1. “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up” by Marie Kondo

Marie Kondo’s bestseller has become a cornerstone of the minimalist movement. Her KonMari method of tidying up focuses on keeping only the items that “spark joy” and letting go of everything else. This book isn’t just about organizing your home; it’s about transforming your life by decluttering your mind and surroundings. Kondo’s approach emphasizes the emotional and psychological benefits of minimalism, making it a must-read for anyone seeking to simplify their life.

2. “Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less” by Greg McKeown

Greg McKeown’s Essentialism is all about focusing on what truly matters. The book teaches you how to eliminate the non-essential tasks, commitments, and possessions that clutter your life, allowing you to channel your energy toward what’s truly important. McKeown’s philosophy is about doing less but better, helping you live a more focused and intentional life.

3. “Goodbye, Things: The New Japanese Minimalism” by Fumio Sasaki

Fumio Sasaki’s Goodbye, Things offers a deeply personal perspective on minimalism. Sasaki, once an overworked and overwhelmed office worker, found peace and happiness by getting rid of almost all his possessions. The book is filled with practical advice and real-life stories that inspire readers to embrace minimalism and discover the freedom that comes with owning less.

4. “The More of Less: Finding the Life You Want Under Everything You Own” by Joshua Becker

Joshua Becker’s The More of Less explores the benefits of living with less. Becker, a leading voice in the minimalist movement, shows how minimalism can lead to more freedom, time, and energy to pursue what truly matters in life. The book offers practical tips on how to start decluttering, as well as insights into how living with less can lead to more happiness and fulfillment.

5. “Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World” by Cal Newport

In Digital Minimalism, Cal Newport tackles the issue of digital overload. Newport argues that our constant connection to technology is a significant source of stress and distraction. The book provides strategies for reducing digital clutter, reclaiming your time, and focusing on deeper, more meaningful activities. Newport’s approach to minimalism extends beyond the physical and into the digital realm, making it an essential read for anyone looking to simplify their tech-driven life.

6. “Soulful Simplicity: How Living with Less Can Lead to So Much More” by Courtney Carver

Courtney Carver’s Soulful Simplicity is a heartfelt exploration of how minimalism can improve your overall well-being. Carver shares her personal journey of simplifying her life after a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, showing how minimalism helped her reduce stress, improve her health, and focus on what truly matters. The book offers practical advice and inspiration for anyone looking to create a simpler, more intentional life.

7. “The Minimalist Home: A Room-by-Room Guide to a Decluttered, Refocused Life” by Joshua Becker

Another valuable book by Joshua Becker, The Minimalist Home takes you through a step-by-step process of decluttering each room in your house. Becker provides practical tips and motivational insights to help you create a living space that supports a minimalist lifestyle. This book is perfect for those who are ready to take action and transform their home into a place of peace and simplicity.

8. “Simplify: 7 Guiding Principles to Help Anyone Declutter Their Home and Life” by Joshua Becker

In Simplify, Joshua Becker outlines seven principles that can guide you toward a simpler, more meaningful life. The book is a quick and accessible read, packed with practical tips for decluttering your home and mind. Becker’s principles are easy to implement and can help you make lasting changes toward a more minimalist lifestyle.

9. “Minimalism: Live a Meaningful Life” by Joshua Fields Millburn & Ryan Nicodemus

Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus, known as The Minimalists, offer a holistic approach to minimalism in Minimalism: Live a Meaningful Life. The book goes beyond decluttering and explores how minimalism can improve your health, relationships, passions, and growth. It’s a thought-provoking read that challenges you to rethink your priorities and focus on what truly brings happiness.

10. “The Joy of Less: A Minimalist Guide to Declutter, Organize, and Simplify” by Francine Jay

Francine Jay, also known as Miss Minimalist, offers a comprehensive guide to decluttering and organizing your home in The Joy of Less. The book is divided into manageable sections that make it easy to apply minimalism to every area of your life. Jay’s straightforward advice and encouraging tone make this book an excellent starting point for anyone new to minimalism.

