A Super-Ager in Golden Years

As you continue to age, your golden years years may not be "golden" to you because you may be facing adversity and frailty commonly encountered by many seniors. As a matter of fact, your days may seem long and dreary.

But it doesn't have to be like that. It's all in your mind, which creates your own perspectives of aging. Do not stereotype yourself as old and decrepit. Your final chapter in life may turn out to be golden years for you--the best of your life ever! You can do it if you empower yourself with the wisdom in living your golden years. 

Your Golden Years and Santa Claus is my book just published on Amazon. It is about the wisdom in living in the golden years. This is a comprehensive book on the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of successful aging. The book covers frailties and challenges encountered by many seniors in their golden years, such as vision loss, falling, memory impediment, breathing problems, health and money issues, among others. It shows you the wisdom to overcome or cope with them. In addition, it opens the doorway to making new waves to live a meaningful and purposeful life in your golden years. The wisdom is in using Santa Claus as your role model to believe in yourself, to think and act like Santa Claus.

For more information, click here.

Stephen Lau

The Longevity Challenge

The Longevity Challenge

One of the ironies of life is that on the one hand you may want to live long, while on the other hand you are afraid of longevity. Getting old is a new experience: it is quite different from what you imagined when you were young. You don’t know what getting old is really like until you have become old.

To many, longevity may not be a blessing because there are many challenging thoughts that come with longevity.

Physically, you will have aches and pains and short breaths if you live long enough. But it is what you think about what you are experiencing when you are getting old that really matters to you. It is always Getting old makes you confront the big questions of self-enlightenment, of life’s deeper meanings, and, inevitably, of death itself. Ruminating these questions may become a daily challenge; it is always a matter of mind over matter.

You may still be in good health and in good shape. However, back in your mind, there lurks the challenging thought that everything will not continue the way it is indefinitely: at some point in time your health will deteriorate, and with its deterioration, everything in your life may fall apart. It is this challenging thought of unwelcome changes arriving suddenly and without warning that unnerves you. Suddenly, you are confronted with the naked truth that all that remains in your life is nothingness, except death, which will turn you into nothingness.

In life, you have opened as many doors as you have closed. You may have the challenging thought that this may be the one final door you will open, and then it will be closed on you for good.

Another challenge of getting old is retirement. Many have deferred their retirements for as long as they possibly can. Retirement is not for everybody. For many, the career itself has been all their dreams and goals, and there has been little life beyond their jobs. There is a saying: “The more of a somebody you once were, the more difficult it is to revert to being a nobody.” If you happen to be one of these individuals, retirement is rude awakening. Retirement is adding insult to the injury of getting old.

No matter what, the challenging thoughts of longevity may be overwhelming to many. To distract yourself from these challenging thoughts of having to live long, take the following advice:

(1) Appreciate your life—each day is precious to you. Live in the present moment.

(2) Count your blessings—look in perspective at every problem related to longevity.

(3) Spend more time close to nature—watch the clouds, the sunrise and sunset; listen to the wind, and the sound of water lapping against the shore.

Learn to meditate. Meditation not only relaxes your body and mind, but also presents insight into the meaning of longevity. Learn the simple techniques of meditation.

Longevity may be challenging, but you will be able to cross the bridge when you come to it.

Stephen Lau

Copyright © 2018 by Stephen Lau

Alternate-Nostril Breathing for Healthy Vision

 Alternate-Nostril Breathing for Healthy Vision 

As you continue to age, your vision deteriorates. To slow down the process, breathing right may help: correct breathing provides more oxygen to your brain and your eyes. In addition, correct breathing also relaxes your mind, and hence your eyes. Eye relaxation is critical to vision health.

Alternate-nostril breathing is a basic Yoga breathing exercise to balance the right side and the left side of your brain.

The left side of your brain governs the right side of your body, including your speech and logical thinking, while the right side of your brain governs the left side of your body, including your creativity and intuition. Achieving balance and harmony between the two sides of your brain is critical to mind healing for deep relaxation. You can balance your mental energy from the right and the left side of the brain through practicing alternate-nostril breathing during meditation, or anytime when you want to relax your eyes.

