Doctor Tridendra Shakya, experienced Holistic Wellbeing and Lifestyle Coach, is the current Residential Practitioner at Amilla Maldives. A Naturopathy and Yoga Dr with an impressive array of qualifications in the fields of Naturopathy, Yogic Science, Clinical Psychology, Radiology and Medicine Acupuncture, Dr Tridendra (Dr T.) has become a pioneer in the field of holistic healthcare, providing comprehensive and individualised care to those seeking alternative and holistic approaches for their health and well-being for more than 18 years.

Dr. Tridendra is in Amilla Maldives from 1^st October until 5^th December 2024, providing guests with some of the hallmark practices from his diverse portfolio. These include TCM acupuncture, reflexology, cupping, therapeutic yoga and stress management through breathing techniques, Yoga Nindra, Ayurvedic Marma movements, Taichi and QiGong as a motion meditation for self-healing.   

Maldives Wellness Review took the opportunity to speak with Dr T about his experience of holistic wellbeing and the type of therapies offered to the guests at Amilla Maldives.

MWR: Tell us a little about yourself and your journey in holistic medicine.

DR T: I am Nepalese and was born into a Buddhist family with a father who was a Traditional Naturopath. Growing up in a Naturopathy environment it was a natural choice to study Naturopathy at college. At the time Naturopathy was an advanced type of healing in Nepal but the opportunity to practice it was limited. This prompted me to learn as an intern at a medical hospital which made me aware of the many non-communicable diseases (NCD’s) and chronic diseases that natural therapies could actually help.

I soon realised that treatments for chronic diseases were in much demand, so took a master’s in clinical psychology to better understand the challenges, and how natural therapies, diet, nutrition, movement and mindset could help. Pain management was a reoccurring theme which meant I went on to study acupuncture followed by a master’s in radiography to help me better understand the inner workings of the body and what an MRI showed.

This made me aware that preventative medicine was a much more sustainable way to achieve health than reactive medical interventions, potions and pills which only treat the symptoms, not the cause. That realisation was the catalyst for the wellness clinic in Katmandu. I also worked to establish the first Medi Spa and then developed Destination Wellness to treat and give people the experience of a balanced whole lifestyle.

MWR: Your practices are based on Naturopathy, how is this different from Ayurveda?

DR T: Naturopathy focuses on the basics of nature, the five elements, (Earth, Water, Fire, Air, Ether or Space) so is completely natural, and its belief in the innate healing system through and by the body . Ayurveda is based on the three personality types of Vata, Pitta and Kapha and use extractions and essences of natural herbs.

MWR: What first prompted you to leave Nepal and travel?

DR T: A bigger family and increased responsibilities, and definitely my eagerness to learn more. So when a colleague from OneSpa World, Miami suggested I join a cruise ship and practice acupuncture there, it seemed an ideal opportunity to boost finances whilst learning about various countries, different places and people, and cultures.

Although cultures are different across the west, Europe, and Asia, the science of wellness and the human body is the same, it is just the terms used in different areas are different. For example, in Hindu philosophy – Yoga, life is flow of Prana, whilst in Traditional Chinese medicine Qi (Chi) is life force; different terms but the same energy, which when blocked or imbalanced results in improper functioning of the organs and between the system, low energy, and illness. Yoga, meditation and TCM, all these philosophies believe that the body heals itself if given an opportunity.

MWR: That’s interesting, so if the body has the ability to heal itself why don’t we let it?
Dr T: The body needs time to relax so it can rejuvenate and heal. With the rat race we live in, most people do not have the time to relax, allowing our brain to ‘think’ something wrong is happening in your body. The brain is lazy so if it doesn’t need to do anything it won’t. Now medicines are a much quicker and easier alternative.

MWR: What treatments do you offer to the clients at Amilla?

DR T: Primarily, treatment commences with a detailed consultation. I also use tongue, pulse and iris diagnosis. And acupuncture and cupping to complement the services already offered by the SPA team here. Both release pressure and help rebalance the body. I also provide self-energising, self healing, motion meditation (Taichi and QiGong) and the transfer of energies to the clients here and incorporate Reiki healing into the treatments. And Yogic Vedic cleansing, so called detox treatment in the modern world,` to help enhance immune system, balance hormones and release negative energy.

After consultation all treatments are tailored to suit the guest and their bodily requirements. The cupping technique I use here is a little different to the traditional, and involves the movement of the cups which prevents the marks associated with cupping, which means holiday pictures are not spoilt!

MWR: Acupuncture is often the last resort once people have tried everything else. Why?

DR T: Often its one, or a combination of four things, the fear of needles, time and accessibility and lack of knowledge. People are impatient and believe steroids or pills will act quicker and acupuncture takes longer which is not always correct. Steroids are a way to manage the pain as opposed to stop it. Finding a qualified acupuncturist can be difficult and insurances do not often cover acupuncture, making it harder for people to access. Then there is the overriding fear of needles which can be the most challenging to overcome. I start with cupping first, and then introduce just one or two needles to see how they respond.