Embracing minimalism can be a life-changing experience, offering you more time, space, and peace of mind. The books mentioned above provide a wealth of knowledge, inspiration, and practical tips to help you start your minimalist journey. Whether you’re looking to declutter your home, reduce digital distractions, or live a more intentional life, these books will guide you toward a simpler, more fulfilling existence. So, pick up one of these books, take the first step, and discover the joy of living with less.

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The Origins and Philosophy of Kintsugi

Dating back to the 15th century, Kintsugi emerged during the Muromachi period in Japan when Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa sent a damaged tea bowl to China for repairs. Disappointed by the lackluster results, Japanese craftsmen began experimenting with more aesthetic solutions, ultimately developing Kintsugi as a delicate blend of craftsmanship and philosophy.

Kintsugi is deeply rooted in the Japanese principle of wabi-sabi, which appreciates the transient and imperfect nature of life. The art form embodies the idea that brokenness is not something to be hidden but embraced, turning flaws into features that add character and beauty. This approach teaches us to value resilience and transformation, finding strength in vulnerability and growth in the aftermath of adversity.

The Process of Kintsugi

The Kintsugi process is meticulous and requires patience. First, the broken pottery pieces are carefully cleaned and realigned. A lacquer made from urushi, a tree sap native to Japan, is applied to bond the pieces together. Once dried, the lacquer is mixed with powdered gold, silver, or other metals, creating a brilliant contrast that highlights the cracks. The final result is a restored object, now more valuable and striking for having been broken.

There are three main techniques in Kintsugi:

1. Crack Repair: Filling simple cracks with gold or another precious metal to showcase the repaired lines.
2. Piece Replacement: Using gold to fill in missing parts of the pottery, creating a striking effect where the gaps were once evident.
3. Joint Call: Combining different pieces from separate items to form a new, unified whole.

Symbolism and Modern Interpretations

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Kintsugi carries profound symbolism. It serves as a reminder that, like pottery, human beings can also be broken and healed, and that these imperfections become integral to our identity. In a world that often seeks perfection, Kintsugi advocates for self-acceptance and the celebration of our own personal journeys of healing and renewal.

In modern times, Kintsugi has transcended its original context and found a place in various art forms, design, and even personal development philosophies. It is often referenced in literature, fashion, and mental health discussions as a metaphor for resilience and the beauty of imperfection.

Kintsugi in Contemporary Culture

Kintsugi’s influence has reached far beyond Japan. Artists, designers, and even therapists have embraced its concepts to inspire creative projects and self-reflection. In the world of fashion, for instance, the Kintsugi technique has inspired prints, patterns, and embellishments, representing fractured beauty through clothing. In interior design, Kintsugi-inspired pottery and decor have become symbols of elegance and mindful living.

Beyond art, Kintsugi’s message resonates with personal growth and wellness. It teaches us to honor our personal scars and experiences, making them part of who we are instead of something to hide.

The Beauty of Brokenness

Kintsugi is a timeless art form that transforms brokenness into beauty, offering a powerful metaphor for life. By emphasizing the beauty in imperfections, it teaches us to embrace flaws and recognize that each crack tells a story. In doing so, Kintsugi challenges us to rethink our relationship with imperfection, urging us to find beauty in our own broken pieces.

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What is Art Therapy?

Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses art-making as a therapeutic tool to explore and express emotions, thoughts, and experiences. Through various artistic mediums such as painting, drawing, sculpting, and collage, individuals are encouraged to tap into their inner creativity as a means of self-expression and self-discovery.

In art therapy sessions, trained therapists provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals to explore their feelings and experiences through art-making. Participants are guided through various exercises and prompts designed to stimulate creativity, encourage self-reflection, and promote emotional healing.

Art therapy offers a wide range of benefits for mental, emotional, and physical well-being:

• Emotional Expression: Art provides a non-verbal means of expressing emotions that may be difficult to articulate verbally.
• Stress Reduction: Engaging in creative activities can reduce stress levels and promote relaxation, helping individuals to cope with life’s challenges more effectively.
• Self-Exploration: Art-making allows individuals to explore their inner thoughts, feelings, and beliefs, fostering greater self-awareness and insight.
• Healing Trauma: Art therapy can be particularly effective in processing and healing trauma, providing a safe outlet for releasing pent-up emotions and transforming painful experiences.
• Enhanced Communication: For individuals who struggle with verbal communication, art therapy offers an alternative mode of expression, facilitating communication and interpersonal connections.

