For medical students and practitioners seeking an elective experience that transcends Western medicine, the Ayurvedic Elective Programme  in Sri Lanka offers a rare and powerful opportunity. This intensive, five-day training provides a hands-on immersion into Ayurveda—the “science of life”—allowing participants to bridge their conventional medical knowledge with over 5,000 years of traditional, holistic healing wisdom.

Why Study Ayurveda?

Ayurveda is more than just herbal remedies; it’s a comprehensive medical system that focuses on the balance of mind, body, and spirit. For the modern medic, understanding this system offers invaluable insights into preventative care, chronic disease management, and integrated patient-centered approaches.

Inside the 5-Day Intensive Programme

This hands-on program is expertly curated to give participants practical skills and exposure to both fundamental and highly specialized Ayurvedic treatments, guided by experienced Ayurvedic physicians in a clinical setting.

Advanced Clinical Techniques

The elective dives into specialized treatments that highlight the clinical efficacy of traditional methods:

• Leech Therapy (Hirudotherapy): Gain practical experience in the therapeutic application of medicinal leeches, a centuries-old practice proven effective for detoxification, improving microcirculation, and managing inflammatory conditions.

• Anorectal Disease Management: Learn specialized, minimally invasive techniques like Kshara Sutra (medicated thread therapy), a recognized alternative to surgery for conditions such as anal fistulas and piles.

• Ayurvedic Orthopedic Care: Explore non-surgical, drug-free management of joint disorders, spinal issues, and musculoskeletal ailments using specialized herbal oil massages (Snehan) and local heat treatments (Swedan).

• Sub-Fertility Clinic: Study the holistic approach to reproductive health, integrating Panchakarma (detoxification), specific herbal remedies, and targeted lifestyle modifications.

Holistic Wellness and Pharmaceutical Foundations

The curriculum also covers foundational and wellness-focused practices essential to Ayurvedic care:

• Shirodhara: Experience and learn to administer this profoundly relaxing neuro-therapy, where a continuous, warm stream of medicated oil is poured over the forehead to balance the nervous system and relieve psychosomatic stress.

• Acupuncture & Ayurvedic Integration: Explore the synergy between these two major Eastern healing systems, understanding how needle therapy can complement traditional Ayurvedic diagnostic and therapeutic principles.

• Preparation of Decoctions (Kashayam): A cornerstone of Ayurvedic pharmacology. Participants will master the traditional process of crafting potent medicinal decoctions from raw, local herbs.

• Ayurvedic Beauty Culture: Discover the natural science behind skincare and haircare, learning how to formulate herbal pastes, oils, and masks for radiant health, emphasizing the principle that medicine applied externally should be safe enough to be consumed internally.

Your Clinical Advantage

By choosing the Dissanayake Ayurveda Hospital elective, you are ensuring an authentic, high-quality learning experience:

• Hands-on Training: This is not a lecture series. You will be actively involved in diagnostics, patient consultations, and administering therapies under the direct supervision of expert Ayurvedic doctors.

• Clinical Immersion: Gain exposure to real-world Ayurvedic diagnostics and patient management in a fully operational clinical environment.

• Professional Certification: Receive official certification upon completion, strengthening your professional profile and providing a valuable point of distinction for your CV.

We are committed to bridging ancient wisdom with modern medical understanding. Join this exclusive programme to broaden your clinical perspective, enhance your elective experience, and discover powerful, integrated approaches to health and well-being.