Sri Lanka is famous for its tea, temples, and tropical beaches, but I arrived seeking something more profound: Ayurveda, the ancient Indian wellness system known as the “science of life.” Ayurveda takes a holistic approach to health, aiming to balance mind, body, and spirit. At its heart are the three fundamental energies, or doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. In simple terms, these doshas are like elemental personality types. Vata (air and ether) is the energy of movement – think creativity and spontaneity, but also restlessness. Pitta (fire and water) is the force of transformation – passionate and driven, though prone to intensity. Kapha (earth and water) embodies stability – caring and calm, but sometimes complacent. Each of us is born with a unique mix of these doshas, and if they fall out of balance, Ayurveda says our well-being suffers.

My journey led me to a boutique wellness retreat in southern Sri Lanka, where I hoped to discover which dosha dominated my being – and how to bring my life into harmony. Little did I know I’d be balancing sun, sand, and centuries-old wisdom on this trip.

My quest for balance began at Christell Wellness, an Ayurvedic spa tucked within the luxurious Aditya Boutique Hotel near Galle. On arrival, I was greeted with a warm smile and a cup of herbal tea. Soon I met Dr. D, the in-house Ayurvedic doctor, who had trained for seven years in Ayurvedic medicine – the same length of training as a conventional, Western doctor. The consultation was unlike any standard check-up – more personal, more compassionate. Dr. D first took my pulse, gently pressing three fingers to my wrist. She closed her eyes in concentration, feeling the rhythm of my blood. This ancient pulse-reading technique felt oddly familiar; traditional Chinese medicine uses a similar method to glean insights into one’s health. Much like a TCM practitioner, Dr. D was not just looking for symptoms, but aiming to understand my constitution. She examined my tongue and eyes, observed my posture and skin, and asked detailed questions about my diet, sleep, and stress. The holistic, individualised approach seemed to focus on the whole person rather than looking for disease or isolated symptoms.

After this thorough once-over, the verdict was in: I am a classic Vata-Pitta type – a blend of two doshas. This didn’t surprise me. I’ve always had a (relatively) light build and racing mind (hallmarks of Vata), yet I’m also intensely goal-oriented and warm-natured (very Pitta). Dr. D smiled knowingly as she described my tendencies: “You love new experiences and travel,” she said – true – “but you push yourself hard and can overheat – physically and mentally.” Also true. It was like having my personality read back to me in ancient poetic terms.

What came next was not a bottle of pills, but personalised life-long, life-hacks for my Vata-Pitta balance. Dr. D’s recommendations were refreshingly down-to-earth – basically, lots of “cool” tropical fruits and chill, less espresso and frantic living. She advised me to incorporate more cooling, hydrating foods into my days: think crisp cucumber salads, juicy watermelon, and plenty of king coconut water (Sri Lanka’s ubiquitous orange coconut, loved for its electrolytes and cooling effect in Ayurveda). I was to avoid chilies and sour foods (noooo!), as well as cut down on coffee, black tea, alcohol, and other stimulants, since all of these crank up the heat and dryness in a Vata-Pitta person.

Instead of my usual spicy curry obsession, I should favour meals that are creamy, sweet, or bland to soothe my doshas – foods like whole grains, ghee (clarified butter), leafy greens, and sweet ripe fruits. To my relief, being healthy didn’t mean starving: “Eat regular, warm, moist meals,” the doctor emphasised. In fact, regularity is medicine for someone like me who is often on the go – a steady routine helps calm flighty Vata (no more skipping meals). Healthy fats like ghee are pacifying for both Vata and Pitta, keeping my body nourished and cool.

As I scribbled notes, I couldn’t help noticing how much of this advice resonated with good old common sense and even with Western health trends: stay hydrated, eat fresh whole foods, don’t drink alcohol, don’t over-caffeinate. It also echoed tips I’d heard from a TCM nutritionist – for instance, both Ayurveda and Chinese medicine warn that too much coffee or alcohol can aggravate heat and agitation. Dr. D was effectively blending ancient wisdom with practical health coaching. The mystique of the pulse reading gave way to a very pragmatic wellness plan – one I was eager to try out during the rest of my stay.

Side note, I am over a month into applying the doctor’s advice and here’s what happened. The first week was hard as I cut caffeine, spice, and alcohol. Week two was easy and I felt more rested, energetic and focused. I used to feel exhausted in the afternoon and would often need a nap. After two weeks, I was waking around 6am to have an active, full day and then sleep well from 10pm, no naps needed! My stomach stopped feeling bloated, my problematic periods (so far) seem calmer. My skin is glowing, my eyes bright. I feel well. 

Discover your Dosha 

Over a soothing cup of gotu kola herbal tea, I learned more about the other doshas and how anyone can recognise and rebalance their own.

