yet others said they would shop for off-the-shelf cosmetic product with ayurvedic or herbal preparation, as they are safer to use and do not give rise to any side effects.

One of the complaint that the participants highlighted as the main reason for not preferring to seek ayurvedic treatment is that the duration is long, sometimes months at length, and they require tremendous amount of self effort, from restricted diets to physical exercise and lifestyle changes. Furthermore they complain that the medications often have an unpleasant taste and/or smell.

We were unable to gather sufficient evidence to say that ayurvedic care plays a major role in the healthcare of Sri Lanka. Our control study proved that the sample taken in Colombo would be bias, as most urban dwellers were of the opinion that it plays almost an insignificant role in the healthcare service as a whole. However the literature review demonstrates otherwise.

Yet the survey did it part in evidencing that ayurveda plays a great role in the prevention and management of illnesses in Sri Lanka although, the opinion of its role in the treatment of diseases seem to vary.

4. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Acknowledgements

•I wish to thank my husband for his support and guidance

•I wish to thank the doctors without whose valuable time this project wouldn't have been as complete &circleDr. Dinesh Balachandran

•Dr. Krishna Moorthy

•I also wish to thank everybody who helped in compiling and presenting this project.
