Muscat is a cultural crossroads and many of its residents come from countries where traditional therapies are practised. There is a good balance of holistic treatments and orthodox western medicine available. Natural medicine can be effective and, because treatments are aimed at balancing the whole person, your therapist will need to know a lot about you. Be prepared to spend up to two hours on the first consultation so that your therapist can build a picture of your background and medical history. Alternative treatments can cost as much as western medicine.

While they rarely offer a quick fix, they work slowly and gently with the body’s natural processes, so be prepared to stick with it to get a result. As always, word of mouth is the best way to find the most appropriate treatment. Some of the more common disciplines are listed below, but for general advice on a range of alternative medical treatments, contact the Al Kawakeb Complex Ayurvedic Clinic, Qurm (2449 4762, 2456 4101 or 2454 3289), or the All Season Ayurveda Clinic, MSQ (2447 5280).

Acupressure & Acupuncture

One of the oldest healing methods in the world, acupressure involves the systematic placement of pressure with fingertips on established meridian points on the body to relieve pain, soothe nerves and stimulate the body. Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese technique that uses needles to access the body’s meridian points. The technique is surprisingly painless and is quickly becoming an alternative or complement to western medicine, aiding ailments such as asthma, rheumatism, and even more serious diseases.

Homeopathy

This form of treatment has been practised in Europe for 200 years. It is a safe and effective treatment for jump starting the body’s formidable self-healing powers. Working at both the physical and emotional levels, it treats the whole person rather than the symptoms, using remedies derived from a variety of natural sources. Practitioners undergo rigorous training and many are also qualified western medical doctors. Homeopathic remedies are not available over the counter in Oman as they are in many countries, but there are several practising homeopaths and clinics.

Reflexology & Massage Therapy

Reflexology is another scientifically detailed method of bringing the body and mind back into balance. Based on the premise that reflex points on the feet and hands correspond to the organs and body systems, and that massaging these points improves and maintains health, reflexology works by stimulating the body’s natural self-healing process. When considering reflexology, remember the following safety guidelines: do not eat right before your massage; keep drinking water during the course of your massage; and get your doctor’s permission if you suffer from asthma, diabetes, a heart condition, kidney problems, high blood pressure or epilepsy.

While many spas and salons offer massage and reflexology, there are those which offer a more focused therapeutic approach to the holistic healing qualities of reflexology and massage.

Chakra & Crystal Healing Therapy

Chakras are the seven energy centres of the body and they make up a person’s aura. The direction and intensity of the chakras’ spin indicate your level of emotional health. Peter Emery Langille provides workshops on request that will teach you how to explore the attributes of each Chakra, how to visually diagnose your own chakras’ condition, and how to rebalance your chakras using colour, crystal and light energy, and meditation. Call 92 605 102 for more information, or email lahave@canada.com.

Sports Injuries

Many expats lead active lives, working hard and then playing hard. But accidents and injuries do happen, so whether you get roughed up playing rugby, pull something in the gym, or simply trip over the cat, you’ll be pleased to hear there are some excellent facilities to help you on the road to recovery.

Physiotherapy

If you’re unfortunate enough to be on the end of a nasty injury or muscular skeletal illness and require physiotherapy, you’ll find excellent and well trained care at Muscat Private Hospital and the Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Centre (24 605 115).

Back Treatment

Treatment for back problems is widely available through some excellent specialists. Chiropractic and osteopathy treatments concentrate on manipulating the skeleton in a non-intrusive manner to improve the functioning of the nervous system or blood supply to the body. 

Chiropractic is based on the manipulative treatment of misalignments in the joints, especially those of the spinal column, while osteopathy involves the manipulation and massage of the skeleton and musculature.

Pilates is said to be the safest form of neuromuscular reconditioning and back strengthening available. Les Mills’ Body Training System classes are also extremely effective, particularly BodyPump, BodyBalance and RPM. The Palm Beach Club at the InterContinental Hotel (24 680 000) has five Body Training System licences. A number of clinics offer therapeutic massage for back pain, and word of mouth is a good way to get a recommendation.

Cosmetic Treatment & Surgery

There are reputable options if you want a little ‘touch-up’. Muscat Private Hospital has resident plastic surgeons, and Emirates Medical Center (24 604 540) offers a huge range of treatments. They also have regular visits by specialists from around the world.