Amidst the pristine beauty of the Maldives, Oaga Art Resort offers an immersive experience into the rich tapestry of Maldivian traditions through its Beys Foshi Therapies. This unique wellness journey taps into ancient healing practices, melding local spices and herbs with modern therapeutic techniques. Here, guests are invited to discover the profound secrets of Dhivehi Beys, a traditional Maldivian healing practice with a legacy that spans centuries.
The Beys Foshi Therapies at Oaga Art Resort are a homage to the age-old healing remedies passed down through generations. This ritualistic wellness experience combines traditional body scrubs, massage oils, and sand poultices with contemporary wellness techniques. Guests can indulge in a range of treatments including healing sea water baths, smudging rituals, and the use of coconut tools, all crafted to rejuvenate both body and spirit.
At the core of these therapies lies Dhivehi Beys, the indigenous medicinal practice of the Maldives. Until 1931, the concept of modern medical practices was unknown to these remote communities. With limited access to transportation, the islanders had no choice but to rely on the natural resources that surrounded them and the wisdom of their village healers.
Rooted in a blend of Ayurvedic, Unani, and Islamic medicinal traditions, Dhivehi Beys reflects a rich cultural heritage influenced by the islands’ diverse history. Maldivian history records legends about miraculous healers from the past such as Buraki Ranin, the 16th century queen of Sultan Mohammed who was said to be able to cure sword wounds overnight with her special remedies. In modern times, a healer known as El-Sheikh El-Hakeem Ahmed Didi from Seenu Atoll is recognised as the founder of Dhivehi beys as it is practiced today.
The practice of Dhivehi Beys is deeply intertwined with the natural rhythms of the Maldivian environment. Healers believed in the mystical influence of the moon on their remedies. During the full moon, these practitioners would collect herbs under the moon’s glow, believing that its gravitational pull enhanced the potency of their remedies. This sacred ritual, involving ancient chants and the invocation of plant spirits, was said to imbue the therapeutic oils with exceptional healing properties.
Word of their potent oils spread to islands near and far, attracting people from other islands seeking the healing touch of these revered healers. Their oils were said to cure ailments ranging from minor pains to serious illnesses, earning them a reputation for harnessing the moon’s guidance in their craft.
To this day, the tradition of Maldivian healers using the moon to create powerful therapeutic medicines endures, passed down through generations. The healers continue to honour the moon in their work, recognising its pivotal role in unlocking the true healing power of nature’s gifts.
Sadly, urbanisation and rising sea levels threaten the very plants on which Dhivehi Beys relies. Yet, the tradition endures, a testament to the enduring power of nature’s wisdom and the enduring connection between the Maldivian people, the moon, and the healing touch of Dhivehi Beys.
Guests at Oaga Art Resort have the opportunity to experience this unique tradition through the resort’s Hoba Spa. Here, the ancient practice of Dhivehi Beys is celebrated and shared, offering visitors a chance to connect with the Maldives’ rich cultural heritage while enjoying contemporary wellness treatments.
