A year ago, I was introduced to a quick yoga practice reported to be over 2,500 years old, called the 5 Tibetan Rites. After viewing a few videos and reading a short book, I started to engage in the 15-minute sequence every morning, whether at home or on the road. I’ve kept up with the habit for a year and have made some interesting observations along the way. Here’s the scoop. They are thought to increase mobility and flexibility and help the body stay nimble as we age. Increased energy and feelings of calmness, mental clarity, greater spinal flexibility, better sleep, weight loss, healthier digestion, and improved libido have also been associated with the practice. In addition to these benefits, research has also emerged suggesting that the flexibility of our spine predicts the flexibility of our arteries. Therefore, a yoga practice centered on spine flexibility, like the Tibetans, may help keep our arteries in a youthful state. Some add a Sixth Tibetan Rite claimed to improve sexual endurance, which involves standing straight up and exhaling all air out of the lungs before bending over toward your knees or toes and returning straight up. I practice this one, too, and I usually add a shoulder stand and a plow pose to the flow as well. In my anti-aging cardiology practice, the goal is always to maintain a youthful body, mind, and spirit. The Tibetan Rites make up one practice with measurable results that I now recommend to patients to help them do just that. A cutting-edge nutrition deep dive taught by 20+ top health & wellness experts
