The Five Tibetan Rites
of Rejuvenation

Joanna Cherry

These practices come from the book Ancient Secret of the Fountain of Youth, by Peter Kelder (Harbor Press, 1985). The writing is my own. People's' enthusiastic testimonials encourage us to do them for ourselves. The book has pictures of the rites which may make them easier to grasp.

Begin by doing only as many as feels comfortable. The goal is to work up to 21 times each. The full workout may take only about 20 minutes.

First Exercise: Spin
            Stand and spin around to the right. You can hold the thumb of your right hand up and focus upon that as you spin, if you like. Work up to 21 times. When you finish, press your palms together at chest height in front of you, bend your knees and look into the distance--this will quickly restore your stability.

Second Exercise: Leg and Neck Lift
            Lie flat on your back, arms by your side. Lift only your neck and head, not your shoulders, from the floor, simultaneously lifting your legs as high as you can, keeping them as straight as possible. Press down with your hands if need be until you are stronger. Breathe in as you lift, and out as you lower.

Third Exercise: Head and Shoulders Back
            Go into a kneeling position, back straight and perpendicular. Place your toes perpendicular to the floor, and your hands on the backs of your thighs. Drop your head forward to start. Breathing in, take your head and shoulders back as far as you can, leaning upon your hands. Breathe out again as you come forward, and drop your head at the end of your forward movement.

Fourth Exercise: Table Top
            Sit on the floor, legs stretched out in front of you, and place your hands pointing forward beside your hips. Your feet are a foot or so apart, and will not move during the exercise. Drop your head forward, breathe in and swing your knees up over your feet, allowing your head to go back and align with your torso. Tense every muscle in your body for a couple of seconds. Swing back down, breathing out, and drop your head. Lots of folks have trouble with this one, just begin where you are and your strength will come quickly.

Fifth Exercise: Sun Worship
            Lie face down on the floor and push up to the full length of your arms, allowing your spine to form a gentle downward arch. Your knees are not quite touching the floor (they never do) and your head is back. Breathe in, swinging up into the jackknife position, tucking your head under. Breathe out and swing back down.

Blessings!

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