Vata – The Airy Creative: Vata people tend to be slim, energetic, and imaginative. They often talk fast, think fast, and walk fast. When balanced, Vatas are lively and enthusiastic. When imbalanced, they may feel anxious, spacey, or suffer insomnia. How to spot one? Cold hands and feet, variable appetite, a love of travel or movement. Balance tips: Keep warm and on a routine; favour warm, soft foods like soups, stews, cooked fruits and grains. Vatas thrive on moist, nourishing meals – think oatmeal with ghee, hearty root veggies – and should avoid cold, raw, or dried foods (like salads, crackers, or ice cream) that aggravate their naturally dry, airy nature.

Pitta – The Fiery Achiever: Pitta types have a medium, athletic build and sharp intellect. They’re natural leaders – organised, driven, and competitive – but can get irritable or “hot-headed” under stress. How to spot one? Warm body temperature, strong appetite, and a tendency to flush or get red when upset or after a spicy meal. Balance tips: Think cool and calm. Pittas feel best when they chill out (literally and figuratively). They should favour cooling foods and drinks – plenty of fresh water, coconut water, sweet fruits, cucumbers, and leafy greens. Meals should be less spicy and oily, more light and refreshing: imagine a watermelon salad or a bowl of coconut rice. It’s wise for Pittas to avoid excess chili, hot spices, vinegar, red meat, alcohol and coffee, as these inflame the inner fire.

Kapha – The Earthy Nurturer: Kapha folks are solidly built with a calm, easy-going demeanour. They’re the reliable, loving types that everyone leans on. Balanced Kaphas are patient, strong, and sweet-natured. Out of balance, Kapha can turn to lethargy, weight gain, or melancholy. How to spot one? Sturdy frame, slow but graceful movement, and they rarely get flustered. Balance tips: Invigorate and lighten up. Kaphas benefit from spicy, warming foods and lively activity. They should reach for fruits and veggies of all colours, lean proteins, and use warming spices (ginger, turmeric, black pepper) liberally. Light meals like steamed greens with ginger, or a spicy lentil soup, are great. Kaphas should moderate heavy, fatty, or super-sweet foods – think twice on that cheesy dessert – as those can increase sluggishness. A strong cup of ginger tea is Kapha’s best friend.

Most of us are a mix of doshas, and identifying your dominant one(s) is empowering. The Ayurvedic bottom line: to stay healthy, increase the qualities that balance you and reduce the ones that throw you off-kilter. It’s elegantly simple and highly personalised – one reason this 5,000-year-old system is still around. 

Aditya – the affordable 5-star resort in southern Sri Lanka

Armed with my new self-knowledge, I felt ready to embrace the next part of my journey: living the good life at a stunning beach retreat that merges luxury with wellness.

Aditya Boutique Hotel is located in Rathgama, on Sri Lanka’s south coast, about a 25-minute drive from Galle Fort. From Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport, plan on a 3–4 hour drive by car (the new highway can shorten the trip to around 2.5 hours). It’s best to book a private car or Uber through the hotel for a smooth and scenic transfer. It’s really a beautiful drive – so green and colourful. We slept for an hour and then enjoyed the gorgeous scenery for the rest of the drive. Our driver was super friendly and professional, and we felt safe. 

Flights from London to Colombo start at around £400 return with a stopover, or direct via SriLankan Airlines. From Hong Kong, expect routes via Kuala Lumpur or Singapore or direct with some airlines. 

Rates at Aditya start from around £150 per night (approximately HKD 1500), which includes a huge, sprawling suite with plunge pool, thoughtful service, and personalised attention you won’t find elsewhere. If you’re a Hong Konger, this bang for your buck will not disappoint. This hotel is curated, quiet, calm, and elegant. No crowds. No fuss. Just you, the ocean, and the scent of frangipani in the air.

To book: https://aditya-resort.com/ | https://www.christellskin.com/

Cervical cancer is on the rise in Hong Kong, with 42.6% of new cases diagnosed at an advanced stage. Despite the fact that cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers in women, the screening rate in Hong Kong remains shockingly low—only 39% of women have undergone regular screening. This means many are missing out on life-saving early detection.

Regular screening can reduce the risk of cervical cancer and death by up to 90%, but too many women remain unaware of the importance of timely checks. As the disease continues to impact more women, it’s crucial that we break down the barriers preventing regular screenings and empower women to take control of their health.

In this WOI Insights post, we sit down with the Karen Leung Foundation (KLF) to explore the current state of cervical cancer in Hong Kong. We look at the barriers women face in accessing screenings, and how innovative solutions like Roche Diagnostics HPV self-sampling are changing the game. The statistics are alarming, but there is hope—through education, awareness, and action, we can make a significant impact. Let’s accelerate cervical cancer prevention in Hong Kong.

Cervical Cancer in Hong Kong: A Preventable Crisis

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women globally, with over half a million new cases reported each year. In Hong Kong, however, the statistics are particularly troubling. Over the past decade, the number of new cervical cancer cases has risen by 30%, with 522 new cases reported in 2022 alone. Even more alarming is the fact that 42.6% of these cases were diagnosed at an advanced stage, meaning that for too many women, it was too late for successful treatment.

