Not only is proper nutrition the foundation of good health, good food is also nourishing to the soul. The cuisine at Zulal Wellness Resort is carefully and artistically prepared to cater to our guests’ wellbeing and individual needs. While mostly gluten free and sugar free, the food is still delicious as it is made with organically grown produce and the very finest ingredients. Special attention is given to nutrient-dense and fermented foods that improve gut health and digestion.
Like every other aspect at the resort, our cuisine is inspired by the wellness wisdom of Traditional Arabic and Islamic Medicine (TAIM), and our menus include a range of Quranic foods and healing herbs. For example, you may enjoy a cold melon soup – refreshing, hydrating and seasoned with cinnamon for a metabolism-boosting kick. Similarly, the divine pomegranate gazpacho with olive oil is inspired by the holiest health advice of all as pomegranate was praised by the prophet Muhammad, who said: “Whoever eats pomegranate, Allah will light his heart for forty nights.” In fact, the holy Quran mentions pomegranate as one of the fruits found in paradise, and the Imams have always stressed its importance in Islamic medicine as “eating sweet and sour pomegranates, empowers man and refines the blood.”
Olive oil is also mentioned in the Quran. The prophet said: “Eat the olive oil and apply it (locally), since it is a cure for seventy diseases, one of them being leprosy”. Olives are said to be the food of prophets as they are excellent for skin and hair, anti-ageing, and anti-inflammatory for the gut. According to TAIM, regular consumption of olives may also lower the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis as the oil lubricates the joints.
In TAIM, there is also great emphasis on the use of herbs such as rosemary, basil, turmeric, ginger, lemongrass, star anise, and black cumin. The latter is the black seed referred to by the prophet, who once stated that “the black seed can heal every disease, except death.” In the medical encyclopaedia The Canon of Medicine, the Persian philosopher-physician Avicenna (980–1037 AD) refers to black cumin, known by its Latin name nigella sativa, as the seed that stimulates the body’s energy and aids recovery from fatigue. You’ll find an abundance of healing herbs not only in the dishes prepared in our restaurants, but also in their dried form in our Apothecary, located in the resort’s House of Wisdom.
These are only a few examples of TAIM-inspired ingredients found in our wellness cuisine, but its food philosophy influences our whole approach to nutrition. Our guests’ individual meal plans are based on the TAIM principle that eating according to your temperament and body type will make the body absorb nutrients more efficiently. Equally, our chefs pay careful attention to appropriate portion sizes – i.e. not too large – as moderation is another important principle in TAIM.
Overall, and in line with TAIM, the culinary experience at Zulal Wellness Resort is underpinned by the belief that eating healthily sustains a wholesome way of life. Across our four dining outlets spanning Middle Eastern and international cuisines, you will find delicious and nutritious dishes bursting with flavour and fresh produce, and created to boost joy, energy vitality, and longevity. Come and taste them for yourself!
Traditional Arabic and Islamic Medicine or TAIM, encompasses a holistic approach to wellness based on the traditional principles derived from ancient physicians and focuses mainly on lifestyle wellness practices. It contains an abundant source of ancient healing wisdom and guidelines for healthy living, much of which has been forgotten over time.
Though some may not be familiar with the science behind it, it is inherent to the modern life in the Middle East. Knowing this, our aim at Zulal Wellness Resort is to build awareness of TAIM and bring it to the forefront of the wellness industry in Qatar, the region, and the world.
With renewed interest around holistic living, we at Zulal Wellness Resort have created bespoke wellness therapies with state-of-the-art facilities that incorporate TAIM medicine’s healing wisdom whilst showcasing Qatar’s rich and valuable medicinal resources.
2. Many Practices Of TAIM Are Evident In Various Aspects Of The Culture And Traditions in the Arab world. Could you share how Zulal Wellness Resort has incorporated these?
Tibb is a branch of knowledge that tackles the state of health and disease in the human body for the purpose of adopting suitable measures to preserve and restore health. Common misconception is its association to Hijama but in addition to providing the benefits of Hijama, Tibb uses food and herbs as medicine.
