www.womanthismonth.com June 2016 63 empty stomach. Once a trained practitioner checks and observes the pulse, he will discuss his observation with the patient and offer guidance on the diet and lifestyle changes required as per the inferred imbalance of the doshas. Herbal medicines and treatment may be needed to correct the doshas and further investigation may be prescribed to confirm the diagnosis, if required. But if you have no obvious health concerns, is Nadi Pareeksha worth your time? “Healthy individuals should get an assessment to be aware of their Prakruti. Also, any minor imbalance in the body can be corrected before it manifests as a disease,” answers Dr Abhishek. Another Ayurvedic technique he endorses for optimal wellbeing is Marma Chikitsa. He explains: “In Ayurveda, Marmasthan or Marma means a special point through which Prana – the vital life force or energy – flows in the body. This is an ancient science dealing with body energies. Ayurvedic Marma therapists are aware of the energy chakras and all energy points which can be treated to unblock the channels of energies. This treatment involves gently touching the vital points of the body.” Marma is a Sanskrit word meaning hidden, or secret. By definition, a Marma point is a juncture on the body where two or more types of tissue meet, such as muscles, veins, ligaments, bones or joints. Yet, Marma points are much more than a casual connection of tissue and fluids; they are intersections of the vital life force and Prana, or breath. Marma therapy, which originated in South India, has influenced the development of Chinese acupuncture and even Kung Fu. In ancient times, warriors understood subtle energy and they used their knowledge to disable or kill an opponent. Some Marma points, when attacked, simply hurt. Others, when injured, become life-threatening. In the way warriors had knowledge of these points for the purposes of defending a kingdom, it was the job of the physicians to use these same points to heal. “It has been identified that the human body has 107 Marma points. Gentle touch or light massage on these points balances the flow of Prana and gives total relaxation, relieving oneself of all stress,” says Dr Abhishek. One session of Marma lasts for 45-50 minutes and this treatment is very effective in reducing blood pressure, anxiety, neurosis, sleeplessness and migraine. The best part about it, is that there is no oil used and neither is there is a need to undress for a Marma session. That’s good news for those of us who are squeamish about traditional oil massages. of the Long-Gone Gifts Poetry Festival The Second Circle, poetry group of The Bahrain Writers’ Circle, held a poetry presentation event at Umami restaurant, Adliya. The poets backstage Jess & Glen Carol, Rosie & Bob Ghazali & Mobeena Momen Vijantee Emad Rohini Hameed Vijay Madhavi Grace & Durezza
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