MWR: How many acupuncture treatments are required to see results?

DR T: It depends on the individual, how chronic the problem is and the location. For instance, in a city, someone with a prolapsed disc usually needs 6 or 7 sessions just to centralise the pain, whereas here at Amilla the person is away from the stress of everyday life and already more relaxed and receptive to changes happening in the body after treatment. Additionally, there is the natural energy of the resort which gives a stronger vibration, so the treatment is more effective and quicker.

MWR: One of the therapies you offer is acupuncture for weight loss, how does that work?

DR T: Unfortunately, it’s not just as simple as sticking a needle in and popping the fat!

The concept is to turn on the energy receptors at key points within the body and stimulate the satiety centres which means you feel full and eat less. And also stimulate the body’s detoxifying execratory channels. Then combine this with nutrition and breath work to increase oxidation which helps break down fat.

One of the main keys to obesity is stress management so I use guided meditation, yoga nidra (physic sleep), to help people visualise things differently.

Acupuncture also works for other addictions like smoking as it opens the excretory channels, allows relaxation from the inside and people become more calm and disciplined.

MWR: This is your second visit to the Maldives, what enticed you here originally?

DR T: I was working in clinical set-ups like hospitals and clinics, but I also had the experience of working in luxury resorts in Indonesia, and was a Licensed Acupuncturist in PNO Cruises, Australia, working to provide for my family (I have two boys), and was looking for different opportunities. A colleague of mine was due to come here, however he had to go to Ireland at the last moment, giving me the opportunity.

It was an amazing experience as I could feel the energy of the island as soon as I arrived, and the sea was unlike anything I’d experienced. Nepal does not have oceans, so although I could swim, I had never experienced the soothing power of water that I felt in the sea here. I was here for a month, all the guests I treated were happy, as was the resort, so I’m very pleased to be invited back once again.

MWR: You mentioned that Amilla had a good energy. What makes you say that?

DR T: You feel it as soon as you arrive on the island. The island has energy through its natural habitat. You can feel it in the trees, especially the ones outside the Spa. The SPA is built on the peaceful side of the island which provides tranquillity and an amazing view. The treatment rooms are situated on the earth next to water, so they have the earth’s energy and is well nourished. Engineers must have followed vastu well too.

A key way to induce wellness is to satisfy the 5 senses which are sight, sound, smell, taste and touch. At Amilla guests get all that in abundance from the smile of the team, smell and taste of the food, touch of the salt water and the rays of the sun. We make our own organic aromatic oils and moisturising creams. The ambience of the spa and the aromas stimulate smell and touch as treatment so it’s a great way for guests to release their stress and tension and relax and be happy.

MWR: What is the most popular treatment you are offering at Amilla?

DR T:  The AcuMassage which includes Acupuncture, Cupping and is followed by Ayurvedic Marma movements to release both physical and mental stress, good for neck and upper back, and lower back pain, also good for long-distance travellers, office workers, and those who work with computers. The sinus cleansing which involves actions to clean and detoxify the nasal passage and upper respiratory tract to boost immunity, which is followed by acupuncture and relaxation techniques to release blockages and anxiety, treat migraines, sinusitis and manage sleep apnea.  

MWR: How do you see Wellness evolving over the next 3 to 5 years?

DR T: Wellness has already boomed!

Covid presented challenges for medical teams who were prescribing vitamin C, magnesium, selenium and zinc. There was a realisation that the immune system was important and needed to be nurtured. People became conscious that the best cure was to invest in prevention, which is an important step as mutations of the virus will get worse. A return to natural wellness and understanding the importance of going back to nature has seen more wellness spas and more wellness centres developed.

People are learning and becoming practitioners themselves. However, it would be wonderful if wellness or naturopathic departments could be established in medical hospitals as well.

MWR: How do you feel about The Maldives as a Wellness Destination?

DR T: It is a perfect place (for wellness). The islands are ‘wellness diamonds’ sprinkled in the ocean. There is such a strong connection between the water and the earth that the energy is palpable, however it needs nurturing. The natural islands with its temperature and humidity as places of wellness cannot be beaten, they have the energy, are surrounded by salt water that soothes you and there are no crowds so you have the tranquillity.

MWR: You are in residence here at Amilla until 5^th December. What’s next?

DR T:  This time I’m leaving back to Nepal to continue my clinical practice. Perhaps, it would be wonderful to experience more of the Maldives ‘wellness diamonds’, and share my knowledge and expertise and see how their energies are and I’m always open to new opportunities. Also, I hope to return to Amilla as visiting practitioner once again in 2025.

All Photos: Amilla Maldives.