Tibb encompasses our way of life, our daily behavior and our personal habits which play a vital role in determining whether we are healthy, and aids to examine our likelihood to succumb to a disease and ultimately analyzes our rate of recovery from a disorder.
At Zulal Wellness Resort we believe wellness is a way of life, it is the essence of our being. Being the first wellness resort dedicated to TAIM, we have placed an integral focus on reconnecting all its elements to create a wide range of therapeutic and lifestyle enhancement treatments based on traditional Arabic and Islamic wellness principles. We are very excited to offer this to the region and the world, in hopes that these positive wellness experiences will inspire others to adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
3. As a TAIM practitioner, what are common health issues in the region, and how can a retreat at Zulal Wellness Resort help individuals?
Three very common health issues that surface in this region are high blood pressure, obesity and constipation.
Blood pressure
The TAIM system attributes two instances that contribute to a spike in an individual’s blood pressure:
At Zulal Wellness Resort we recommend a diet rich in herbs like garlic, pepper, ginger, celery, lemon, hibiscus tea, olive leaf extract and saffron to naturally manage an individual’s blood pressure.
Obesity
Ibne Sina writings featured the taqleel ghiza (decreasing food intake) as an important tool for weight management. At Zulal Wellness Resort we would share recommendations not immediately eating after a bath but rather wait and take a short nap instead. Also for example, consuming fenugreek seeds and black seeds on an empty stomach with warm water can help reduce obesity. These gems of wisdom will be shared with our guests to follow during their stay and beyond.
And Finally for Constipation
A little exercise will go a long way to reducing stress. Even just a brisk walk in the morning will energize and motivate you for the day ahead.
A quick five or ten-minute meditation each morning will help balance your mind for the busy day ahead.
Writing is a therapeutic activity. In just a few minutes, you can write your thoughts, worries, gratitude, or whatever else comes to mind. Keep the journal near your bed and make a habit of writing a few paragraphs or even sentences each night before you go to sleep.
We all need to escape from the pressing concerns of reality occasionally. On your next lunch break get away from your computer and pick up a book in your favourite genre or a hobby magazine.
People tend to grab their phone first thing when waking up. Then work begins. Leave the electronics alone until you have given yourself time to prepare for the day. Make time for breakfast (the most important meal of the day) and save the email for the end of your morning ritual.
When you are a busy working professional life is hectic. We do not give our bodies as much rest as they need to fully function. Pretty soon we find ourselves running on empty. Sleep is not only good for the body, but it is also good for the mind. A well-rested body and mind can accomplish great things.
Many people take their work home with them and never really get a day off. Take time on the weekend to do things you enjoy. Spend more time with your family, not with your home office
Proper nutrition and hydration are vital-especially when not being as active as normal. People who eat a well-balanced diet tend to be healthier with stronger immune systems and lower risk of chronic illnesses and infectious diseases. Below are some tips on how to stay healthy during these unprecedented times.
Keep Up Fruit And Vegetable Intake
Purchasing, storing and cooking fresh vegetables can be challenging in a lockdown yet it’s important to ensure an adequate daily intake of fruit and vegetables.
Whenever it is possible to get hold of fresh produce, do so. Frozen fruits and vegetables can be a good choice and will retain most of their nutrients and flavour. Using fresh vegetables to cook large batches of soups, stews or other dishes will make them last longer and provide meal options for a few days. These can also be frozen where possible and then quickly reheated.
Stay Hydrated
Good hydration is crucial for optimal health. Being hydrated helps your body naturally eliminate toxins and other bacteria that may cause illness. Keep your immunity up by drinking plenty of water to stave off infection.
Drinking the recommended 6-8 glasses is a great place to start, however with inevitable home distractions this may present as a challenge. Adding fresh or frozen fruits like berries or slices of citrus fruits, as well as cucumber or herbs such as mint, lavender or rosemary is a wonderful way to enhance its taste. Tracking fluid intake through various apps and drinking a glass of water before every meal is one way to ensure adequate hydration levels.
Snacks are an important part of your daily nutrition as they help provide you with enough fuel to perform at your best. It might be helpful to think of your morning and afternoon snacks as a way to meet your daily nutritional needs. To feel satiated (or satisfied), you should aim to eat snacks that have a good mix of macronutrients. DIY trail mix (nuts and dried fruit) is a fantastic choice as they’re delicious, but even better is the fact that they’re packed with protein, healthy fats, complex carbohydrates and fibre.
