The Five Tibetans:

It’s a well-known fact that regular exercise is an important factor in maintaining physical, as
well as mental, and emotional, health. But, unfortunately, that doesn’t mean that everybody
actually includes some form of physical activity in their normal routine. A seeming lack of
time is often the reason cited by people for not exercising on a regular basis. If you happen
to be one of those people with limited time to devote to an exercise regimen, you might find
The Five Tibetans to be “just what the doctor ordered.”

One of the great things about this group of exercises is that they are quick to learn and
only take about 15 minutes to perform, but end up giving all the organs and the spine a
good workout. They are based on several different yoga poses, so if you’ve done yoga in
the past, or are used to being physically active, you will probably find them relatively easy
to complete. However, if you fall into the “couch potato” category or have been relatively in-
active for awhile, several of the poses may initially seem difficult. Not to worry! The idea is
to start with whatever amount of repetitions is comfortable, and work up to 21 of each
exercise. What’s nice is there’s no expensive equipment or special clothing needed, and
you can do The Five Tibetans in the privacy of your own home whenever you have a little
spare time—although first thing in the morning is ideal.

Just by using these five exercises you stimulate full energy flow through the chakras and
enliven the corresponding nerves, organs and glands. You will also tone and strengthen
the major muscle groups and help bring back a sense of youthful vitality—some people
have even had their gray hair go back to its original color. Each exercise works hand in
hand with the others, and together they are good for stretching stiff muscles, deepening
the breath, and retaining or regaining flexibility of the spine.

To find out more about The Five Tibetans and the physiology and philosophy behind this
group of exercises you can refer to the book The Five Tibetans, by Christopher S. Kilham,
(see our Books page) or Ancient Secret of the Fountain of Youth by Peter Kelder. You can
also find brief instructions and animated pictures of the exercises at the website www.
lifeevents.org (the site also contains information on cleansing/detoxing the body, and daily
practices that promote conscious well-being).


Qi Gong/Chi Kung:
Another form of exercise that doesn't require special equipment, a gym membership, etc.,
is Qi Gong, a series of movements based on age-old wisdom and the energy systems of
the body. Qi (Chi) = energy and Gong (Kung) = skill, so Qi Gong is all about developing
the skill of attracting vital energy. Through slow-paced breathing and exercises, this
ancient Chinese practice allows you to focus, build strength, and establish a mind-body
connection. All the exercises concentrate on simple physical movements that are
performed to cleanse the meridians so that the qi/chi can flow freely. Qi Gong has been
shown to improve posture, circulation, flexibility and blood pressure, but one of its main
benefits may be its meditative aspect that helps an individual deal with the kind of stress
that causes aging.

Go to www.qigongusa.org, www.qi.org, or www.possiblesociety.org for more information.
Want to create a personal qi gong program of your own to strengthen your life energy—
without having to use up gas driving to classes? Go to Shop4AllOne and order Qi Gong
Energy Healing (item #990913), a book by Master Gao Yun and Master Bai Yin focusing
specifically on the five-element rejuvenation exercises. There’s also a CD titled Elements
of Rejuvenation (item #993414) by Merlin’s Magic, with music designed to work in
conjunction with the exercises and also energize the inner organs. For a short video
demonstrating several qi gong exercises on oprah.com click here.


Back to "To Your Health"
"May you be blessed with all things good."
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
The products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The information
is provided as a guideline only, and is not meant to substitute for the advice of your physician,
nutritionist, trained health care practitioner, and/or inner guidance system. When in doubt,
always consult a professional before undertaking any change to your normal health routine.