Holistic health, by definition, is alternative medicine that keeps in mind psychological, social and physical aspects of people’s needs when treating a certain problem.
It is a different approach that suggests that a disease is a result of physical, spiritual, social and environmental imbalances. Some examples of holistic approaches include herbalism, homeopathy, acupuncture, TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) and ayurveda (an ancient approach from India).
Another wholesome approach used to connect the body, mind and soul with the core of the body is yoga. Recently turned into a fad and a fashion statement, yoga in its true form is a holistic approach connecting the body as a whole. Here we talk to Amna Habib of Arammish Spa who has been practicing yoga for over 25 years and has received extensive training from India regarding the accurate practice of yoga and what it entails.
“Yoga is one of the most serious searches in the world,” begins Habib. “It is the search to find your true self. We are empty carcasses until we don’t know who we are and that is what real yoga enables one to do.”
After training at the Iyengar institute in Puna, India, Habib began her journey to find herself and bring upon other people to partake on this journey to discover themselves. “There are various types of yoga practices and all focus of different discoveries. Some of the basic ones are Kundalini, Astanja and Vinyasa Flow,” she reveals.
Based on the concept of zikar, Kundalini yoga incorporates mysticism and connects it to Sufism. “We basically take a mantra or a set music rhythm and the body utilises the mantra or the music into its movement,” she continues.
Working on the astral part of the body, people usually feel lightheaded-ness and a spirit which is more free. “It ignites the energy from the base of the spine and makes it travel upwards, connecting the metaphysical spheres of the whole,” says Habib. The Kundalini method magnetises the body in a deep alpha state and allows there to be a connection with the core of the body.
Astanja, or the eight limbs of yoga, focuses on self restraint, mental/emotional discipline along with breathing and meditation. “This particular method uses concentration and pranayam (breathing practices) along with Asnas poses to carve out a path towards nirvana,” she says.
This preliminary form of yoga is all about eating right and thinking right. “It allows for one to reach a state of no mind. People are not aware of themselves or their own surroundings and hence are unable to connect and utilise their minds to its full capacity,” continues Habib. “Time is created by our lack of awareness and yoga allows you to achieve this state of timelessness whereby allowing one to lead to nirvana.”
Vinyasa Flow or synchronised living, creates an interconnection with the soul using mind, body and breath. “Being so aware of your every breath and every movement that one experiences every moment of life in a different way,” explains Habib.
This particular method of yoga includes different sets of movement and breathing exercises such as Surya Namaskar. “Various teachers have their own specialised sets that allow for them and their pupils to create the necessary connection,” she adds.
Habib likes to use Sufism in her yoga practices. “Vadanta and Sufism are different practices of the same thing,” says Habib. “My love has always been for the Prophet and my journey is a homage to him.” With the use of names of Allah, Habib creates her own mantra to follow and brings the mysticism of Islam to the practice of yoga. “What yoga does is give you an experience of God,” enlightens Habib, “It’s about the experience and not the physical attributes. I use qawalli to go into haal and not only is it soothing and relaxing but it is also very enjoyable.”
Published in The Express Tribune, April 16th, 2013.
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