While Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) are very common references in today’s Western wellness world, today we are discussing another vibrant and expansive system of healing traditions, Traditional Arabic and Islamic Medicine (TAIM). Did you know that the 1,000-year-old TAIM tradition was first brought to Europe in the 12th century? At that time, European scholars studied Arab works and translated them into Latin—and they became the predominant principles taught in European medical schools until the Renaissance.

Today, we’re speaking to one of the foremost experts on the topic, Oxford University Professor Gerry Bodeker, the author of ten books including “Wellness Traditions from the Islamic World.” Most people don’t associate Africa and the Middle East with wellness, even though advanced food-as-medicine, anti-aging and healing systems have been refined across these regions for over a millennium.

The second half of this special episode is an interview with Dr. Bibi Lockhat. Holding a dual degree in Complementary Health Science and Medicine, she is the TAIM specialist at Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva Som. She is also an expert in hands-on healing, such as Hijama, massage, acupressure, and aromatherapy, and often draws on herbal remedies to improve overall health. She’ll provide an audio tour of the one-of-a-kind wellness destination that is Zulal, including describing its far-reaching sustainability programs that even impact the property’s biodiversity—from mangroves to mammals. The episode comes full circle because not only did Professor Bodeker consult on the wellness programs at Zulal, but the resort is also the location of the pre- and post-trips organized exclusively for delegates attending the 2023 Global Wellness Summit in Qatar in November.

To learn more, visit Zulal Wellness Resort’s site at Zulal.com.

Resources:

• Connect with Prof. Gerry Bodeker on LinkedIn
• Follow Prof. Gerry Bodeker on Instagram: @gerrybodeker
• Follow Dr. Bibi Lockhat on Instagram: @bibilockhat
• Read: Wellness Traditions from the Islamic World
• Explore the 2023 Global Wellness Summit
• Explore pre- and post-trips for Summit delegates to Zulal

Hosted by Kim Marshall

Produced by NOVA Media