Ranchi, March 14: Forget the doctors and their medications, you can now “clap” your way to a healthy life.

This was the theme of a special workshop conducted by Arun Rishi, industrialist-turned-personal health fitness guide, to explain his style of healthy living.

According to Rishi: “If a person claps his hands for 15 seconds, scrubs his feet and follows a healthy lifestyle, diseases will never be a cause of worry.”

Rishi explained why his style is scientific and effective.

“When we clap our hands and scrub our feet vigorously, the acupressure points in the palms and feet get activated. These points are responsible for treating different ailments in the body,” said Rishi.

He said the only “mantra” to keep diseases at bay is to be happy, and form good habits which are “close to nature and easy to practice”.

Rishi asked people to abstain from tea, coffee, alcohol and other intoxicants. He also advised them to give up use of cosmetics, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soaps and shampoos.

Instead of toothpaste, he suggested that a mixture of mustard oil, salt and some turmeric be applied with the middle finger. Similarly, instead of shaving foam a mixture of water, mustard oil and milk can be used to soften the beard before shaving.

There was a high attendance of women at the workshop. Rishi warned them about the damaging effects of chemicals present in cosmetics and gave them a number of home-made substitutes for their beauty regime.

Rishi said a pack of besan, turmeric, milk, mustard oil and lime is a far better substitute for soap.

“These packs and mixtures are non-toxic and pure. So, they do not harm skin or hair. Besides, one should try to take a mud bath at least once a month,” Rishi said.

“We heard something new at the workshop today. I am not sure how effective it will be, but I will definitely give it a try,” said Priyanka, who was present at the workshop.