__________________ARTICLES__________________
EDITION 46: April - june 2011 HEALING IBIZA


It is interesting to think that our Western “conventional” medicine is, to much of the rest of the world, viewed as entirely “alternative”. One would assume that this is because “traditional” medicine, albeit less familiar to us, has existed across most world continents for many centuries, whereas our conventional (pharmaceutical) medicine is a much younger and lesser established concept. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines traditional medicine as: “The health practices, approaches, knowledge and beliefs incorporating plant, animal and mineral-based medicines, spiri-tual therapies, manual techniques and exercises, applied singularly or in combination to treat, diagnose and prevent illnesses or maintain well-being.”

Thankfully, the World Wide Web and readily accessible international travel have built a significant bridge between traditional and conventional medicine. Science has also lent a hand by proving that emotional and physical well-being are linked. Even in conventional medicine, doctors recognise stress to have significant physical and psychological side effects such as depression, exhaustion, increased blood pressure and heart complications. Walking in nature has been scientifically proven to help combat depression. Much like medical researchers in Taiwan have discovered that banana skins are rich in the mood-balancing chemical, serotonin – their advice being to boil a banana skin for ten minutes and drink its cooled water to naturally ease depression. Deep breathing, through practises like meditation, yoga and applied breathing techniques, has an enhanced oxygenating effect on our systems that can radically protect our health. Additionally, increasing evidence confirms the irrefutable link between our diet and our physical well-being.

All these advances in scientific knowledge point to the fact that pharmaceutical conventional intervention, albeit invaluable, should maybe be viewed more as a belated urgent quick fix? Natural (traditional) preventative measures surely often being a stronger first approach? This theory leads to a growing consensus that it is time for conventional and traditional medicine to talk. Increasingly, there is hope forming that a “universal” medical system, humbly and objectively combining all well-being wisdoms, is around the corner. Meantime, and just in case this is never to be, people are instinctively starting to explore what serves their greater purpose, as individuals – effectively taking their health back into their own hands. Our curiosity, in large part, triggered by ready access to more and more traditional systems that, defying all sceptics, work in front of our very eyes. 

Whatever the motive for change in our health attitudes, Ibiza lays an assortment of alternative healing options at our feet; from the likes of Craniosacral massage, Reiki, Homeopathy, Aromatherapy and Reflexology to Regression therapy, Bowen therapy and Reconnective healing. However, there is no ignoring the fact that the flip side of being faced with so much choice, is knowing where to start. How do we decide what is best for us? Granted, personal recommendation, instinct and online research are all invaluable tools but, ultimately, the proof is in the experience – a prospect that to cash rich experimenters may be exciting, but, for the more cautious amongst us, is somewhat prohibitive. For the latter, ‘Healing Ibiza Day’ may be just the answer.

After an immensely successful day in 2010, organisers of ‘Healing Ibiza Day’ are set to hold two identical events this year. With pre-tried and tested alternative therapists and speakers gathered under one roof, these days give people an opportunity to try out a range of alternative therapies without commitment or pressure. The simple objective of ‘Healing Ibiza Day’ is to help boost and restore the energies of the island, and its inhabitants, before and after the busy summer season. Embracing all nationalities and walks of life, ‘Healing Ibiza Day’ is a non profit event that only suggests a voluntary 5 Euro donation at the door. Inside, 15 min therapy taster sessions, holistic workshops, yoga & martial arts classes and kid’s entertainment are all offered, also by voluntary donation. Additional music, natural produce stalls, food & drink stalls and chill out areas ensure an all-encompassing family day out.

This melting pot of holistic wisdoms blends seamlessly with the tranquil setting of their host, Atzaró, in rural Northern Ibiza. Venue, organisers, therapists and speakers alike, happily combine and collaborate, giving their time free of charge with the sole intention of healing the island and making alternative therapy more accessible to the masses. United under the ‘Healing Ibiza Day’ banner, inter brand rivalry is furthest from anyone’s minds – in fact, it is positively discouraged – leaving visitors with a safe unbiased environment and room to recharge and expand their horizons, however much, or as little, as they see fit.

Texto: Cat Weisweiller