Place your thumb and ring finger lightly on your right and your left nostrils, respectively, with your index and middle fingers resting lightly on your forehead between your eyebrows.

Exhale deeply through both nostrils.

Press your thumb against the RIGHT nostril to CLOSE it.

Breathe in through your LEFT nostril. Count 8.

CLOSE your LEFT nostril by pressing down your ring finger. Now, both nostrils are closed. Retain the air, and count 4.

OPEN your RIGHT nostril, and breathe out. Count 8.

With the LEFT nostril still CLOSED, breathe in through the RIGHT nostril. Count 8.

CLOSE the RIGHT nostril. Now, both nostrils are closed. Retain the air, and count 4

OPEN the LEFT nostril, and breathe out with the RIGHT nostril still closed. Count 8

Repeat the above process.

Here is a summary of alternate-nostril breathing:

Breathe out through BOTH nostrils.

Breathe in through the LEFT nostril (count 8).

Close BOTH nostrils, and retain air (count 4).

Breathe out through the RIGHT nostril (count 8).

Breathe in through the RIGHT nostril (count 8).

Close BOTH nostrils, and retain air (count 4).

Breathe out through the LEFT nostril (count 8).

Repeat.

Remember, breathing holds the key to relaxation of the mind and the eyes.

Stephen Lau

Copyright© 2018 by Stephen Lau

Super-Aging with the FiveTibetan Rites

What are the Five Tibetan Rites? 

Thousands of years ago, Tibetan monks in the Himalayas discovered the fountain of youth, vitality, and longevity: they condensed and modified more than twenty yoga exercises into five—now known as the Five Tibetan Rites.

This innovative yogic system of exercises is instrumental in energizing the entire body system for rejuvenation and longevity. 

The basic concept of the Five Tibetan Rites 

According to ancient healers in the East, the body has seven principal energy centers, which control the seven endocrine glands. Recent medical research has attested to the fact that the aging process is hormone-regulated. Therefore, enhancing the seven endocrine glands and normalizing hormonal imbalances in the body through energizing postures and exercises may hold the key to lasting youth, health, and vitality. However, to reap the full health benefits of the Tibetan Rites, it is important to practice them with a relaxed body and mind. In addition, a full natural and relaxed breath is essential. 

The anti-aging health benefits of the Five Tibetan Rites

The Five Tibetan Rites are anti-aging. In essence, the Tibetan Rites are one of the best-kept secrets for improving overall physical and mental health. In addition to enhancing the endocrine glands to balance the body’s hormones, the Tibetan Rites relieve muscular tension and nervous stress, both of which are damaging to long-term health. Furthermore, the focus on relaxed respiration not only enhances the senses but also harnesses vital life energy (known as qi) for self-transformation, which prepares the groundwork for any self-healing process.

The Tibetan Rites promote youthfulness in that they successfully eliminate double chins within a month or two. They also reduce midriff bulge and tighten the abdomen. In short, they provide a more youthful look.

The postures and exercises of the anti-aging Five Tibetan Rites are easy and enjoyable to practice. It takes less than 20 minutes to do the full 21 rotations of each of these rites. 

The First Tibetan Rite

• Stand tall and erect.
• Breathe naturally and slowly.
• Stretch out your arms sideways so that they are parallel to the floor.
• Now slowly spin your body around in a clockwise direction (3 to 21 repetitions).
• Stop if you feel dizzy.

 The Second Tibetan Rite

• Lie flat with your back on the floor.
• Fully extend your arms along your sides, with your palms against the floor, and your fingers closed together.
• Breathe in slowly.
• With chins tucked in, gently raised your head from the floor. Meanwhile, lift both of your legs, keeping your knees straight, into a vertical position from the floor.
• Slightly tilt your legs a little back over your body towards your head, while keeping your knees straight.
• Breathe out slowly.
• Now, slowly lower your head and your legs, returning them to their original positions.

