Rejuvenation and Reversal

Ageing is a natural part of life, but wouldn’t it be amazing to go through it in good health? Sadly, many people find health issues related to ageing limit their ability to fully enjoy life in retirement. I’m not talking about chasing immortality here. From my experience as a yoga and fitness teacher, I’ve worked with countless middle-aged and senior students facing health issues – challenges that yoga, exercise and lifestyle can often prevent and even reverse.

I’ve had the privilege of helping many of them regain their vitality and enjoy an active, joyful journey well into their senior years. Their stories are truly inspiring – from grandparents keeping up with their grandchildren, to seeing remarkable improvements in their health markers, to simply waking up in the morning excited for a pain-free, active day. A lot of them formed new friendships and renewed sense of personal purpose and fullfiulment! A few even became yoga teachers! It’s proof that a vibrant, fulfilling life is possible at any age with the proper tools and mindset.

The body’s deterioration is closely linked to the weakening of apana vayu, the vital energy responsible for downward movement and elimination. I’ll explain this in more detail later, but in essence, reversing the downward flow of apana vayu is key to physical vitality and spiritual growth. As we age, apana vayu naturally diminishes, worsened by the constant pull of gravity on our bodies.

This decline can lead to health issues like hip and lower back pain, weakened organs, low energy, heart and respiratory risks, and even depression. Low energy levels also lead to toxin buildup (ama), and reduced immunity. The best time to take charge and reverse these effects of ageing is right NOW.

The Apana and Udana Vayu

Understanding our subtle composition can seem overwhelming, but let me simplify it for you. The journey to restoration and rejuvenation begins with enhancing udana vayu, the upward-moving energy. Compared to apana vayu which flows downwards, the udana vayu counteracts gravity and plays a vital role in maintaining vitality, mental clarity, and spiritual aspiration. It governs the upper chest, throat, neck, and face, influencing speech and sensory activity. The udana vayu also encourages lightness, agility of the body, sense of balance and is responsible for our sleep cycle so we can properly rest and recuperate. More importantly, it helps direct our focus towards higher spiritual aspirations.

The Udana Vayu bridges the physical to the spiritual dimensions, elevating the mind and body to higher consciousness. This alignment is not achieved through sensorial efforts alone but by consistently practising mental shifts that uplift our energy and deepen our awareness, especially in our most spiritually difficult moments.

Try this simple practice: Close your eyes and softly focus on the space between your eyebrows. Inhale deeply, and as you exhale, slowly and mindfully say the mantra in your mind, letting the words flow with your long, steady breath: “I am breathing deeply NOW.” Repeat this three times and observe the subtle shift in your energy.

Longevity Through Hatha Yoga