Syeda Amtul Saudi Gazette The word holistic in its original sense means “whole” or “Wholeness'' which refers to the wellness and balance and “Holistic Living” is an art of living healthy achieved between body, mind and spirit. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being. To maintain good health, practice of ‘Holistic Living' is one route to achieve it. The value of a holistic lifestyle is based on the choices and practices that encompass all the three aspects of the person. “Holistic Juicy Living” and “Your True Nature” have got some great health and healing courses for mums and kids in Kingdom. Hanane Melkia Serhan, a holistic nutritionist and founder of ‘Holistic Juicy Living' says, “Holistic nutrition focuses on a natural approach to ones eating habits and considers the individual as a whole, including all aspects of his lifestyle.” The fundamental principle of holistic nutrition is that natural foods provide the energy needed to function properly and supply the macronutrients and micronutrients that are required to maintain, build and restore bone, muscle, fat and blood. She said: “Holistic nutrition is all about eating healthy food as close to its natural state as possible for optimum health. Most of the people who are not sick, are not healthy either, they are in that in between state, which is a “surviving” mode rather than a “thriving mode”. Holistic nutrition considers natural foods and beverages as medicine; this fundamental principle is embraced and promoted by Holistic Healthcare practitioners around the globe.” The main benefits of holistic nutrition, according to Hanane, is that: “The benefits are tremendous! Most noticeably is the general feeling of true health and living a thriving mode rather than a surviving one.” “When a patient follows a holistic lifestyle they will experience: Lasting weight loss, disease prevention, increased energy levels, mental clarity, better quality of sleep, improved skin tone and texture, strengthening of the muscles, tissues and organs, a boosted immune system, balanced blood sugar levels, reduced cholesterol and blood pressure levels, improved digestion and relief from constipation,” she added. She states “Diet” is a very limiting word, as diet often refers to a specific way of eating or a program that is followed for medical reasons or weight management, and there is a connotation of restriction. She believes that a lifestyle is about a radical change in one's life by activating the individual's willpower, no restriction needed, in fact it's about using the natural bounty, it's about abundance and connecting back to oneself and to nature! She said: “The first thing people must realize is it's their responsibility to take care of themselves and that they have the power to activate their own healing process. Our bodies are incredible and they often give us early signs of disease. “It is important that we are in tune with it and this can only be achieved when we balance our body, mind and soul. The benefits are immense and when experienced by an individual, it is a life-changing experience, which inevitably and positively affects his family and his environment.” To start a holistic lifestyle, there are many ways to introduce it ,and that depends on the individual's health history and background, sometimes one need to go back as far as childhood to detect early “Synthetic Antibiotic abuse” which in most cases creates a gut flora disturbance which inevitably leads to many illnesses…That's an example! On the other hand, if someone keeps adding good nutrition, the body will no longer be addicted to the unnatural, processed foods and beverages. “Just keep adding the natural ingredients and eventually you will no longer be interested in poor nutrition. There are many ways to implement a desire towards natural foods in children and adults,” she said. Hanane said: “There have been many examples of people who have chosen to commit to a holistic lifestyle and have overcome chronic disease and major illness. However, you don't need to be suffering from any evident problems to choose a switch to holistic lifestyle.” She considers this as a global “natural health movement” that is happening. The idea is to get back to nature and connect to the foods that our grandparents grew on! Alicia Ali, from “True Nature” which is all about bringing people back to their True Nature, through holistic services, said: “My work is a fusion, in many levels, our fusion is complementary and creates a deep impact on the health of the body and mind. It's a recipe for total transformation and discovery of the true potential within the self.” She provides help to individuals reconnect to their authentic core and true self. From art expressions, history, cultural heritage, poetry and self-development to a more specific service such as natural birth (Doula) along with kids and woman programs for holistic education in different areas. Ali offers a variety of tours such as trips to organic shops, farms, historical tours in Riyadh and Jeddah with professional guides. Visits to art galleries, have also been a favorite for many. Guided Tours are geared to be therapeutic and serve as an outlet for networking, getting outdoors, connecting to nature, reenergizing oneself, getting acquainted with the culture and the history. She said: “All our work and services have to do with bringing one back to their “True Nature,” and all our services go hand in hand, overlapping each other in more than one way. There are many aspects that fall under the holistic spectrum. Education is key. Healing, self-development, poetry appreciation that deals directly with the heart and spirit, is also integrated into our work. As a spiritual life coach, it is imperative to work on mind, body in unison and harmony. Our approach is holistic and wholesome. We stimulate all senses including the heart. One who is harmony with one's self, will be in harmony with all.” ‘Holistic Juicy Living' and ‘Your True Nature' have planned a wide range of workshops and tours for this year. The nature of our work is unique in the Kingdom, as we embrace and incorporate traditional and modern day methods in order to bring our people back to their “Essential Fitra.”
