Ancient Healing: Traditional Arabic and Islamic Medicine TAIM

TAIM as foundation of Western European medicine

We discovered that the ancient text The Canon of Medicine (1025), written by Persian physician and philosopher Ibn Sina (Avicenna), is one of the most influential medical books in history. Not only does TAIM draw its foundations from this work, but it also served as the primary medical reference for European doctors up until the 18th century. This highlights how modern Western medicine, despite its relative youth, is deeply rooted in the wisdom of TAIM.

TAIM discovered the immune system

Did you know that TAIM was the first to introduce the concept of an immune system? In this ancient healing tradition, the immune system is seen as the body's ultimate regulator. Another fascinating fact is that many modern Western medicines are derived from medicinal herbs that Arabs have been using in their pure, natural form for centuries.

TAIM as holistic approach

While modern Western medicine owes much to TAIM, the differences between them are significant. TAIM embraces a holistic approach, where spirituality and regional medicine are intertwined. Its healing philosophy is built on six pillars: medicinal herbs, nutrition, body and mind therapies, spiritual healing, and applied treatments.

TAIM is for everyone: it’s a lifestyle not a religion

The term Islamic might suggest that faith plays a central role in TAIM programs at Zulal, but the resort emphasizes that this is not the case. Instead, Islamic in this context refers to a way of life rather than a religious practice. Zulal embraces the idea that spirituality is a deeply personal experience, unique to each individual. For some, it may be found in meditation or connecting with nature, while for others, it could be through praying or moments of quiet reflection. At Zulal, you are encouraged to follow your own path and discover what spirituality means to you.

A truly personalized wellness experience at Zulal

At Zulal, every wellness journey is uniquely tailored to the individual. No two programs are alike, as each guest receives a customized plan designed to meet their specific needs and goals. This personalized approach begins before arrival, with a detailed health and wellness consultation where guests share their objectives and any health concerns. By understanding these needs in advance, Zulal ensures that every aspect of the stay is carefully curated, creating a truly transformative and deeply enriching experience.

Personal intake TAIM doctor: what humour are you?

Upon arrival at Zulal, each programme starts with a personal intake with a TAIM-doctor. The doctor will check your skin, heart rate, constitution, activity and ailments. This determines which of the four elements is your dominant element: fire (hot and dry), air (hot and wet), water (cold and wet) or earth (cold and dry). The doctor will then look at your ‘Humours’, related to your personality and the type of person you are. 

Similarities with other ancient healing systems

If you’re familiar with Ayurveda, the concept of humours may remind you of the three Dosha types. This connection is no coincidence. For centuries, the Silk Road served as a vital trade route between the Asian and Arabic worlds, facilitating not just commerce but also the exchange of medical knowledge. Over time, healing traditions such as TAIM, Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Unani, and Persian medicine influenced and enriched one another, shaping the holistic approaches we recognize today.

Restoring balance through TAIM's six pillars

Based on your dominant humour, the TAIM doctor will recommend what you need to restore balance. At Zulal, the focus is on six essential factors: nutrition, physical activity and rest, digestion and detoxification, the balance between wakefulness and sleep, mental stimulation and relaxation, and air and breathing. Daily consultations with the doctor allow the program to be fine-tuned according to your progress and personal needs, ensuring a fully tailored and effective wellness experience.

How does a TAIM doctor’s advice work in practice

A TAIM doctor’s recommendations are based on your dominant element. If you are a fire type (hot and dry), the focus will be on cooling the body. Exercising in the early morning or late evening, with longer, low-intensity workouts. When it comes to diet, cooling foods like cucumbers and carrots are recommended. Mentally, calming activities such as yoga and meditation are ideal. Fire types also benefit from plenty of rest, so getting at least eight hours of sleep per night is encouraged. For water types (cold and wet), the approach is different: energy is boosted through short, intense workouts and warming foods like peppers, meat, and fish. Avoid excessive rest, limiting sleep to around six hours per night. 

Wide range of wellness programmes at Zulal

At Zulal, wellness is more than just relaxation—it’s about restoring balance in both body and mind. Zulal offers a wide range of wellness programs, from stress relief and mental well-being to physical fitness, pain management, or holistic healing. The treatments at Zulal follow the principles of holistic healing, incorporating natural remedies, personalized therapies, and mindful practices. From herbal treatments to tailored exercises, every aspect of your journey is aligned with your unique constitution. 

Abdominal massage: release pent up emotions and cleasing of the digestive system

The stomach, often called the second brain, according to TAIM, stores stress and emotions, which can disrupt digestion and lead to imbalances. An abdominal massage helps release tension, flush out toxins, and support natural detoxification. It relaxes the stomach, eases emotional buildup, and stimulates the colon. This deeply effective treatment is especially beneficial before a colon cleanse, enhancing its cleansing effects.

Hot stone massage

The massage therapist places hot stones on reflex points based on your humour type. For this massage Zulal uses a combination of the usual hot stone massage techniques and secret techniques developed by Zulal.

Cupping

While Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda also use cupping, TAIM has developed its own unique techniques. Cups are placed on reflex points linked to specific organs, stimulating the body's natural healing response by increasing white blood cell production in the targeted area. If you're new to cupping, dry cupping offers a gentler introduction. For a more intensive treatment with deeper therapeutic effects, wet cupping may be the better choice.

Medicinal herbs and nutrition

TAIM places great importance on medicinal herbs and nutrition, both essential to its healing philosophy. With a vast understanding of plants and their benefits, TAIM embraces natural remedies in their purest form. Unlike Western medicine, which extracts compounds for pharmaceuticals, Zulal uses freshly harvested herbs straight from its own garden, where nearly everything is edible. The House of Wisdom is home to a herbal pharmacy, over 1,000 tea plants, and a collection of books and artwork that reflect TAIM’s holistic wisdom. The resort’s menu is equally influenced by TAIM principles, with dishes and snacks carefully prepared according to the four humour types, offering balanced nutrition tailored to individual needs.

Would you like to experience TAIM yourself?

If this article has sparked your interest and you’d like to learn more about Traditional Arabic & Islamic Medicine, we’d be delighted to share more about Zulal and its TAIM programs. Let us guide you through the unique wellness experiences this exceptional retreat has to offer.

About Christy

Christy, our chief editor and experienced writer, had the opportunity to interview the TAIM doctor at Zulal for this article, gaining valuable insights into the principles and practices of Traditional Arabic & Islamic Medicine.