Advice and Tips
The 5 Tibetans – A Daily Challenge For You That Might Make You Live Longer!
The Five Tibetans, or Five Tibetan Rites, are an ancient system of exercises similar to traditional Yoga, but with some notable differences.
Legend abounds but apparently they are a veritable ‘fountain of youth’ and by practicing daily you will see the benefits accrue, as well as see a noticeable benefit each day you practice them.
I became aware of the 5 Tibetans by exploring Kundalini yoga, in which they are sometimes practiced. I have just trained as Reiki 2 practitioner and there is a focus on the 7 chakras, which are areas in the body where energy channels and spins, and by working on the chakras in both yoga and Reiki, energy, wellbeing and longevity are said to increase. The 5 Tibetans are said to stimulate all 7 chakras, to restore health and balance to the body and mind.
Hope I haven’t lost you all there, I know it might sound a bit spacey and ‘out there’ to some of you, but regardless, the 5 Tibetans are fantastic to practice each day for several completely down to earth and practical reasons:
1. They energise you immediately, raising the heart rate and creating a real sense of invigoration, setting you up for the day.
2. They are actually pretty strenuous, although you should take it at your pace and build up to it, so give you a metabolism boost too as well as a sense of achievement each time you practice them.
3. They create a balanced flexibility, including dynamic versions of yoga poses, that counteract the tightening, flexing impact modern life and sitting has on us all. This means better posture, fewer injuries and increased performance in your training sessions (which means better results!)
4. They help create a sense of calm and are a great way to destress and balance hormones.
5. They only take 10 minutes!
I was going to film a video for you but the one I originally found is so good you can have that instead – featuring Ellen Wood, who incorporates the 5 Tibetans in her system to reduce ageing – she’s looking pretty awesome for 73 so that is incentive enough for me! Plus I adore the soundtrack.
You should start with 3-5 of each and gradually build up to 21 of each – there is said to be no need or benefit in doing more. Ellen emphasises doing them slowly, I do them a bit faster. Bootcampers you will recognise 3 of them from bootcamp!
You can also download a PDF to remind you of the movements as well as some modifications HERE and another version here: The 5 Tibetans.)
I have decided to commit to practicing these EVERY DAY and would love you to join me! Post below if you are up for the challenge, race to see who lives to 150!
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