Authentic Ayurveda

In 2010 Indika Batuwanthudwa, an accountant by profession, was hit by a massive stroke which paralysed him. Doctors said that he would not survive. He was semi-conscious, could not communicate and survival became an impossibility. He was determined to fight and retrieve his life, though there was no hope. In the meantime, he was admitted to the Rajagiriya Ayurvedic Hospital where he learnt to communicate with trees and received solace from nature. Through ayurvedic treatment he was offered the gift of life. 

Today he walks, communicates and above all, has been inspired to step on to a great endeavour. Convinced of the miracle behind ayurvedic treatment, he has built a clinic, of his own called ‘Ayurveda Seth Arana’ where native treatment is administered. His clinic is frequented by foreigners from England and the Maldives and so on. It is a pity that some of us shun and at times degrade ayurvedic treatment which qualify scientific evaluation.
Only University lecturers and qualified doctors are permitted to work at his clinic. “This is part of the ethics of the hospital. This ensures the highest quality of treatment to the patients. We mainly cater to those who believe all hope is lost; such as those who believe they are permanently disabled or paralysed. A number of these cases have been a success. Even I am a patient who is part of the success rate of our hospital.” 
The clinic and its team of specialists, have cured a number of diseases that have been deemed treacherous or almost impossible to treat through western medicine, such as, cirrhosis, hepatitis A and B, paralysis, Parkinson syndrome, Neuritis, heart ailments and problems dealing with infertility. The clinic also administers ayurvedic medication for migraine, sinusitis, gastritis, cervical spondylosis, frozen shoulder, carpal tunnel syndrome, back pains, joint pains, sciatica, atrophy, varicose veins, fractures etc. The hospital does not only cater to those who are sick, but also to those who have an active work life. Thus, the hospital gives treatments for stress and anxiety as well. One of the main aims of the hospital is to have a healthy work force, who lead a balanced life. 

The “Seth Arana Hospital” was inaugurated on February 11, four years after the establishment of the Seth Arana clinic. Incurable chronic diseases such as paralysis and non-communicable diseases are treated. There is a pain management unit which has already received 
much accolade. 
When asked as to why ayurveda treatment has become a last resort in Sri Lanka Indika Batuwanthudawa replied, “There’s a lack of awareness. People get caught to rackets. We have a dire need for finances for extensive research in Ayurveda.” He also noted that the native medicine had no side effects when prescribed by a qualified doctor. “An overdose of medicine or consuming them without a doctor’s approval leads to detrimental results in the form of kidney failure etc.”

Patient’s comments
The Daily Mirror interviewed a few patients who requested to stay anonymous. They had received treatment from the Ayurveda Seth Arana. An executive officer from Colombo said that he sought treatment for psoriasis, a dermatological disease. Within a year his condition had improved to such a great extent that his previous sense of discomfiture had disappeared. “The treatment was very effective and I am happy to have come here. The staff was very cooperative and helpful,” he said.
Another patient who had suffered from acute menstruation pains said, “The pain was unbearable. It was as if I was giving birth. Western doctors scanned my womb and said that the walls had thickened. Though some tablets were administered, they did not help me. I was told that my womb had to be removed. It was then I saw an article in a newspaper about this place.” She had taken Ayurvedic medicine for three months and saw the results in the very first month when she did not feel the slightest pain when menstruating. After three months she conceived and is now an expectant mother.
A patient who suffered from cirrhosis said, “I suffered from  cirrhosis for over two decades. I did not only suffer physically, but also mentally. The pain was intolerable. But, I am truly grateful to ‘Ayurveda Seth Arana’ and their expert team of specialists as they treated and cured me in a short period of five months. We, as Sri Lankans, should truly value and be proud of Ayurvedic treatment.”

You can contact Indika Batuwanthudawa on 076 6739977.
Ayurveda Seth Arana- 011 5288055

Doctors’ comments

Prof. Sujatha Ediriweera The only female ayurvedic professor in Sri Lanka said, “Ayurvedic medicine is made out of natural minerals and animal products. It is not synthetic. Therefore it is very favourable to the body and the body responds to it efficaciously.”

Dr. Pushpakumara Amarasinghe  Did his BMSA degree at the Colombo University, which is similar to the MBBS degree in Western medicine. He also did his post graduate degree in India (Master of Surgery) and is currently the head of the Department of Shalyashalakya at the Kelaniya University. He made the following comments regarding Ayurvedic medicine, “There is an extensive volume of research and development that has been done for Ayurvedic medicine. In the Western world, there is much enthusiasm over Ayurvedic medicine, and therefore research is conducted in America and in the European countries. Research is also done in Sri Lanka. A salient feature of Ayurvedic medicine, is that it eliminates the root cause of the disease. Western medicine in contrast focuses on treating the symptoms. Another characteristic of Ayurvedic medicine is that there are no side effects. Even the WHO has verified this fact. This is because we focus on the anatomy of the patient and not only the disease. This is also another reason why Ayurvedic medicine has survived for over 5,000 years.”

Dr. Priyani Peiris An Ayurvedic specialist said, “Western medicine and Ayurvedic medicine are like railway tracks that never meet. Western medicine treats the symptoms while ayurvedic medicine treats the patient and the disease. If we treat the symptoms, patients have to re-visit us a number of times. However, similar medicine does not always treat the same disease. Though the disease is similar, the body constitutions of patients are not. Therefore, we also observe the body constitution of the patient and prescribe accordingly. However, the patient must take medicine according to the prescription given by a certified ayurvedic physician. This is the responsibility of the patient.”

Dr. Kumudu Weerasekara Another consultant ayurvedic physician said, “Since it uses herbs and herbal extracts, side effects are minimal. But it is too expensive. Though these oils and preparations are expensive, the ultimate result is very beneficial. Collaborated with the Colombo University and under the guidance of Prof. Rathnasooriya, scientific research has been conducted with regard to Ayurveda.”