 The Third Tibetan Rite

• With your body erect, kneel on the floor, with your hands against your thighs.
• Incline your head forward, with your chins tucked in against your chest.
• Breathe in slowly.
• Now, gently pull your head and neck backward, arching your spine. If necessary, press your hands against you thighs for support.
• Breathe out slowly.
• Return your body to the original position.

 The Fourth Tibetan Rite

• Sit erect on the floor with your feet extended out in front of you (about 12 inches apart).
• Place your hands, palms against the floor, next to your buttocks.
• Tuck your chin forward, and then drop your head backward as far as it can go.
• Breathe in slowly.
• Now, raise your whole body, with straight arms, and bent knees. Your trunk should be in a straight line with your upper legs, horizontal to the floor.
• Hold your breath while you tense every muscle in your body.
• Breathe out slowly as you return your body to the floor.

 The Fifth Tibetan Rite

•  Place your hands on the floor (about 2 feet apart).
•  Stretch and extend your legs to the rear (about 2 feet apart)
• Breathe in slowly.
• Push your body up as far as possible, with your toes in a flexed position. Support your body with your hands and palms against the floor. Your arms should be straight and perpendicular to the floor, while your legs should be straight and parallel to the floor. Your whole body should be in a sagging position.
• Breathe out slowly.
• Now, pull your head backward as far as possible. Then bend your hips and bring your body up into an inverted “V” position, while bringing your chin forward, tucking it against your chest.

Stephen Lau 

Copyright©2018 by Stephen Lau

The Longevity Organs

If you wish to live longer, take care of your kidneys.

In Chinese medicine, the kidneys are considered the longevity organs.

When your kidneys receive the blood, they process it by removing the wastes, and then return the processed blood to the body, with the toxic substances ending up in the urine to be excreted from your body through the urethra.

In addition to filtering toxins in the blood and lymph, the kidneys are also instrumental in regulating the acid-alkaline level (pH) in your body. A balanced acid-alkaline level is a must for optimum health because it controls your body metabolism and balances your body chemistry.

Furthermore, the kidneys stimulate the production of red blood cells in your body, and maintain optimum blood pressure.

 Stephen Lau

Copyright © 2018 by Stephen Lau

Liver Health the Chinese Way

Liver Health the Chinese Way

Chinese medicine is about qi, which is internal life energy coursing through the meridians in the body in order to bring oxygen and nutrients to different body organs and tissues. Qi is the invisible energy that flows through not just the human body but also the universe; the human body is but a microcosm of the universe. Therefore, if the flow of qi is disrupted for any reason, the entire body system will be in jeopardy.

The liver is responsible for promoting the smooth flow of qi and "blood" throughout the body. In Chinese medicine, liver health is longevity health because a healthy liver maintains the overall wellness of an individual. In Chinese medicine, "blood" is quite different from that observed in Western medicine. To the Chinese, "blood" serves three major functions in the body system:

1. It nourishes the body by providing nutrients. After your food and drink are digested in you stomach, they are extracted by your spleen and transformed into "blood."

2. It moistens and lubricates the body by giving it movement and flexibility in the form of qi.

3. It stabilizes the mind, making your thoughts clear and stable.

In Chinese medicine, a healthy liver regulates the amount of blood circulation. If you are active, your liver will produce and release more blood, and your blood flow will be strong and flexible. If our liver is impaired, your blood flow will be disrupted. Liver disharmony, due to liver damage, often leads to emotional disharmony, such as anger and sudden outbursts. Emotional problems are often stress-related. People suffering from mental depression often have a weak liver constitution.

Because liver function affects your blood, liver problems also have an adverse impact on tendons, that is, your movements and flexibility. Liver problems are manifested in your nails and your eyes. Nails are seen by the Chinese as tendons. Good liver health is indicated by strong nails, and liver problems result in pale and brittle nails. Your eyes, considered by the Chinese as "windows" of your internal health, require nourishment of your liver. A healthy liver gives you good vision, while liver damage results in inability to see clearly, both visually and mentally.

Do not damage your liver with alcohol. If you have a drinking problem, stop alcohol addiction right away. 

For more information on Chinese health and healing, visit my web site: Chinese Natural Healing.

Stephen Lau

Copyright © 20108 by Stephen Lau