BE YOUR OWN BODY THERAPIST

Globally renowned healer and teacher of body sustainability, Yamuna Zake talks about her self-developed technique of ‘body rolling’ and how it helps one treat injuries on their own.

Yamuna Zake (left) is a Chicago-born fitness pioneer.

What does ‘body rolling’ mean?

I coined the term ‘body rolling’ many years ago. One uses a ball to directly stimulate bones, muscles, and other tissues in the body. I have hands-on therapy experience of over 40 years, where I have been treating injuries. At my studio in New York City, we used to help people with injuries when nobody else could. One day, I realised that there must be a way of teaching people how to take care of their bodies instead of relying on therapists. I translated all the principles of therapy to a ball, and the ball became my hands as well as my therapist’s hands. That’s when we began teaching people.

What’s the outcome of these techniques?

Well, first and foremost, the body gets aligned and you build muscle tone. The range of motions of joints increases, and the bones are stimulated. It’s only after this that the muscles begin to work effectively.

How do you use the ball in your workout?

The ball helps you align your structure, as everyone has some misalignment.

How different is this from foam-rolling techniques?

We bring the order back to the body. We don’t just randomly roll—we take the body to its natural order in which it moves, so the muscle becomes toned and regains its intelligence. We work with the anatomy, which most other rolling systems don’t.

How can one learn your techniques?

All our work is online (yamunausa.com), and we have kits that include a ball, a pump, and a booklet to educate you on the process. We are currently operational in 38 countries and have over 2,000 certified practitioners around the world. We are also looking at certifying practitioners in India.

Tell us about your therapies for the feet.

The feet are the foundation of the body, and if you have issues in the feet, it will eventually cause problems in other body parts as well. A lot of people who seek our help have collapsed feet, dropped arches, plantar fasciitis, and weak ankles. We train the feet and focus on the part from where that problem could be affecting another part of the body. I am currently working on a book called The Foot Fix, which will empower you to get your feet functioning as they should—without any medical intervention. It will be out in January 2021.

What are your future plans?

I want to write more, give more lectures, and educate as many people as possible. I’m 65, and I still learn something new about the human body every day.

Ease back into normalcy with India’s ancient Ayurveda practices at these wellness retreats and spas.

ET ON THE alluring coast of Kovalam, Somatheeram Ayurveda Village offers an effortlessly revitalising atmosphere. Here, wellness transcends physical well-being and encompasses mental healing as well. The key to building immunity, in this retreat, lies in slowing the ageing process and aiding the regeneration of body cells—a result achieved through their Longevity Treatment. Spread over 28 days, the healing journey

Sinvolves snehapanam (eating a medically advised amount of ghee for eight to 12 days), virechanam (cleansing of body toxins), nasyam (treatment of the nasal tract using medicated herbs), pizhichil (herbal oil massage), njavarakizhi (herbal poultice massage), tharpanam (strengthening of the optic nerves), and a medicated steam bath, among other rituals. Tying all these treatments together is the use of Rasayana, an Ayurvedic medicine integral to these therapies. somatheeram.in

MPHASISING THE FEELING of sukh or happiness, this retreat is home to The Oberoi Spa, a tranquil wellness abode dotted with water bodies and located next to a forest. Those who wish to identify the root cause of their physical ailments and correct bodily imbalances can opt for the 90-minute-long Dinacharya therapy. A set of six treatments work in tandem to help one achieve long-term wellness. Starting with anjana, a liniment used for cleansing eyes, the treatment is followed by nasya and dhumapana—two treatments that work to clear the sinuses. Gandusha (holding of medicated fluids in the mouth for oral health), karnapoorana (oil droplets in the ears to prevent earwax build-up), and abhyanga (a full-body medicated oil massage to ease pain and enhance good sleep) follow. To accelerate immunity-building, the resort serves up a special menu so you can feast without any guilt. oberoihotels.com

E