Dr. Khushali Shah
BHMS,PGDEMS,CCAH
I love to trek because it’s when I feel most alive. As being a Doctor, I am always asked by my friends and colleagues as to why do I trek? Why do I get up at 5 in the morning to get out watching the shining sun, spoiling my sleep? In fact some of my buddies even do blame me for spending money just to climb those rocky, dangerous mountains instead of spending it on my needs and luxury.
Initially I found it really hard to explain it to them why do I do it. I always said, that the early morning sun, the sight of high mountains, the chirping of birds, the gushing sound of water, the ever refreshing taste of the flowing water all of it energized me, it boasted me to work better and be creative in my work, but such explanations never appealed my friends. They felt I was crazy for spoiling my weekends and going out days together for trekking.
Only after I went to treks through the beautiful mountain ranges of the Sahyadris and the twisted trails of Himalayas did I realize the healing and teaching power of Mother Nature. While trekking , I faced constant challenges like climbing high mountains, crossing rivers, fighting your fears ,meeting new insects and instant weather changes, with swollen feet, muscle aches and cramps and lot more of pain we all only wanted to return back to the hotel bed and the comforting hot shower, but they were miles away.
Our group just walked every day, every minute together, facing challenges getting closer to each other, getting stronger and more confident. Every pain rejuvenates you. It motivated me, I cried with joy every time when I completed the journey. The lovely memories ill cherish them for life.
For a common man trekking is something that is tiring and a risky hobby. The name itself puts an image of feeling drained, muscle pains, cramps and lot more. When you go to see, there are far more benefits of trekking than the associated pains and risks. In fact, no other activity can provide such physical, mental and social benefits.
When it comes to list health benefits of trekking, the list may go endless consisting of several mental as well as physical benefits like
• Regular trekking is said to reduce blood pressure and balance body’s cholesterol & triglycerides levels as well. It improves circulatory system thereby reducing the probability of heart attack, stroke, etc.
• Inhaling fresh air, cleanses the lungs by improving the respiratory system and increases blood oxygenation levels.
• According to a study, higher the antioxidants levels in human body, higher is the capacity to fight infections.• During Trekking, the body uses the blood sugar to fuel muscle activity, this reduces the excess sugar in the body while also increasing the body’s insulin tolerance. Thus controlling blood sugar levels.
• Reducing those extra pounds of weight without even you knowing about it.
• Tones up muscles and makes them more flexible, preventing osteoporosis and arthritic complaints.
• Researches show that time spent outdoors may decrease symptoms of ADHD, improve memory and boost creativity.
• It teaches valuable life skills- climbing is an amazing teacher, insisting focus, balance, determination improves stamina, demolishes mental blocks and team building skills and whole … host of valuable life skills.
• Helps to stay calm, reduce stress and fight depression.
• When you reach the top it surely gives you an extreme sense of happiness, contentment and fulfillment.
Trekking can be as easy as walking in your neighborhood, or as difficult as a mountain climb depending on one’s current physical activity level.
I remember a quote by - John Muir
LESSONS TO TAKE HOME
1. You never know how many other things you are capable of doing only if you tried
2. Live with pain. Wounds are sign of growth.
3. In this fast moving, gadget oriented life trekking helps you spend time and built more stronger bonds with your near and dear ones
4. Travelling tends to magnify all human emotions. Just feel the magic in the air and the power in the breeze, feel the energy of the plants and the trees, let yourself be surrounded by the music of nature at its best, calm yourself, focus and let the magic do the rest.
"TREKKING SURELY IS HOLISTICALLY THERAPEUTIC JUST AS HOMOEOPATHY IS."
I never imagined the challenges and rewards of trekking would make me so healthy and teach me so much about life but I have pledged to implement all. What about you? Ready to start trekking?
Course Coordinator at MUHS Dept, the other song - International Academy of Advanced Homoeopathy
Alumni, the other song - International Academy of Advanced Homoeopathy