Foods That Boost Immune System And Keep Your Body Healthy. Including Weight Management
Protein
To have a strong immune system your body needs a daily supply of quality protein. Research studies have shown that deficiency of high-quality protein can result in depletion of immune cells, the inability of the body to make antibodies, and other immune-related problems.
Most adults need at least 50 grams of quality protein per day, or a palm-sized portion per meal if that’s easier to visualize. Make an eating pattern out of incorporating quality protein for each meal, like eggs for breakfast, chicken or turkey for lunch, and fish or legumes for dinner is one way to ensure adequate protein levels.
A good quality shake or smoothie can also be considered as a convenient and delicious way of ensuring you meet your daily protein intake to support a healthy immune system.
Probiotics
Probiotics are live microorganisms (good bacteria) that reside in the gut. Probiotics support our immune system, aid digestion and assist with nutrient absorption into our bloodstream.
Fermented foods are rich in beneficial bacteria called probiotics, which populate your digestive tract. Fermented foods are excellent food sources to support optimal immunity and digestion.
Examples include kefir, kombucha tea, yoghurt, miso, sauerkraut, kimchi and fermented vegetables. Probiotic supplements are also another option for those who do not eat fermented foods regularly.
Turmeric
Turmeric is the most effective immunity builder, booster and nutritional supplement in existence. It is a limitless superfood that not only adds flavour and colour to food but also contains bio-active compounds with immunity boosting medicinal properties.
Try adding extra turmeric into your diet during periods of stress or during flu season to help give your immune system a little boost. Golden milk, turmeric booster shots and even a sprinkle of turmeric over foods is a great way to enjoy this gem of a spice.
Technology plays a huge role in our life. We cannot imagine getting through each day without our many devices. Media multitasking can be damaging to our brains. If we are using technology, it’s important to use just one device at a time. If you find this difficult then it maybe time for you to have a digital detox.
Digital detox refers to a period when a person voluntarily refrains from using digital devices such as smartphones, computers, and social media platforms. This form of detoxification has gained popularity as individuals have increased their time spent on digital devices. It is no secret that the social media excitement has become out of control and studies are now showing that social media use can lead to depression, low self-esteem, body image issues, anxiety, social isolation, and the list goes on. If you find it difficult to go on a total retreat from the digital world then it might help to start with a small set of goals first. Being digital free for twenty-four hours is a good goal but for some people even a half-day will help them to de-stress.
Here are some simple tips to begin the process:
Turn off notifications during work hours
Convert your screen settings to black and white
Put away your phone during meals
Designate tech-free hours
Make your bedroom free from all gadgets and turn off Wi-Fi at bedtime
Limit yourself to one screen at a time.
Change your notifications, unsubscribe from email newsletters that clutter your inbox
If you are feeling fine about your technology habits, there is no need to guilt yourself into a social media cleanse. But if your affinity for Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Snapchat is causing you stress or getting in the way of your life, then taking a break might be helpful. You may try mindful activities such as Yoga, gardening, cooking or walking. These mindful activities seem so simple, but they allow our minds time to be creative, to ponder, to have eureka moments, and to feel comfortable in our own company.
Nutrition is the foundation of health
Food is the best way to enhance the senses and experience. The food made in personalised way or aiming at specific needs of the person on retreat not only satisfies the hunger but the Soul. The guest starts recognising the purpose and need of coming to the retreat and takes home added knowledge about food and effect of food as nutrition to the body and soul.
Wellness cuisine in Zulal is carefully and artistically crafted to cater to the likings and needs of all age groups. The cuisine is mostly gluten free and sugar free still the divine taste of the cuisines lets us experience that the food has its own taste and enhancements like sugar is only for excitement of the brain but not food for soul.
The ingredients are organically grown and locally procured to the maximum possibility. Special attention is given to use nutrient dense foods and fermented foods to improve digestive function. There are variety of teas, herbal infusions and smoothies which are crafted for nutrition, nourishment and wonderful taste at any time of the day.