Art therapy is used in a variety of settings and populations, including:

• Mental Health Treatment: Art therapy is often used as part of treatment for individuals with mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and eating disorders.
• Hospitals and Healthcare Settings: Art therapy is utilized in hospitals and healthcare settings to promote healing and well-being among patients coping with illness, chronic pain, or medical procedures.
• Schools and Education: Art therapy programs in schools help children and adolescents explore and process emotions, develop coping skills, and enhance self-esteem.
• Community and Social Services: Art therapy is used in community settings to support individuals facing life transitions, grief and loss, addiction recovery, and other challenges.

Interested in exploring art therapy? Here are some tips to get started:

• Find a Qualified Art Therapist: Look for a licensed art therapist who has completed specialised training and certification in art therapy.
• Experiment with Different Mediums: Don’t be afraid to explore different artistic mediums and techniques to find what resonates with you.
• Set Aside Time for Creativity: Make time in your schedule for regular art-making sessions, even if it’s just a few minutes each day.
• Embrace the Process: Remember that art therapy is not about creating a masterpiece; it’s about the process of self-expression and self-discovery.

Art therapy offers a powerful avenue for healing, self-expression, and personal growth. By tapping into our innate creativity, we can unlock the healing potential within ourselves and embark on a journey of self-discovery and emotional well-being. Whether you’re struggling with mental health challenges, navigating life transitions, or simply seeking greater self-awareness, art therapy offers a safe and supportive space to explore, express, and heal.

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Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate:

One of the most crucial aspects of staying energized in the summer is staying hydrated. With the sun beating down and outdoor activities in full swing, it’s easy to become dehydrated quickly. Make it a habit to drink plenty of water throughout the day, and consider adding electrolyte-rich beverages like coconut water to replenish lost nutrients.

Eat Light and Fresh:

Summer is the perfect time to indulge in fresh fruits and vegetables that are hydrating and packed with essential nutrients. Incorporate plenty of salads, smoothies, and light meals into your diet to keep your energy levels high without feeling weighed down.

Stick to a Sleep Schedule:

While the longer days may tempt us to stay up late, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule is vital for feeling refreshed and energized. Aim for seven to nine hours of quality sleep each night to allow your body to rest and recharge fully.

Protect Yourself from the Sun:

Exposure to the sun’s rays can drain your energy and leave you feeling exhausted. Make sure to protect yourself by wearing sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses when spending time outdoors. Additionally, seek shade during the hottest parts of the day to prevent overheating.

Take Regular Breaks:

Avoid burnout by taking regular breaks throughout the day, especially if you’re spending long hours in the sun or engaged in physically demanding activities. Schedule time to rest and recharge, whether it’s a quick power nap, a leisurely stroll, or a refreshing swim.

Stay Cool:

Beat the heat by staying cool whenever possible. Keep your home or workspace well-ventilated, use fans or air conditioning as needed, and wear lightweight, breathable clothing. You can also cool off with cold showers, ice packs, or by taking a dip in a pool or the ocean.

Practice Mindfulness:

In the midst of summer activities and excitement, it’s essential to take moments for mindfulness and relaxation. Whether it’s through meditation, deep breathing exercises, or simply enjoying quiet time outdoors, practicing mindfulness can help reduce stress and boost your energy levels.

Listen to Your Body:

Above all, listen to your body and priorities self-care. Pay attention to how you’re feeling physically and emotionally, and don’t hesitate to adjust your activities or rest when needed. By honoring your body’s needs, you’ll be better equipped to stay refreshed and energized throughout the summer season.

With these tips, you can make the most of your summer while staying refreshed, energized, and ready to embrace all the season has to offer. By prioritizing hydration, sleep, healthy habits, and self-care, you’ll be able to fully enjoy the sunshine and create lasting memories with those you love. So go ahead, soak up the sun, and make this summer your best one yet!

