An ancient solution to stress

Mounting stress levels and growing health consciousness is making residents turn to exercise forms like Tai Chi and Yoga that ensure physical as well as emotional well being. "Yoga has not only helped me attain physical fitness, I find myself better equipped to handle daily stress and feel there is a significant improvement in quality of my life. It is nothing short of a transformation," says Mohan Kamath, a businessman who has been practising yoga for over eight years. Experts point out that majority of the modern day ailments are stress related. Numerous research have pointed out how stress can manifest in the form of mental and physical illnesses from ulcers, depression, diabetes to even obesity and heart diseases, apart from behavioural issues with impacts that could be long term, if not appropriately taken care of. Positive changes "I used to feel very tired after work, was increasingly feeling the need to get fitter as it was affecting my overall life. In February last year, I went for Tai Chi classes and I have got tremendous benefits. Within about two weeks, I started to feel positive changes. I am much energised, relaxed and physically fitter," says Bernadette King-Turner, Director of Yellow Brick Road Nursery. The slow motions and breath work involved in these exercises facilitate relaxation along with physical fitness, according to those practising. "Present day lifestyle makes it impossible to not get stressed. I had started to feel the impact as I started putting on weight and decided to go for yoga — which not only helped me control weight but also ease my stress. With pranayams (breath work), I get into a very relaxed state of mind, which is almost meditative. I am able to work more effectively, feel healthier and more in control of myself," says Ajeet Hatwal, who works for a property firm. Tai Chi continues to grow in popularity among Dubai residents. Master John Duval, who started his Tai Chi, Qigong and Kung Fu classes in Dubai about two years ago, says: "People from different walks of life, all nationalities come for our classes. Students have experienced relief from muscular pains, increase in flexibility and strength, weight loss — I would say emotional as well as physical well being with Tai Chi. The instant benefit is an overall calmness, reduced tension in the body and correct posture. More people are seeking Tai Chi as the slow movements do not put any stress and ultimately help one attain better overall health." Expansion The rising popularity of yoga among all nationalities has led to Friends of Yoga, a voluntary organisation that conducts free yoga classes, expand its free classes to two more locations. "The number of people practising with us is rapidly increasing. Irrespective of their cultural, geographical and religious backgrounds people are attending the classes. As the numbers are growing, we are now planning to start practising in Mamzar and Rashidiya areas too, apart from the existing locations seven locations in Dubai — Deira Creek, Bur Dubai Creek, Zabeel Park, Rashidiya Park, Garden and International City," said K.B. Madhavan, the man behind FoY, who is fondly called "Guruji".