‘‘Practice the Pause - Azmat Alibhai’’

woman @ work

Azmat Alibhai is a woman of many talents. She is a certified clinical nutritionist, a doctor of naturopathy, a yoga trainer specialising in remedial yoga, and the list goes on. Azmat did her Masters in Fine Arts but decided to pursue a career as a wellness expert. She recently got her PhD in Functional Medicine, specialising in Orthomolecular Nutrition.

You! Tell us about your journey?

Azmat Alibhai: I had always been interested in nutrition. I wanted to know everything there is to know about food and its healing effects on the body, mind and soul. The body has an innate ability to heal, there are many healing methods. We need to find our unique healing recipe.

My journey began in my twenties against all odds. My dad thought a degree in nutrition was useless and he really discouraged me from pursuing it. Despite all the discouragement, I continued with my pursuit. So, I got board certified in nutrition almost 30 years ago. And I am glad that I did, because this very degree saved my life 20 years later when I suffered from a stroke.

Now, personalised medicine is the trend. Recently, I got my PhD in Functional Medicine, specialising in Orthomolecular Nutrition. Orthomolecular nutrition is based on diets and food supplements of essential vitamins and minerals specifically selected to solve individual problems and needs. It is such a simple concept yet so effective. Currently, I am looking into Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

You! As a doctor of naturopathy what would you advise our female population?

AA: The premise of naturopathy is to treat the disease not the symptom. You need to examine the root cause and eliminate the cause and its triggers. I feel the female population of Pakistan is constantly battling with fatigue. I feel there is a lack of B12 in the Pakistani diet. Menstrual cycle leads to more fatigue due to loss of blood and the diet is very deficient in meat and vegetables.

A good B12 supplement would help rev up the nervous system giving more energy. Add to that an exercise routine which in turn helps curb depression and anxiety. Vitamin B12 helps to create adrenaline and cortisol hormones that help the body respond to stress and other situations.

You! Can you shed light on remedial yoga?

AA: It combines traditional Indian yoga, Chinese energy theories, Japanese Zen meridians, modern thinking and medicine. The combination of these practices results in a style of yoga that decreases stress, depression and anxiety and increases strength, energy and wellbeing. I studied remedial yoga as I find it fascinating. I was very fortunate that I got the opportunity to learn from the best teachers, healers, doctors and yogis.

You! What are the benefits of yoga?

AA: Yoga is a miracle. It is a mindful practice with impressive results. It quietens the chatty mind bringing mental peace. Breath work is powerful for healing many conditions including increasing lung capacity. It helps to maintain the right posture, strengthens the muscles, tones the body and can aid in weight loss and balancing hormones.

You! If healing would be a recipe, what would it be?

AA: For successful healing, mix together determination, consistency and resilience all in equal proportion. Blend in creativity and infuse with precision. Bake with passion and drizzle generously with hope. All ingredients are crucial for healing. Every ingredient is for success in general. Even if one ingredient is missing, it would make the recipe bland.

You! You are also equipped with a Masters in Fine Arts. How did that come about?

AA: I did my Master in Fine Arts when I moved to London after getting married. I started decorating my home and enjoyed it so much that I got into interior designing and real estate business. I felt I should have a degree in that and signed up for my Fine Arts degree while working on real estate and interiors. Now 25 years later, my husband and I have launched a real estate business in Koh Samui, Thailand, where we reside.

You! What was the biggest challenge you faced in launching your venture?

AA: Human Resources. I am a perfectionist by nature and a workaholic. Certainly, a lethal combo for an employer. I work relentlessly with focus and I expect my team to do the same.

You! Tell us about your newly launched venture?

AA: I have recently launched my naturopath brand ‘Restore Nutraceuticals’. The aim was to create an effective and affordable polypill that would be gentle on the stomach. Polypill is a pill that contains a combination of medicines. With my new brand, I was able to create a natural, effective remedy in a pill.

You! As a wellness expert, please share some tips for women on how best to ensure a stress-free life?

AA: Practice the Pause! Take some time for yourself, even if it is simply staring in silence. I have made staring my health protocol. It helps with patience. Silence and patience are two powerful energies. Patience makes you mentally strong. Silence makes you emotionally strong. It really helps to upgrade life in general to reboot, reset and restore.

You! Do you believe in giving back to the society?

AA: Of course. It’s all about giving back. Doctors don’t have enough time to explain so I compiled a database of clinical research as an easy resource for patients to use and refer to as well. Specialists all over the world run these free clinics. You can check our website: www.restorenutra.com

You! How do you strike a balance between professional and personal life?

AA: I am very lucky that I have a supportive husband who understands my workaholic nature. My kids are in university while my in-laws and family live in the UK and US. When we plan a family holiday, I am present 100 per cent; the rest of the time I focus on my work.

You! Do you operate from Karachi?

AA: Yes, I do. When in Karachi, my team and I work for a minimum of 15 to 18 hours a day.

You! What are your future plans?

AA: To make my brand a household name and to create awareness among women regarding wellness.