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Swimming is a comprehensive workout that engages different muscle groups, providing extensive training for the body. It enhances strength, stamina, and cardiovascular fitness. Beyond the physical benefits, swimming also stimulates positive mental well-being. Research suggests that swimming can ease anxiety and depressive symptoms, promote a sense of well-being, and elevate mood and energy levels. By diving into the water, you dive into a pool of mental stimulation and rejuvenation.

One of the remarkable aspects of swimming is its low-impact nature. The buoyancy of water reduces stress on joints and minimizes the risk of impact-related injuries, making it an ideal exercise for people of all ages and fitness levels. Additionally, swimming can aid in rehabilitation after injuries, as it reduces stress on bones, joints, and connective tissues. Individuals with arthritis, joint pain, or those recovering from injuries can benefit greatly from swimming as part of their rehabilitation program.

Swimming serves as an excellent aerobic activity, providing a workout for the heart and lungs. Regular swimming trains the body to utilize oxygen more effectively, resulting in a decrease in resting heart rate and breathing rate. The muscles in the arms, legs, and core are all utilized during swimming, enhancing their power, flexibility, and endurance. Moreover, swimming can help lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease, and improve overall heart health.

Swimming is an effective calorie-burning exercise. A leisurely swim can burn around 500 calories per hour, while a more intense session could burn up to 700 calories. Not only does swimming burn calories, but it also helps build lean muscle, which boosts metabolism. By increasing your lean muscle mass, you increase your body’s calorie-burning potential. Therefore, swimming can be an excellent aid in weight loss or weight maintenance, while also improving overall metabolic rate.

Swimming promotes flexibility and joint mobility due to the range of motion required during swimming movements. The water’s supportiveness allows for stretching and loosening of muscles, which can enhance overall flexibility. Whether you want to improve your range of motion during other exercises or simply feel more agile in daily life, swimming is a great way to increase flexibility and improve joint mobility. Regular swimming can also enhance muscle endurance, contributing to improved overall fitness.

Following Priyanka Chopra’s footsteps, incorporating swimming into your fitness routine can provide numerous benefits for both your body and mind. Swimming offers a well-rounded approach to fitness, enhancing strength, stamina, cardiovascular fitness, and flexibility. It is a low-impact exercise suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. Moreover, swimming aids in weight management, calorie burning, and metabolic boost. By diving into the pool, you not only get a full-body workout but also experience the positive mental effects of swimming. So, jump in and swim your way to energized and fit well-being.

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Text credit: Charishma Thankappan  

Seeking calmness and serenity for body and mind in Kochi is not a very daunting experience, considering the profusion of spas in the city. But achieving the same in a most luxurious space with the best facilities and service is a rare feat. A new name in the arena of relaxation and wellness, Śāntata spa at the Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty stands out for its all-round excellence.

Stepping inside Śāntata, the premium luxury spa at the Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty, infuses a sense of what the name stands for in Sanskrit – inner peace, harmony, and tranquility. Sublimity pervades throughout the experience of being at Śāntata, beginning with the stately reception at the spa.

I was welcomed by the spa manager Damodaran Kallippale into the glorious reception area of the spa. The grandiosity of the entrance was enough to give me a glimpse of the splendor that lay ahead. “Śāntata Spa brings modern wellness approaches through Ayurveda, Western and Eastern therapy philosophies,” said Damodaran. “Śāntata is a place where you can leave all your cares and stress behind to experience tranquility, harmony, and inner peace. We offer you a spa journey that is dedicated to revitalising your body, mind, and soul.”

An impressive start

The spa therapist assigned to me – Lily – took charge of the proceedings from there. Proffered a chilled vial of fresh tender coconut water and a warm moist towel to begin with, Lily went on to take a short survey of my health conditions and therapy preferences.

 In consultation with Lily at the reception of Śāntata Spa

The spa presents a whole host of rejuvenating healing treatments both international such as Balinese, Oriental Stretch, Hot Stone, etc., and Indian such as Shirodhara, Kizhi, Udwarthanam, etc, along with a skin care series and a fun regimen for children. They have four signature therapies – Spice Symphony, Absolute Aromatherapy, Arabian Sea Salt Ritual, and Harmony. Deciding upon the Swedish Massage as the therapy for me, she extended a tray consisting of seven bottles of oil. I was made to smell each of the oils, named according to the essence they provide – Harmony, Healing, Invigorating, Rejuvenating, Relaxing, Serenity, and Soothing – and choose what appealed to me the most. My choice of ‘Healing’ revealed to be a citrus essence, containing lemon grass and ginger.

