Like many people, I have spent most of the past year working from home. As a result, my mind and body have suffered from a lack of sufficient screen-free downtime. After months of work-life imbalance and excessive sitting, there came a time when I needed to truly reset.
As an advocate for preventive and alternative medicine, when I discovered the extent of holistic therapy available just around the corner, at Bodytree Studio, it was a no-brainer to take some time out to look after, well, me.
Abu Dhabi’s longest-running wellness space is unique in that it offers variety of alternative therapies under one roof, from energy healing to hybrid training. While these activities differ in many ways, the one mainstay is that each therapy complements the others. The body is interconnected, so it makes sense that no matter what aspect of our health we are trying to improve, it will have a ripple effect on the rest.
Over the past month, I explored the healing power of energies, tried a move-better class tailored to my needs and attended an eat-better workshop. Here’s how it all worked out.
Relaxing with reiki
The Japanese healing technique of reiki centres on the idea that energy can be transferred into a person’s body by a trained therapist simply hovering her hands over the chakra points or places of pain or injury, occasionally touching if required. According to a number of studies, the benefits of this practice are manifold, and include relief from pain, depression, anxiety and fatigue.
The session started with me lying down with a blanket draped over me, and a pillow thoughtfully placed below my neck and knees (immediate win). The practitioner, Heidi, has been a nurse for 30 years in the US and she radiates kindness, empathy and positive energy.
Jay Shetty, author of Think Like a Monk, posits that if you meditate on a place where you feel happy or relaxed, your breath and pulse shift, your energy changes and you draw that feeling into your reality. This is how Heidi commenced the session, by encouraging me to think of my favourite peaceful place.
I could feel the energy permeate through my skin and into my body. It encapsulated me like a fortifying force field. I was so relaxed I even managed a little nap. At the end, Heidi advised me to hydrate and take note of how I felt for the next few days. The immediate effects were extremely positive, and the feeling remained in the days that followed.
Learning how to move right
The second therapy I tried was a hybrid functional training and rehabilitation session with Belinda, an expert on the biomechanics of the body. She offered insight into its inner workings, placing a particular emphasis on the mind-muscle connection and how to move properly.
Belinda utilises methods such as myofascial release and active stretching. Not only does she help people heal with her move-right therapy, but also focuses on how to prevent injury. I felt safe in her presence as she used screening techniques to identify the ways in which my body was not moving correctly.
These are minor adjustments that will have a major impact on how I exercise moving forward. I am someone who cannot sit in the lotus pose, despite being a yoga teacher. Belinda found the source of tension in my hips and showed me how I can work to release it.
Holistic nutrition
Finally, I had a consultation with clinical nutritionist and holistic health coach Suzan Terzian. A food-loving nutritional guru, she promotes a holistic approach to health with an emphasis on the power of one's own mindset.
During our session, Terzian displayed in-depth knowledge not only of food, but also about the mind-body connection right down to gut health. She equips her clients with tools to use food as fuel, and promotes mindful practices for both the body and mind to digest.
Terzian is equally passionate about prevention and cure. I used to consider myself a health-conscious person, but our consultation left me with much food for thought. As a vegetarian, I had convinced myself that I was looking after my body, my home base, but after our chat there were some hard truths I had to face.
I am now more aware of what my diet is lacking and which foods I am going to replace. I had allowed commercialism to insidiously creep into my diet, but it is back to the basics I now go. I am excited to put my newfound nutritional knowledge into practice and eat more of what is actually earth-grown.
The session left me with nutritional advice as well as tips on how to reduce waste. In future, I will no longer buy processed coconut milk, for instance; I will use the full-fat version from a tin and then create ice cubes with any leftovers.
Best of all, the therapies work cohesively so you’re able to change the way you eat, think and exercise. I am now more aware of how I feel, fuel and move, which will ultimately lead to a better mind-body connection.
Bodytree Studio in Abu Dhabi charges Dh350 for a 60-minute reiki session with Heidi; Dh385 for a 50-minute movement session with Belinda; and Dh525 for a 60-minute session with nutritionist Suzan Terzian
MATCH INFO
Barcelona 2
Suarez (10'), Messi (52')
Real Madrid 2
Ronaldo (14'), Bale (72')
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League, Group C
Liverpool v Red Star Belgrade
Anfield, Liverpool
Wednesday, 11pm (UAE)
More coverage from the Future Forum
Francesco Totti's bio
Born September 27, 1976
Position Attacking midifelder
Clubs played for (1) - Roma
Total seasons 24
First season 1992/93
Last season 2016/17
Appearances 786
Goals 307
Titles (5) - Serie A 1; Italian Cup 2; Italian Supercup 2
Tearful appearance
Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday.
Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow.
She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.
A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
ACL Elite (West) - fixtures
Monday, Sept 30
Al Sadd v Esteghlal (8pm)
Persepolis v Pakhtakor (8pm)
Al Wasl v Al Ahli (8pm)
Al Nassr v Al Rayyan (10pm)
Tuesday, Oct 1
Al Hilal v Al Shorta (10pm)
Al Gharafa v Al Ain (10pm)
Biography
Favourite book: Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance
Holiday choice: Anything Disney-related
Proudest achievement: Receiving a presidential award for foreign services.
Family: Wife and three children.
Like motto: You always get what you ask for, the universe listens.
Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
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Empty Words
By Mario Levrero
(Coffee House Press)
The specs
AT4 Ultimate, as tested
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Power: 420hp
Torque: 623Nm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)
On sale: Now
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
Fuel economy, combined: 13.8L/100km
On sale: Available to order now
F1 The Movie
Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Rating: 4/5
Results
5pm: Wadi Nagab – Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (Turf) 1,200m; Winner: Al Falaq, Antonio Fresu (jockey), Ahmed Al Shemaili (trainer)
5.30pm: Wadi Sidr – Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,200m; Winner: AF Majalis, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel
6pm: Wathba Stallions Cup – Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (T) 2,200m; Winner: AF Fakhama, Fernando Jara, Mohamed Daggash
6.30pm: Wadi Shees – Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 2,200m; Winner: Mutaqadim, Antonio Fresu, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami
7pm: Arabian Triple Crown Round-1 – Listed (PA) Dh230,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Bahar Muscat, Antonio Fresu, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami
7.30pm: Wadi Tayyibah – Maiden (TB) Dh80,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Poster Paint, Patrick Cosgrave, Bhupat Seemar
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%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDual%20synchronous%20electric%20motors%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E1%2C108hp%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E1%2C340Nm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESingle-speed%20automatic%20(front%20axle)%3B%20two-speed%20transmission%20(rear%20axle)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETouring%20range%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E488-560km%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh928%2C400%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EOrders%20open%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Emergency phone numbers in the UAE
Estijaba – 8001717 – number to call to request coronavirus testing
Ministry of Health and Prevention – 80011111
Dubai Health Authority – 800342 – The number to book a free video or voice consultation with a doctor or connect to a local health centre
Emirates airline – 600555555
Etihad Airways – 600555666
Ambulance – 998
Knowledge and Human Development Authority – 8005432 ext. 4 for Covid-19 queries
THE%20HOLDOVERS
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EAlexander%20Payne%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Paul%20Giamatti%2C%20Da'Vine%20Joy%20Randolph%2C%20Dominic%20Sessa%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The National Archives, Abu Dhabi
Founded over 50 years ago, the National Archives collects valuable historical material relating to the UAE, and is the oldest and richest archive relating to the Arabian Gulf.
Much of the material can be viewed on line at the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive - https://www.agda.ae/en
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
INFO
SPECS
Mini John Cooper Works Clubman and Mini John Cooper Works Countryman
Engine: two-litre 4-cylinder turbo
Transmission: nine-speed automatic
Power: 306hp
Torque: 450Nm
Price: JCW Clubman, Dh220,500; JCW Countryman, Dh225,500
How being social media savvy can improve your well being
Next time when procastinating online remember that you can save thousands on paying for a personal trainer and a gym membership simply by watching YouTube videos and keeping up with the latest health tips and trends.
As social media apps are becoming more and more consumed by health experts and nutritionists who are using it to awareness and encourage patients to engage in physical activity.
Elizabeth Watson, a personal trainer from Stay Fit gym in Abu Dhabi suggests that “individuals can use social media as a means of keeping fit, there are a lot of great exercises you can do and train from experts at home just by watching videos on YouTube”.
Norlyn Torrena, a clinical nutritionist from Burjeel Hospital advises her clients to be more technologically active “most of my clients are so engaged with their phones that I advise them to download applications that offer health related services”.
Torrena said that “most people believe that dieting and keeping fit is boring”.
However, by using social media apps keeping fit means that people are “modern and are kept up to date with the latest heath tips and trends”.
“It can be a guide to a healthy lifestyle and exercise if used in the correct way, so I really encourage my clients to download health applications” said Mrs Torrena.
People can also connect with each other and exchange “tips and notes, it’s extremely healthy and fun”.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