The Wellness cuisine with nutrition value also has element of TAIM added to it to enhance healing properties .Zulal is the first resort persuing Traditional Arabic Islamic Medicine so while creating menius Quranic foods and healing herbs were taken into consideration and emphasis is given on healing based wellness.
For example:
In cold soups – Melon soup seasoned with cinnamon is served which is refreshing, hydrating fibre rich but with touch of healing powers of cinnamon
Pomegranate Gazpacho with Olive oil– the best combination to quench the thirst and hunger. Pomegranate is praised by The Prophet (may peace be upon him): Whoever eats pomegranate, Allah will light his heart for forty nights.
The Holy Quran mentions pomegranates as one of the paradise fruits.
In Islamic medicine as well, and the Imams have always stressed on its importance. In regards to this, “Eat sweet and sour pomegranates, since they empower man and refine blood”
Olive oil: This food is mentioned in Quran. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “Eat the olive oil and apply it (locally), since there is cure for seventy diseases in it, one of them is Leprosy”. Olives are said to be the food of Prophets. Olive oil is excellent treatment for skin and hair, delays old age, and treats inflammation of the stomach, not to mention its low calorie cooking benefits
Consumption of olives on a regular basis lowers the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, improves the condition of those with autoimmune diseases, and keeps one’s glucose metabolism in check. In Herbal infusions – Licorice tea is a great example of creating equilibrium amongst the humours by controlling the Phlegm and induce purification of blood
Emphasis is given on use of herbs like rosemary, basil, turmeric, ginger, lemongrass, star anise.
It is the black seed referred to by the Prophet (PBUH) (570–632), who once stated that “the black seed can heal every disease, except death.
Avicenna (980–1037 AD) refers to N. sativa in his Canon of Medicine, as the seed that stimulates the body’s energy and helps recovery from fatigue and dispiritedness.
These are only few examples of the involvement of TAIM elements in Zulal wellness cuisine We understand that as per the principles of medicine eating as per temperament and body type make the body assimilate food better. The wellness cuisine loaded with goodness of herbs and unique combinations makes Zulal standout proudly in the field of complete wellness.
Spreading food intelligence with appropriate portion sizes and good combination of ingredients comes from the Principle of moderation in Traditional Arabic Islamic Medicine.
For more information or reservations, please email Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som at reservations@zulal.com, call/WhatsApp +974 4477 6555 or visit https://www.chivasom.com/en/zulal/traditional-arabic-and-islamic-medicine/
The gut is the foundation of a healthy body and mind – what we eat can not only impact our long-term health, but can also affect our energy levels and mood. The gut-brain connection is heavily influenced by the gut microbiome – trillions of bacteria that create a unique ecosystem in the gut. Specific species of healthy bacteria produce serotonin, which is closely linked to our mood, and found to be linked to mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. Known as the food-mood connection, studies show that certain nutrients may be able to help reduce stress and boost mood.
Nutrition And Wellbeing
The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines health as being “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being.” To understand wellness, it is important to look at several key lifestyle factors – including nutrition, which has an important impact on our physical and mental health.
At Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som, we focus on nutritional therapy; an evidence-informed, whole-body approach to nutrition and lifestyle medicine. We look at using food, supplements and an anti-inflammatory diet tailored to the individual to reduce the risk of chronic health conditions and to treat the root causes of disease. A nutrient-packed diet can help reduce brain inflammation, and better regulate serotonin and dopamine levels.
Food Intolerance Testing – Benefits To Wellbeing
To create a personalised dietary plan, we recommend our guests begin with a food intolerance test to identify gut issues and key allergens.
Food allergy is an immune system reaction that occurs soon after eating a certain food, and can affect the digestive system and other organs in the body. Both acute reactions and chronic diseases can be caused or exacerbated by a food allergy. In contrast, a food intolerance can cause some of the signs and symptoms of an allergy but often to a less serious degree. A food intolerance means the digestive system has a difficult time digesting (breaking down) a food. This can lead to abdominal problems such as indigestion, bloating, constipation, diarrhoea and irritable bowel syndrome, as well as milder systems such as headaches, fatigue, mood changes, sleep disturbances, weight fluctuations and skin conditions.
