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Barbara O’Neill: A Fresh Approach to Wellness in Saudi Arabia
RIYADH: In a journey marked by an unexpected yet enriching cultural exchange, Barbara O’Neill, an eminent Australian health lecturer and wellness influencer, recently touched down in Riyadh to host a three-day workshop at Huna Takhassusi from September 17-19. This marked her inaugural visit to the Kingdom, where she aimed to share her extensive knowledge of holistic health and natural remedies.
Bridging Cultures Through Health
Amid a backdrop of growing interest in health and wellness in Saudi Arabia, O’Neill expressed her enthusiasm for connecting with the local community during her workshop. In an exclusive conversation with Arab News, she noted, “The people in Saudi Arabia are interested in health just as much as everywhere else in the world.” Her intuitive understanding of modern disillusionment with pharmaceutical solutions resonated with many attendees who were eager for natural alternatives. “A lot of people today are becoming disillusioned with the medical way of treating things. You’ve got a problem, here’s a drug,” she elaborated, reinforcing her belief in the significance of natural healing.
A Life Shaped by Curiosity
The roots of O’Neill’s commitment to natural health trace back to her upbringing as the daughter of an inventor. Her father’s inquisitive nature instilled in her a lifelong curiosity about understanding “why” things work. This family dynamic fostered an environment ripe for exploration and experimentation—key ingredients in her unconventional career path.
Her personal journey into natural health was significantly influenced by her experience as a mother. When her young son suffered from an ear ailment, she turned to a traditional remedy suggested by an 85-year-old neighbor: an onion poultice. The success of this simple treatment ignited her passion for using organic solutions over conventional medical practices, steering her toward a path of prioritizing wellness through nature’s offerings.
Transformative Workshop Experience
O’Neill’s workshop was a holistic exploration of health, aligning perfectly with Saudi Arabia’s growing commitment to wellness as part of its Vision 2030 initiative. The three-day event unfolded with diverse themes. Day one focused on achieving balance in life amidst modern chaos and emphasized hormonal health. Day two shifted to critical discussions on heart health, obesity, and diabetes, while day three offered an interactive session centered on poultices and natural herbs.
The venue—Huna Takhassusi, a hybrid co-working space and community hub—provided an ideal backdrop for these discussions. Farah Taher, the head of events and partnerships at Huna, expressed excitement about O’Neill’s presence, noting, “What better way to sustain that than with guests like Barbara, who remind us to focus on our health and connecting with nature.”
The Importance of Natural Living
O’Neill’s teachings during the workshop addressed the importance of natural living, emphasizing lifestyle adjustments over reliance on conventional medicine. She discussed the critical role of sunlight in health, particularly highlighting historical vitamin D deficiencies in the Kingdom. O’Neill encouraged attendees to allocate their time wisely, promoting a balanced structure of eight hours for work, play, and rest.
Her insights extended to addressing modern-day challenges like burnout, sleep issues, and the detrimental effects of excessive screen time. “The blue light that the device gives off is a different frequency to the blue light of the sunlight,” she cautioned, urging participants to moderate their digital consumption.
One of her more contentious recommendations urged participants to reconsider their coffee habits due to its addictive nature and adverse effects on the body’s natural rhythms. However, O’Neill quickly won back her audience by highlighting the health benefits of local Saudi dates as a natural sweetener.
Preventive Health: A Global Concern
A notable theme throughout O’Neill’s workshop was the pressing need for preventive health measures. She pointed to heart disease as the world’s leading cause of death, emphasizing the limitations of modern medicine in effectively addressing this crisis. “It’s almost Band-Aid stuff,” she explained, calling for more emphasis on lifestyle changes to combat such pervasive health issues.
In addition to practical advice, O’Neill shared personal insights on maintaining a balanced lifestyle, revealing her own routine focused on nutrition, hydration, and consistency regardless of her travels. Her latest book, “Sustain Me,” serves as a practical guide, compiling FAQs and advice from her extensive experience in natural health.
Engaging with Local Remedies
O’Neill’s visit to Saudi Arabia also included explorations of local natural remedies. She expressed curiosity about regional ingredients, sharing her excitement about trying dried lime, emphasizing the value of integrating local knowledge into her teachings.
As O’Neill concludes her workshop series, it’s clear that her approach resonates with those seeking a comprehensive and natural path to wellness. Her philosophy, focusing on the preventive aspects of health and the wisdom of nature, provides a refreshing perspective in an era dominated by rapid medical fixes. For many attendees, her teachings were not just lectures but invitations to reconsider their health and lifestyle choices in meaningful ways.
O’Neill’s commitment to fostering a dialogue around natural health and wellness in Saudi Arabia signifies a step toward a broader acceptance of holistic approaches among communities keen to enhance their well-being. With a full calendar ahead, she remains dedicated to her mission of educating and empowering individuals globally, one workshop at a time.