This is not a unique problem for Hong Kong. Globally, cervical cancer is primarily caused by persistent infection with high-risk strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). While HPV is common and usually asymptomatic, persistent infection can lead to cervical cancer if left undetected. In fact, by the age of 50, it’s estimated that 80% of women will have been infected with HPV. Yet, the majority of these infections do not lead to cancer, thanks to early detection through regular screening.

The Life-Saving Power of Regular Screening

Cervical screening is the single most effective way to prevent cervical cancer. In fact, regular screenings can reduce the risk of cervical cancer and death by as much as 90%. Screening options like the Pap smear or HPV testing allow for early detection of abnormalities that could lead to cancer, even before symptoms appear.

The impact of timely screenings cannot be overstated. For women aged 35 to 64, regular screening can reduce the risk of death from cervical cancer by 92%​. Even for younger women aged 25 to 34, screening can lower the risk of death by 73%​. These are remarkable statistics that show how much early detection can change the outcome for women diagnosed with cervical cancer.

Unfortunately, fewer women in Hong Kong are taking advantage of this life-saving opportunity. Despite the benefits, only 39% of women in Hong Kong have undergone cervical screening. This is a stark reminder that more must be done to raise awareness about the importance of screening and to make these screenings more accessible to women across the city.

Why Aren’t More Women Getting Screened?

According to a 2024 survey, the reasons for this low screening rate are varied. One of the biggest barriers is the fear of pain, with 34% of women saying they are too afraid to undergo screening because of discomfort. Others feel they are healthy and don’t see the need for screening, while 17% are simply too busy with work or life responsibilities to take time off for a check-up.

Additionally, a lack of awareness is contributing to the problem. Only 38% of women in Hong Kong are knowledgeable about cervical cancer screening. This lack of understanding can prevent women from seeking out screenings or even recognizing the risks associated with not being tested regularly.

These statistics reflect a significant gap in education and outreach efforts. To close this gap, we need to focus on increasing awareness about the benefits of cervical screening and providing women with the support they need to overcome the barriers preventing them from seeking care.

The Future of Screening: HPV Self-Sampling

One solution that could help address some of the barriers to cervical cancer screening is HPV self-sampling. This innovative method allows women to collect their own samples for HPV testing in the comfort and privacy of their own home. HPV self-sampling has been shown to provide similar accuracy to samples collected by clinicians, while also offering women the convenience and privacy that traditional screening methods may not.

Self-sampling is a breakthrough in accessibility and could significantly increase the number of women getting screened. By offering a less invasive and more private option for testing, self-sampling could help alleviate the fear and discomfort that many women associate with cervical screenings.

In addition to self-sampling, innovative programs like the KLF’s “HK Women’s Checkup Campaign” are making screening more accessible to underprivileged women. This program, which offers free cervical cancer screenings to 300 eligible women, provides both self-collection and clinician-led testing options. If test results are abnormal, the program ensures follow-up services, providing the necessary support for women to seek treatment.

Mental Health and Cervical Cancer: The Hidden Burden

While much of the focus on cervical cancer revolves around early detection and prevention, it’s important to acknowledge the emotional toll that the disease can have on women. Research has shown that nearly half of gynecological cancer patients suffer from depression, with women in Asian populations facing a particularly high rate of mental health challenges. In southwest China, 44% of patients with gynecological cancer experience depression, compared to only 22-26% in Western countries.

The psychological impact of cervical cancer is often underestimated, but it is just as crucial as the physical treatment of the disease. Providing mental health support alongside medical treatment can significantly improve the overall well-being of patients and survivors, helping them navigate the emotional challenges that come with a cancer diagnosis.

#AcceleratingAction: What Can Be Done?

The statistics are clear: cervical cancer in Hong Kong is on the rise, and too many women are missing out on the opportunity for early detection. However, there is hope. By breaking down the barriers to screening—through education, better access to services, and innovative solutions like HPV self-sampling—we can make a real difference in the fight against cervical cancer.

It’s time for action. The government, healthcare providers, and community organizations must work together to raise awareness and ensure that every woman in Hong Kong has access to the screenings and support she needs.

If you’re a woman reading this, don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Regular screenings can save your life. Take control of your health today. Whether it’s participating in the “HK Women’s Checkup Campaign” or scheduling a regular screening, make cervical health a priority.

Let’s take action to ensure that cervical cancer is no longer a preventable tragedy. Together, we can make a difference. For more information and to register for the “HK Women’s Checkup Campaign,” visit the Karen Leung Foundation’s website and join the movement for better health.

This is a call to arms for women in Hong Kong—don’t wait. Break the silence, take control, and spread the word about the importance of cervical cancer screening. The time to act is now.

We hope you found this article useful, thank you for taking the time to read it. Come back soon!

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