Prana Lounge in Colombo 7 has established itself as an evolving wellbeing centre for holistic health and lifestyle solutions, prevention, recovery, 
and personal growth for the mind, body, and spirit through means such as yoga, Ayurveda, therapies, and staycations.
The space intends to offer a platform for likeminded individuals such as practitioners, therapists, speakers, and seekers alike, to meet, exchange, and offer skills and services that align with this health plan.
Prana Lounge also features an Ayurvedic clinic, Ayuwanna by Barberyn, set in a beautiful heritage building. It is structured in such a way that it reflects an oasis of peace. Ayurveda is an ancient medical system which originated 5,000 years ago with the intention of helping mankind to live a healthy life that could lead to reach their highest potential. Ayurveda in Sri Lanka is a combination of what the Great Rishis of Himalayas discovered and the indigenous medicinal system of Sri Lanka.
Currently, the Ayurveda clinic consists of a holistic pharmacy for integrative medicine, boutique accommodation, pool lounge with hydrotherapies, and a shop in a calming garden space, all of which are being designed to assist in community upliftment and raise one’s personal bliss.
Barberyn is one of the oldest Ayuvedic chains in Sri Lanka, with resorts located in Beruwala, Weligama, Bentota, and Colombo, and has also been named as one of the top 10 wellness resorts in Asia in 2014. Amongst the many awards the chain has received over the years, Sri Lanka Tourism authorities have also awarded the resort as one of the best Ayurveda resorts in the country.
To celebrate Ayuwanna by Barberyn’s one year anniversary, they are currently hosting a series of workshops where their very own Ayurveda doctors and therapists are sharing their wisdom on Ayurveda and indigenous medicine in Sri Lanka with their guests. The “Secrets of Ancient Wisdom” workshop is especially designed for anyone with an interest in the field to kickstart their Ayurveda journey in 2021.
Speaking to The Morning Brunch, a spokesperson from Ayuwanna by Barberyn explained why they chose to focus on Ayurveda in Colombo. “People in Colombo are always so stressed and they need Ayurveda as a release. We wanted to introduce Ayurveda to an urban setting like Colombo.”
The series of workshops began on 16 January with a pooja for Lord Dhanavantari, the Hindu God of Ayurveda, in order to obtain His blessings for the workshop and the guests’ wellbeing. The first workshop touched on the history of Ayurveda, detailing the story of how Ayurveda has evolved over the years in Sri Lanka, and hela wedakama, which is the ancient wisdom tradition of healthcare and healing practices in Sri Lanka. She informed us that hela wedakama is a mix of what we learned from India as well as the medicinal practices that already existed at the time.
The workshop also explained the benefits of Ayurveda to one’s immune system, explaining that the immunomodulators derived from herbs and natural ingredients are useful in boosting the immune system and increasing the body’s natural resistance to diseases. As per Ayurveda, the body’s overall capacity can be strengthened through good nourishment, adopting a healthy lifestyle, proper sleep, and adequate exercise.
Furthermore, the workshop spoke about Ayurveda in terms of astrology and how it can be used to treat illnesses. The spokesperson told us that on the topic of astrology, they taught guests that the universe is made up of five elements: Water, air, fire, earth, and space. This knowledge of the five elements allows one to understand the laws of nature and to use it to attain greater health, power, knowledge, wisdom, and happiness.
The next workshop, which will be conducted on 23 January, will focus on the subject of Ayurveda pharmaceuticals, carried out by the researchers of the Barberyn medicine manufacturing unit. Their last workshop for the series will be held on 30 January at 5 p.m., which will focus on a more practical session where guests will learn how to apply oil correctly to themselves in an Ayurvedic setting, followed by a lecture on how to live a successful Ayurvedic lifestyle. At the end of the programme, guests will be allowed to ask questions to clear their doubts and start on their holistic Ayurvedic journey by establishing a routine that works for them.
Visit Ayuwanna by Barberyn at No. 60, Horton Place, Colombo 7 this Saturday, 23 January to begin your journey into gaining the wisdom of Ayurveda.
