Abstract of published research articles in Ayurveda
AYU Vol. 30 Issue No. 2 (April-June 2009)
Id.No.30208
Traditional
Medical Practices of Sri Lanka in Orthopaedic Treatment
*
E.R.H.S.S.Ediriweeraa **
D. D. Grerub
Institute of Indigenous Medicine,University of Colombo,
Rajagiriya, Sri Lanka.
Abstract:
Sri Lanka, is an island located between 5°- 10° N latitude and
79°- 82°Elongitude.
There are a number of ancient Sri Lankan medical treatises which
also include Orthopaedic Treatment in detail. Sri Lankan
traditional physicians treat orthopaedic ailments very
successfully. This survey was done to gather scattered knowledge
in the island with the help of highly experienced traditional
physicians who are involved in Orthopaedic treatment, olla
leaves and text books. According to this survey several parts of
the plants leaves stem barks, roots, flowers, entire plants are
used to prepare medicine and these medicines are prepared in
different ways such as ‘Mellum’, ‘Beheth Roti’, oil, cream,
paste, sediments, thick liquids, ‘Thel kiri’ and ‘Beheth Peni’.
These various herbal medicines are used to reduce bruises, to
speed up healing of fractured or cracked bones, to loosen
stiffened joints and to correct the dislocations. Bandages
prepared from bark of Allophylus cobbe, splints
prepared from reeds of Bambusa vulgaris and bracts of
Cocos nucifera are used for supporting and immobilising
the traumatised parts and limbs. Traditional orthopaedic
treatment in Sri Lanka is well developed and encompasses
treatment of muscle sprains, dislocations and fractures, bruises
and injuries incurred by people falling from trees.
Key words:
Orthopaedic, Traditional Medicine, Sri Lanka
*
Senior Lecturer, Dept. of Nidana Chikitsa, Institute of
Indigenous Medicine, University of Colombo, Rajagiriya, Sri
Lanka. E-mail :ayurvedadocsujatha@yahoo.com **
Central Ayurveda Dispensary, Morenthuduwa, Sri Lanka