 The seven oils that you can choose from for massage

Next, we proceeded inside the spa area, to begin with the therapy. Lily guided me through the ample and spacious interiors of Śāntata, which comprises seven treatment rooms, including one for couples, and another dedicated to Ayurvedic treatments. Śāntata comes well equipped with Hydrotherapy with Steamsauna, Plunge Pool, Experience Shower, Gym, and Indoor Pool.

 Ayurveda treatment room

 Couple’s treatment room

A sensorial indulgence

Guided by Lily, I entered one of the treatment rooms, which is large, airy, and well-lit. She commenced the procedure with an invigorating foot scrub using Arabian Sea Salt. She then turned on ambient music, drew the blinds, and eased me onto the massage bed. I lay face down first as she began the hour-long treatment.

One of the five treatment rooms for individual treatment

With deft strokes and perfect amount of pressure, the sprightly masseuse from Manipur sent me into raptures of relief as she undid knots of stiffness and cracks from my joints and muscles. With special care given to my lower back and below the neck and shoulder areas as requested by me, Lily performed the massage with utmost expertise, asking me from time to time about my level of comfort, and enquiring about the volume levels of music, the temperature in the room, etc. It was not long before I found myself falling into tranquilising stupors a few times through the session.

Upon completion of the massage, Lily led me to the Hydrotherapy area. I spent time at the sauna where I let the warmth permeate every part of me. Subsequently, I was offered a dip in the Plunge Pool – a state of the art mini pool area with complete privacy. However, I opted for the Experience Shower which is an indulgent shower where you are pampered with refreshing showers of water from above and the sides.

The spa treatment culminated with a hot cup of herbal tea in the Relaxation Room, an ornately done up space with recliners. I mulled over the soothing experience I had as I sipped on the refreshing tea before being done for the day.

 The Relaxation Room

Holistic experience

Like all other properties of Hyatt, Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty lays emphasis on wellness. It therefore encompasses a Fitness centre, gym, yoga studio, indoor (lap pool for exercise) and outdoor pool (relaxation space which also includes one for kids and has a water slide). Marketing communications manager Shana Susan Ninan says, “We are not looking at just massages, but the holistic experience. People come from all over the world (to Kochi). We are looking at Kochi to be more than just a stopover.”

A true luxury in every sense

Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty opened to the public in April this year to much fanfare and eager expectations. With three restaurants, Lulu Bolgatty International Conventional Centre, three helipads, three boat jetties, and several conference halls with varying capacities, private and houseboat tours, a tennis court, the luxury hotel lends an aspirational value. It is the only Grand Hyatt in South India and the third in the country. The hotel promises to be a host for weddings, conferences, large seminars, music concerts, and much more. “Each event and space can be customised according to client requirements,” says Shana.

Śāntata Spa is open from 7am to 10pm. Call +91 484 266 1234 to book an appointment.

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Words by Charishma Thankappan    Photographs: Various sources

In an ever changing world with new kinds of diseases being discovered every season, there is a growing need for more effective and efficient methods of healing. With illnesses mutating to more harmful forms and becoming less resistant to medications, patients are reaching out to other types of cures. It also reflects the increasing slant towards adopting natural kinds of aid rather than resorting entirely to chemical formulations. FWD Life explores four types of alternate remedies.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is the art of using essential oils to treat the mind, body and spirit. It is a complementary therapy which works extremely well alongside conventional medicine. It stimulates the body’s natural powers to heal itself. Essential oils are used in aromatherapy treatments in a number of ways. They can be used for inhalation, body baths, footbaths and hand baths, compresses, gargles and mouthwashes, and massages.

The strong active ingredients in the essential oils are taken directly from medicinal plants or herbs through a process known as distillation. The oils are in a very concentrated formula and are usually combined with a carrier oil, such as almond, coconut oil or jojoba before being used. Shanti Mahadevan, Proprietor of Alternative Medicine Health Care Centre, Mumbai, says that aromatherapy is applicable for anyone with conditions such as blood sugar fluctuations, cancer, chronic stress or anxiety, depression, fatigue, insomnia and sleep trouble, joint pain, muscle pain, respiratory infections, skin problems including bites, rashes, and bruises.

