YOGA + FITNESS / In The Practice
by Anna Laird Barto
COULD THE
FIVE TIBETAN RITES
W
hen I first heard about the Five Tibetan Rites, I was intrigued that the benefits of yoga could be distilled into one daily, 10-minute practice. As much as I’d love to practice 70 minutes of vinyasa every day, it’s just not realistic with my hectic schedule. Having just turned 40, it also didn’t hurt that the Five Tibetan Rites are thought to have anti-aging effects and have even been touted as the “Tibetan Fountain of Youth.” In his 1939 book, The Eye of Revelation, American mystic Peter Kelder claims that
46
the rites had been passed down by an order of Tibetan lamas known for their extraordinary youthfulness and longevity. While their true origins are subject to debate, the exercises do strongly resemble some 2,500 year-old Indo-Tibetan yoga practices. More importantly, practitioners report increased energy, strength, flexibility, mental peace and clarity. After six months of practicing the rites more or less consistently, my smile lines haven’t gone anywhere. However, the practice has jump-started my morning routine, like a shot
of espresso for mind, body and spirit. I’ve also noticed an improvement in strength and stamina during my regular vinyasa practice. What makes these five simple postures so powerful? Each rite targets a different chakra system, modulating the flow of energy to the corresponding endocrine glands, which are responsible for regulating bodily processes like mood, metabolism, libido, growth and yes, aging. Start by performing each rite just two to three times. Eventually, you may work up to the recommended 21 repetitions.
YOGALIFELIVE.COM
photo by linus mimietz
Be the Key to Lifelong Vitality?
