How did Nouf Al-Marwaai Alter the Notion of Yoga in Saudi Arabia?

Nouf Al-Marwaai is an amazing lady who conquered Lupus, an autoimmune illness that affected many organs and tissues, years ago.

As women continue to shatter stereotypes and succeed in a variety of disciplines, from business to sports, from the arts to science, Saudi women are seen as a symbol of power and inspiration. Their accomplishments serve as a testament to the daily transformation of Saudi culture.

Nouf Al-Marwaai and Her Struggle

One of the inspirational women exemplifies the will to live because she overcame lupus, an autoimmune disease that attacks the body’s cells and organs and influences the skin, joints, heart, lungs, and kidneys, with patience and perseverance 26 years ago.

However, Nouf deviated from conventional therapy and went above and beyond by using yoga as a healing method rather than prescription drugs and analgesics. Her consistent yoga practice did help to stabilise her health, demonstrating the significant impact that inner strength and dedication can have when overcoming obstacles.

An autoimmune condition, “Lupus” comes from the characteristic butterfly-like rash that characterises the condition. Nonetheless, Nouf has demonstrated her ability to fly and overcome adversity, much like a butterfly, and has inspired many.

Nouf Al-Marwaai, the first female president of the Saudi Yoga Committee, states: “Under the guidance of a specialist physician, I practise different forms of yoga, accompanied by my favourite music, such as Vinyasa yoga, which synchronises breathing and movement, in addition to Hatha yoga and other techniques.”

She notes that the yoga practice was essential to her recovery from the anxiety and depressive episodes she had after receiving a diagnosis at the age of 18. She found that yoga helped her feel less stressed and ease the pain of her attacks, replacing anti-anxiety drugs.

The Role of Yoga in Nouf’s Healing Process

According to Nouf, lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease that can cause kidney failure and organ damage. I was able to achieve a state of relaxation and meditation with an emphasis on breathing and stretching exercises because of a variety of techniques, particularly rehabilitative yoga.

She continues her healing process, stating: I was able to vary between yoga styles based on my condition thanks to my knowledge of various exercises. I transition to gentle, supported yoga during illness episodes, particularly when I have muscle or joint stiffness.

Following her experience, Nouf Al-Marwaai made a concerted effort to promote yoga as a tool for social progress and harmony. She continues: “We seek yoga to express peace among peoples and to promote health and well-being, to enhance mental health and the well-being of individuals psychologically and physically.”

Ten years ago, yoga was not as well-liked by Saudi Arabian women and men as it is now. Every year, more and more people celebrate the International Day of Yoga, and as “Expo 2030” draws near, more people will likely connect with this healthful activity.

It was a challenging path for Nouf Al-Marwaai to bring yoga to this degree of popularity in Saudi Arabia. Her journey started in Australia, where she learnt about Hatha yoga and weight management while earning a diploma in physiology and anatomy. She then relocated to India, the birthplace of yoga, where she received teacher-supervised instruction in the Himalayas, Delhi, and the state of Kerala, which improved her health.

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Breaking Barriers: The First Certified Yoga Instructor in the Kingdom

She wanted to bring these lessons to Saudi Arabia after returning home and seeing that the Arab world was missing out on the advantages of yoga. After 20 years of battling, Nouf became the first certified yoga instructor in the Kingdom in 2004 despite facing rejection from some sections of society given the association of yoga with Hindu mythology.

She was given more opportunities to raise awareness after being selected as the regional director of Yoga Alliance International (YAI) in the Gulf in 2009, which marked a significant turning point. Before that, Nouf showed her dedication to advancing yoga in society by holding seminars at businesses and academic institutions, garnering media attention.

Her appointment in 2009 as the regional director of Yoga Alliance International (YAI) in the Gulf was a significant turning point since it provided her with more opportunities to raise awareness. Prior to that, Nouf gave lectures at businesses and academic institutions, garnering media interest and highlighting her dedication to spreading yoga throughout society.

Nouf’s gratitude was not just in her native country; it also reached New Delhi, where she was recognised for her work in the Arab Committee by the Director of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs’ Cultural Centre for External Relations and given the Padma Shri Award in 2018, India’s fourth-highest civilian honour.

Because of her efforts to promote yoga and define it as an integrated sports activity, Al-Marwaai was named one of the five most influential women in the yoga world last June. This recognition aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 to improve physical fitness, entertainment, and quality of life.

A Milestone Event

Nouf Al-Marwaai was instrumental in starting the first virtual conference that examined the therapeutic and scientific facets of yoga practice and its impact on the body and mind throughout her inspirational journey. To increase awareness of the advantages of yoga, the Asian Yoga Therapy Association collaborated with the organisers of this conference, which has its main office in Singapore.

Under her direction, the Saudi Committee also arranged the Kingdom’s first yoga festival, which drew more than 1,000 people to honour this healthful activity.

Ultimately, Nouf Al-Marwaai keeps learning and growing as a result of years of ardent labour, motivating others on their path to well-being and health.

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