Contraindications:

Ms Shanti says that medical advice should always be sought for a client with a medical condition to reduce the risk of adverse effects. “It should also be considered that, while massages may be contraindicated for certain conditions, other forms of treatment might be suitable, such as inhalation, compresses, skin creams and lotions etc.” Conditions that are contra-indicated to aromatherapy massage include fever, infectious diseases, skin diseases, and recent haemorrhage.

Cupping Therapy

Cupping therapy, also known as Hijama (Arabic term of wet cupping) is a form of treatment in which unhealthy blood is drawn by vacuum from a small incision upon the skin for therapeutic purposes. Dr. T K Mohammed Hassan from Dr. Hassan Ayurveda Brain and Spine Super Speciality Clinic, Ernakulam, says that the treatment can be carried out almost anywhere on the body, including in areas of pain.

The chosen area of the skin is first shaved, if necessary, to ensure that the cup is tightly sealed. It is then left to cling to the skin for some time. It is then lifted and small incisions are made on the skin. The cup is then put back until the flow of blood subsides. This action immediately loosens or completely removes pathogens, toxins and fluids which block the efficient passage of any or all of blood-flow. The treatment is advisable for anyone ailing from head ache, hormonal imbalances, skin problems, body pain, varicose veins, etc. About the awareness levels of Cupping Therapy in Kerala, Dr Hassan says, “The treatment is not well known here, but among those who do know, it is mainly used for the treatment of varicose veins and related problems.”

Contraindications:

Dr Hassan warns that suitable cups must be used on the particular areas to be treated. The therapy is not recommended for pregnant women, and on inflamed skin.

Reflexology

Giving pressure on the openings of meridians (reflex points) in hands and feet to help the free flow of bioelectrical energy in the whole body is known as reflexology. This scientific system of treatment is highly effective and completely safe, and is a popular therapy. It effectively removes toxins that are accumulated in the body from food and medicines. It is practiced on the base theory that all body organs are represented on hands and feet. Mrs Retna Aravind, owner of Manu’s Holistic Center, based in Ernakulam, and teaches reflexology among other alternative therapies, says, “The thumb or index finger is used to activate the reflex points for various organs. In some cases, even instruments are used depending upon the hardness of the feet where a particular organ is represented. E.g., sciatic nerve on soles of feet is quite a hard area to apply pressure upon and usually the use of a strong instrument is required.”

She says that it is recommended for people who suffer from all physical and psycho-somatic problems irrespective of age and sex. “However, before starting the treatment, the therapist should have full awareness about the physical condition of the patient.” The benefits accrued from reflexology include increased immunity, relaxation of body and mind, removal of toxins, and pain relief. Mrs Retna observes that people in Kerala are not very aware about reflexology. However within the state, “people from North Kerala have much more awareness compared to other parts of Kerala”.

Contraindications:

Mrs Retna advises that the case history of the patient’s medical records should be checked for chronic problems and serious illnesses.

Naturopathy

Dr Lakshmi N Nair, Yoga Naturopathy medical officer at District Ayurveda Hospital in Ernakulam, terms naturopathy as “living in tune with the constructive principles of nature to preserve and promote health and also to prevent diseases”. It can be defined as the system of healing without the use of drugs as medication, and instead employing natural means such as diet control, massages, yoga, etc.

All kinds of lifestyle disorders and infectious diseases can be controlled or cured by Yoga Naturopathy treatments. This type of healing aims to cure ailments right from the root cause. “Nowadays our society is continuously under the attack of various types of fever and other infectious diseases. When we try to treat it with drugs by targeting the disease causing microbes, we may get results for the time being, but the fever returns in another form, and most of the times more vigorously,” says Dr Lakshmi. “It is high time we change our attitude towards it. Infectious diseases occur due to three factors – the agent (the microbes), the host (the human body) and our environment. So when we try to treat by targeting the microbes we are leaving the body exposed to another kind of fever. Naturopathy believes that instead of targeting the microbes make your body healthy and toxin free, so that your body will have immunity against any kind of fever.”

