The importance of natural treatment in curing different diseases and its key role in positively changing people’s lifestyle and improving their mood was the main theme of a symposium recently held by the Association of Researchers on Nutrition and Natural Treatment Sciences in the Syrian province of Lattakia.
The symposium aimed at raising people’s awareness about using herbs and medicinal plants to treat different kinds of diseases, said Dr. Haitham Zoubari, Chairman of the Association, in a statement to “Syriatimes” e-newspaper.
Specialists from Syria and Lebanon took part in the symposium which dealt with methods of natural treatment, mainly yoga, using herbs and medicinal plants, making use of the science of Energy and Hijama (an ancient bloodletting technique that has been in use in many countries to treat certain diseases or bodily disorders.)
Dr. Haitham Zoubari, also member of the National Academy of Physical Culture(NAPC) in Britain and member of the Arab Union of Physical Culture, highlighted the objectives of the association which was recently established in Latakia based on the approval of the Labor and Social Affairs Ministry and which comprises in its membership 12 researchers of different specializations including nutrition, chemistry, yoga, energy, Hijama and physical treatment
He clarified that membership is open to all individuals who are interested in research in alternative medicine and herbal remedies,” Dr. Zoubari said.
“The association is the first of its kind in the country. It is a developmental charity that aims at spreading the culture of treating diseases through alternative medicine by adopting natural treatment depending basically on medicinal plants and physical treatment, said Dr. Zoubari, affirming that the association will spare no effort as to carry out development projects to provide job opportunities and offer free medical services.
“Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity,” he stressed, noting natural treatment’s role in breaking routine, getting rid of depression and improving the mood in general.
Dr. Zoubari pointed out that using herbs and medicinal plants to treat diseases is well-known and widespread in most cultures, noting that before the appearance of modern-drug medicine and its pharmacopeia of synthetic drugs, ancient civilizations knew how to strategically use plants to treat common ailments and even life-threatening diseases. He asserted that the majority of new drugs are derived from natural products, primarily plants.
Dr. Zoubari indicated that the association adopts a program according to which participants receive training to become primary care physicians with an emphasis on the science of natural medicine.
He went on to say that in cooperation with concerned societies and directorates, the association holds training courses, scientific symposiums and other relevant activities in which researchers and experts in the field of treating cancer, epidemics as well as skin, digestive system and bones diseases.
According to Dr. Zoubari, the Association seeks signing cooperation agreements with world universities to exchange expertise among researchers in the domain of nutrition and natural treatment sciences.
It is noteworthy to say that Dr. Zoubari is the first researcher in the world to obtain oak oil and use it in treating internal diseases, mainly Arteriosclerosis. He took part in Syrian inventors competitions and won several prizes.
Interviewed by Rawaa Ghanam