Symptoms are often multifaceted and can appear within a few hours to even days after consumption of the food, which can make it difficult to identify. Our food intolerance test is an innovative diagnostic solution, where we measure the intolerance of the body to 57 different foods – 90% of the most common foods consumed around the world – by analysing just a few drops of blood. The test is suitable for adults, pregnant women, and children over the age of 5 years old.
Gut Healing Experience at Zulal Wellness Resort
The gut microbiome plays an important role in many areas of our health and well-being, with studies showing links between gut health and the immune system, mental health, cardiovascular diseases and gastrointestinal disorders. An imbalance of healthy and unhealthy microbes in the intestines may contribute to weight gain, high blood sugar, high cholesterol and other disorders.
At Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som, we believe that the brain and the gut are intimately connected both physically and biochemically. This connection affects our digestion, mood and the way we think: stomach or intestinal distress is one of the most common symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression.
We have therefore implemented a Gut Healing program which consists of three steps: cleansing, healing and repair.
We start with gut cleansing to remove waste and toxins from the colon and body, allowing the digestive system tract to rest and restart. Cleansing the gut can help improve our overall health by boosting energy levels and mental health, enhancing the immune system, and managing weight.
The second step is to re-establish the connection between the gut and the brain, acting on the mind.
The gut is the foundation of a healthy body and mind – what we eat can not only impact our long-term health, but can also affect our energy levels and mood. The gut-brain connection is heavily influenced by the gut microbiome – trillions of bacteria that create a unique ecosystem in the gut. Specific species of healthy bacteria produce serotonin, which is closely linked to our mood, and found to be linked to mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. Known as the food-mood connection, studies show that certain nutrients may be able to help reduce stress and boost mood.
To finish, we focus on gut repair by creating a personalised anti-inflammatory plan to take home, and provide tips on implementing a healthy lifestyle to restore and maintain gut health.
Your Gut Holds All The Emotions In Your Body; Come To Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som and Let Us Unlock These Emotions And Write Your Gut Healing Journey!
For more information or reservations, please email Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som at reservations@zulal.com, call/WhatsApp +974 4477 6555 or visit www.chivasom.com/en/zulal/.
How Fasting Is Good For Health?
There are plenty of benefits of Fasting, known to help with weight loss and reducing inflammation; it can reduce insulin levels and blood pressure, improve insulin sensitivity, and reduce the risk of diabetes; and it enhances memory and other brain functions.
How To Stay Energised And Healthy During Fasting?
Fasting correctly is as equally essential as fasting, fasting wrongly can lead to adverse effects that in directly impact with negatively. Depending on the type of fast, season and body type one should plan the meals during fasting to attain benefits and maximise the benefits of the fast and stay energetic.
How to exercise safely during fasting?
Exercise is an essential factor, and one should continue however it’s important to modulate or adjust as per eating intervals and energy levels.
Do’s and Don’ts During Fasting
Do:
Maintain regular sleeping time, keep yourself hydrated, eat well balanced nutritious meals, plan meals ahead, include greens and fruits that promote recovery of GIT lining, Include hypoallergic diet to cleanse internally.
Don’t:
Try to limit spicy and oily foods.
Avoid Over-exerting with strenuous exercises.
Practicing mindfulness and connecting will help achieve more benefits.
It’s also important to note that fasting isn’t for everyone. For example, those with a history of eating disorders or who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Common Challenges Faced While Fasting
Dehydration – One of the most common challenges is dehydration during fasting hence should make sure adequate water in consumed during the eating periods and electrolyte rich foods & drinks should be incorporated.
Acidity or Heart Burn – avoid spicy foods.
Constipation – Include fibre rich diet.
Organic Cuisine
The resort’s five restaurants serve healthy, organic cuisine, using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible, to nourish the body and promote sustainable wellness. All food is gluten and dairy-free, so you don’t have to worry about allergies and intolerances.
Something For Everyone
Zulal Wellness Resort offers two distinct yet interconnecting experiences. Zulal Serenity is exclusively reserved for adult guests, with aesthetics and medical wellness services in addition to holistic therapies, while Zulal Discovery welcomes guests of all ages with a focus on family wellness and bonding through fun activities such as outdoor pursuits, arts, crafts, sports and games.
