Men's Health Through TAIM Lens

Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som is the first holistic wellness-focused resort in Qatar and the middle east, offering exclusive wellness practices inspired by Traditional Arabic & Islamic Medicine commonly known as TAIM, catering for both women and men, and boosting a strong focus on family wellness. TAIM is a traditional healing system which features a range of unique services that are interconnected including special focus on nutrition, fasting, detox, fitness, mental health, meditation, medicinal herbs, as well as women’s health, men’s health, and aging.

Traditional Arabic & Islamic Medicine (TAIM) is one of the ancient healing systems of medicine which follows the humoral theory founded by Hippocrates (Father of medicine). As per this theory, the human body consists of four humors namely Sanguine (Blood), Yellow bile (Safra), Phlegm (Bulgum), and Black bile (Souda). Each humor has its unique Quality (temperament) such as Hot, Cold, Dry, and Moist. As per this concept, every human being has one dominant humor and others will be subdominant.

At Zulal, during a TAIM consultation, specialists will find out the dominant humor of the guest and advise lifestyle recommendations according to the six essential factors to maintain optimum health. The six essential factors are: Atmospheric air, Food and beverage, Physical movement and rest, Mental movement and rest, Sleep and wakefulness, Retention, and evacuation. TAIM specialists will also recommend various therapies, as well as herbs from our apothecary to manage health conditions.

Men’s health is often an afterthought as the average man pays less attention to his health than the average woman. Compared to women, men are perceived as the physically stronger gender because they are more muscular and larger. However, when it comes to health, men are more likely to experience chronic health conditions like – heart disease, diabetes, stroke, depression, and obesity earlier than women because of different lifestyle factors, biological and social factors. These include smoking, use of alcohol, stress, imbalanced hormones, metabolism, lack of exercise, unhealthy diets and they are less likely to see a doctor or health professional for regularly checkups.

Another issue faced in men’s health which is often ignored is that of andrological or reproductive conditions. A major factor underlying several andrological problems is poor management of the six essential lifestyle factors, especially those affecting the normal functioning of the reproductive system. From a TAIM perspective the general guidelines for andrological/male reproductive conditions are as follows, there are two basic approaches to andrological conditions: the encouragement of proper nutrition as a balanced diet and appropriate herbal medication. In the practice of TAIM a great emphasis is put on diet/ nutritional supplements in maintaining and enhancing the reproductive system.

Commonly prevalent amongst the elderly population is the condition such as Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), this is a common complaint amongst men over fifty. It increases in frequency with age. As many as 50% of men over 60 may have it. It often provokes anxiety, in the mistaken belief that it is a malignant/cancerous growth. Benign prostatic enlargement from a humoural theory perspective is an imbalance due to excessive Moistness. Factors which encourage the onset and development of are excessive intake of cold temperamental foods, products made from white flour, dairy products, and exposure to a cold environment. Chronic constipation can also aggravate the condition.

To mention a few TAIM lifestyle recommendations for treating BPH are as follows, nutrition advice – Avoiding dairy products, white flour products, carbonated beverages, chocolate, refined sugar, and products containing food colouring. At Zulal Wellness Resort the focus is on Wellness cuisine, dishes are prepared with use of gluten-free, dairy-free, sugar-free, and organic produce and methods are used which enhance wellbeing. TAIM specialists work closely with the F&B team to ensure that proper dietary requirements as well as the Health and Wellness modalities such as Fitness, Physiotherapy, Spa, Holistic, Aesthetic and Advisors to ensure a proper itinerary is planned for the guest specific to their needs alongside assistance from our medical team.

A unique TAIM inspired treatment at Zulal Wellness Resort from the Holistic modality which can aid in many men’s health related conditions is that of Hijama/cupping therapy. Cupping is one of the oldest and most effective methods of releasing toxins from the body’s tissues and organs with many benefits such as reducing pain, produces anti-inflammatory effects, and provides oxygen and nutrients to organ and tissues.

At Zulal Wellness Resort we are educating and empowering our guests to take control of their health and wellness and maintain the practices they have engaged in during their stay with us to ensure a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle. With men’s health issues on a rise in modern times, we are encouraging men to take better care of themselves, focus on mind, body and spirit practices and get a checkup regularly with their health professional.

For more information or reservations, email Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som at reservations@zulal.com, call +974 4477 6500 or visit www.zulal.com