Ancient wellness practice finds new following in Dubai

Suspended by ropes and chains, Dubai residents are embracing Pravilo, a body decompression practice with roots in ancient Slavic traditions that instructors say promotes physical recovery, mindfulness and a deeper connection between body and mind.

At Pramas Premium Wellness Centre in Dubai, Anna Salaeva and Stuart Terpstra are among those practising Pravilo, having both taken up the discipline seven months ago.

Pravilo master, Ludmila Golovco said the practice has evolved from its historical roots into a modern wellness method focused on recovery and self-awareness.

"We're connecting mind, we're connecting body, we're connecting breath work, we're connecting to ourself," said Golovco. "It's not a fitness approach, but it's really a connection - mind and body," she added.

The centre introduced the practice in 2024 and has seen growing interest since then, with an increasing number of residents signing up to experience Pravilo's physical and mental benefits.

Terpstra, who was initially drawn by the stretching aspect of Pravilo, said he soon discovered a broader mental component. "It's not only like stretching, but there's this whole psychosomatic thing behind it," said Terpstra. ”You're also working on your mental, you're meditating, you're focusing on breathing," he added.

The unconventional appearance of the practice often divides opinion, said Golovco.

"Someone is afraid and they're saying, no way, it's torture and you will harm yourself, but another side, they're saying, wow, it's so cool, I want to try this," added the Pravilo master.

Production: Abir Al Ahmar/Reuters