A Unique Blend of Ancient and Modern Wellness Wisdom
Zulal Wellness Resort is the first resort in the world to blend the ancient practices of Traditional Arabic & Islamic Medicine (TAIM) with modern therapies and health expertise. TAIM is a centuries-old holistic healing system that includes the use of medicinal herbs and therapies such as hijama cupping. Zulal’s revival of this knowledge, reinterpreted for the 21st century, is a pioneering approach to wellness.
World-Class Facilities
Zulal Wellness Resort features state-of-the-art facilities, including hydrotherapy pools, saunas, steam rooms, a Himalayan salt therapy room and even a snow cave to cool down in. The physiotherapy facilities include Neurac and Gyrotonic equipment – the only ones in the entire Middle East region!
Beat The Heat
Zulal’s coastal location on the northern tip of Qatar means that guests can enjoy temperatures three to four degrees cooler than in Doha, making it the perfect place escape to and cool down and relax in the summer months.
Comprehensive Wellness Programmes
The resort offers a range of wellness programmes, including detox, weight and stress management, tailored to meet your individual needs. Our 64 treatment rooms are sanctuaries within themselves, each dedicated to creating an overall sense of relaxation.
Dedicated Children’s Programme
Zulal Wellness Resort offers a dedicated children’s program, providing a fun and educational experience for young guests designed for families to jointly explore the joys of healthy living. Our dedicated family wellness advisor is also on hand to give the whole family a health consultation.
Sustainable Practices
The resort is committed to sustainability, implementing eco-friendly practices and using renewable resources wherever possible. And you can get involved too! Thanks to Zulal’s Mangrove Initiative, you can plant a mangrove and give something back to the environment.
Complete Care
At Zulal, you can find all you need in one place – spa treatments, physiotherapy, nutrition counselling, fitness, aesthetic beauty therapies, recreational activities, wellness talks and workshops – but also an on-site medical team that is always ready for emergencies and medical follow ups, giving you total peace of mind.
Edutainment
Throughout the resort you’ll find the perfect mix of education and entertainment for guests of all ages. Book lovers can choose between 1,500 books on loan from Qatar National Library, while outdoor aficionados can go on an island walk to learn about the local marine habitat and the Mangrove Initiative benefiting it.
Guests at Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som can discover the secrets to radiant skin through a complimentary state-of-the-art VISIA Facial Imaging session at the Huzan Aesthetics Centre.
If you’re retreating to Zulal Wellness Resort, enhance your holistic wellness experience with a complimentary VISIA Facial Imaging session at the Huzan Aesthetics Centre.
Using 3-D imaging technology and precision colour photography, the VISIA Facial Imaging Scan is the latest in skin analysis technology and helps gain unparalleled insight into the skins current condition. Operated by an expert dermatologist, the 7th Generation VISIA® Skin Analysis System uses IntelliFlash®, cross-polarized and UV lighting to record surface and subsurface skin conditions with precision, while Canfield’s RBX® Technology separates the unique colour signatures of Red and Brown skin components for clear visualisation of various skin conditions.
An Advanced Aging Simulation and A.I. Wrinkle Algorithm enhances detection accuracy for a proactive approach to fine lines and wrinkles, while an injectables simulator assists in comprehensive personalised recommendations for tailored aesthetics treatments.
Using this data and detailed insight, the clinic’s experts will prescribe a bespoke programme of treatments to enjoy either enveloped within the stunning surroundings of Zulal Wellness Resort, or to schedule with their regular aesthetics technician upon returning home.
As part of the Middle East’s largest and most immersive wellness destination, choices at the Huzan Aesthetics Centre are extensive: from Bioplasma™ and Jetpeel® therapies for deep cleansing and rehydration to Thermage CPT®, Botox®, and Hyaluronic Fillers for safe and effective alternatives to surgical procedures. Eighteen advanced treatment options are delivered by industry-leading professionals for a truly holistic wellness experience in Qatar.
Contact Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som at reservations@zulal.com, call +974 4477 6500 or visit www.chivasom.com for more information or to book.