The current society is suffering from many lifestyle disorders, says Dr Lakshmi. “But instead of correcting that lifestyle many like to take medicines and control the symptoms which ultimately lead to worsening of the condition and its complications.” Naturopathy trains one to listen to the symptoms and demands of the body during disease and act accordingly. Dr Lakshmi says that in Kerala, the awareness about this system of healing is increasing day by day and many people are resorting to its beneficial effects. “The government started a 10-bedded Yoga Naturopathy hospital in Varkala which has now developed to 50 beds. We also have more than 50 doctors in the government sector and private hospitals in every district.” One can avail Yoga Naturopathy advices in all district Ayurveda hospitals and also in AYUSH wellness centres.

Contraindications:

“Yoga Naturopathy treatments are found less effective if your immune system is extremely weak and your body has lost its ability to heal itself,” says Dr Lakshmi. This usually happens with patients who have been under medication for prolonged years and have been taking immunosuppressant drugs after organ transplant. Yoga Naturopathy treatments are also found limited in treating genetic disorders.

Some other alternative therapies

• Colour therapy
• Pet therapy
• Music therapy
• Reiki
• Accupuncture
• Accupressure
• Sujok
• Chiropractic

Difference between Alternative Therapies and Complementary Therapies

Alternative therapies and complementary therapies are commonly confused and perceived to be one and the same. However, the essential difference lies in the purpose of the therapies.

Alternative therapies are used as a complete form of treatment and as a substitute to conventional healing techniques.

Complementary therapies are used in conjunction with conventional or alternative therapies to help enhance the remedial process and effects.

The post Heal Yourself, Holistically appeared first on FWD Life | The Premium Lifestyle Magazine |.

As the tourism industry opens up and expands into ever divergent arenas, the growing trend in the business is the concept of wellness tourism.

Travellers are now making informed choices about the way they want to spend their holidays. The likes of Kylie Minogue, Demi Moore, Madonna, Naomi Campbell, and the Beckhams have been seen on detox vacations.

For those looking for an alternative to taking time off by eating, drinking, sight-seeing, indulging in adventurous activities or lazing by the beach; they can now choose to dedicate their time towards personal wellbeing. Get hold of the latest August issue of FWD Life to read more.

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Words by: Charishma Thankappan     Featured image source: assets.nydailynews.com

A number of celebrities, both international and those closer home, are now trying out a rather grotesque-looking wellness treatment, that many would say is akin to undergoing an ordeal.

Cupping Therapy is an alternative therapy, in which unhealthy blood is drawn by vacuum from a small incision upon the skin for therapeutic purposes. Its benefits include stress relief and flushing out of toxins from the body. Hollywood stars such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Aniston, Victoria Beckham, to sports heroes like Michael Phelps have offered themselves to this painful process that requires a lot of courage. More recently, livewire DJ and model Banj J was seen sharing her intense experience at Chinese Cupping Therapy through a photo of hers undergoing the process, and an inspiring note to go along with it.

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Find out more on this severe wellness therapy and three other alternative therapies – Aromatherapy, Reflexology, and Naturopathy – in our upcoming August issue of FWD Life.

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Words: Ronnie Kuriakose    Images: FWD Media

White sands and waves, coconut trees and breeze. Private villas that offer quiet sanctuaries, and seafood so fresh that just hours ago they were swimming in the very same waters that you were. Xandari Pearl is that beach hideaway that you had been dreaming about. Rated as one of the top five Hammock Beaches in the world by National Geographic, Xandari Pearl is a safe haven to those seeking to escape and get far from the madding crowd.

And thats not all. Apart from giving you the multisensory experience you always wished, Xandari Pearl also goes the extra mile and ensure that they build relationships with their native neighbors. Mararikulam has been the home to fishermen since time immemorial. Their encampments are throughout the trees that hug the coast, with only their colorful boats and nets visible on the beach. Xandari gets their fresh seafood from them and employs a lot of their extended families, training them to facilitate world-class hospitality.

At Xandari Pearl, you are never too far from the sea literally and figuratively.

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