Name any illness and you have a holistic cure for it in Dubai.
Every time Neil Roberts suffered a migraine he popped a pill that the general physician had prescribed. The relief was temporary.
Then a friend suggested yoga. Three months and 12 classes later, Roberts' headaches were a thing of the past.
After reading trial reports that homeopathy was effective on both human and equine hay fever, Sarah Little decided to visit a homeopath. A few doses later, she found that her hay fever symptoms greatly improved that summer, despite the pollen being at record levels.
A research conducted by the BBC has shown that alternative medicines are now becoming increasingly popular.
Here are some of the most common alternative therapies available in Dubai:
Tai Chi
Commonly referred to as ‘meditation in motion', Tai Chi promotes serenity through its gentle movements. Originally developed in China as a form of self-defence, Tai Chi helps reduce stress. "You can practice it anywhere and anytime. All you have to do is take out 15 minutes out of your time and once you know how to do it well, the Yin and the Yang will remain in harmony," says Dr. Lily at the Dubai Herbal and Treatment Centre. The movements focus on breathing and creates a state of relaxation.
Colon hydrotherapy
If you are suffering from constipation or irritable bowel syndrome, body odour, skin disorders, gout, arthritis or chronic fatigue, then colon hydrotherapy may be the answer to all your problems.
According to Dr. Asha Rani of the Dubai Herbal and Treatment Centre, this is an important part of detoxification and is a modified form of the Basti treatment of Ayurveda.
Rehabilitative medicine
This is a holistic approach to restore function and provide a better quality of life. From cervical spondylosis to a frozen shoulder to tennis elbows or even paralytic conditions, stroke and cerebral palsy, rehabilitative medicine has a comprehensive care for prevention of injury. It combines electrotherapy modalities, which are useful in reducing pain and inflammation, along with herbal Ayurvedic formulations.
Traditional Chinese medicine
"Chinese medicine is a preventive system of medicine that detects early imbalances in the body," says Dr. Mario Ridao Alonso, Head of the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Department and Ozone Therapy. TCM also enhances the immune system to increase one's ability for work and pleasure. TCM includes acupuncture, acupressure, moxibustion, Chinese decoctions and Tuina massage.
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese art based on the theory that the Qi energy flows along the meridians in the body, and can be stimulated by inserting fine needles at specific points.
Acupressure deals with all individual components of the body, mind and emotions. Moxibustion or heat therapy promotes healing and energy enhancement.
Ozone therapy
This is very effective for treatment of liver function problems, high cholesterol and recurrent infections. Ozone therapy is used for Cancer therapy as well. Ozone, a natural component of the atmosphere, helps the liver with detoxification, enforces the decomposition of fats, improves the metabolism of cells, breaks down the level of uric acid (the cause of gout), improves blood flow and kills and deters many kind of bacteria, viruses and fungi.
Crystal therapy
Crystals have been around for billions of years. They have been used in technology such as in computers, watches and televisions.
It is important to use the most appropriate crystal for your needs as the vibrations can change your state in ways you do not need.
For example, wearing the crystal hematite for long periods (more than two days at a time) can distort and cause stress in your energy field. Before the treatment the therapist learns about the patient's emotional and physical state. After that the therapist selects certain crystals and applies them to the body often in grids. The vibration of the crystals helps clear any negative vibration.
Bowen technique
The Bowen Technique is a stress-release technique that was developed in the 1950s by an Australian, Tom Bowen. The practitioner targets a specific spot, which may be a muscle, tendon or nerve shaft. With the fingers or thumbs, the skin slack is gently pushed away. After a brief pause the muscle is challenged and moved in the opposite direction. The length of the therapy may vary from a few minutes for a specific move to one hour, with the norm being about 30 to 45 minutes.
Reiki
Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It is based on the principle that unseen ‘life force energy' flows through us and keeps us alive.
Reiki treats the body, mind and spirit and is a simple, natural and safe method of healing. Reiki is suitable for all ages and the treatments last between half-an-hour to two hours.
Aromatherapy massage
Aromatherapy massage uses a specially blended mixture of essential oils to stimulate and promote gentle yet powerful healing. Benefits include improvement of blood and lymphatic circulation, removal of toxins from the body, reduction of pain, stiffness and stress in muscles and soft tissues and improvement in the ability to cope with day-to-day stress.
Aura-Soma
This is an exciting colour system that uses the dynamic, living energies of nature to help us rediscover joy in life, improve relationships and meet life's challenges.
— Information provided by the Dubai Herbal and Treatment Centre (www.dubaihtc.com) and Laila Clark, Reiki Master, crystal therapist and EFT practitioner.
