Rejuvenation – Turning Back The Clock (Part 2)

Ayurveda is well equipped to address the issue of rejuvenation, in view of its truly comprehensive, holistic approach. Its great strength lies in its ability to multi-task, drawing upon a range of disciplines, all of which have a part to play in assuring continued good health and longevity.

YATAN Yoga has been developed specifically to make its benefits more accessible to the average person, which it achieves by blending the practices of Yoga, Ayurveda, Tantra, Astrology and Naturopathy. What makes it such an effective tool for rejuvenation is the way in which it recognises individual needs and differences in terms of age and health issues, diet and lifestyle.

Kaya Kalpa is the Ayurvedic practice of rejuvenation. ‘Kaya’ means ‘body’ and ‘Kalpa’ means ‘transformation’ and the purpose of this set of therapies is to actually reverse the degeneration that accompanies the aging process. The first priority is always detoxification, and this is addressed through the use of a combination of Panchakarma (Ayurvedic detoxification) therapies. When the body has been cleared of built up impurities it is important to replenish the vital fluids flowing through the tissues and this is achieved by the use of Rasayanas – herbal tonics or revitalisers. Working at a cellular level these help to stimulate the immune system, preventing the onset of degenerative processes. Timing is of vital importance in this process. For example, the best time to drink half a litre of water is at 6 a.m. as the body’s filtration capacity is then at its optimum level. However, the best time to administer neurotransmitter medicine is at 3 p.m. The body’s ability to utilise different nutrients varies throughout the day.

In addition to body detoxification and revitalisation the YATAN program is careful to attend to mental and emotional factors that play a powerful part in premature aging. Recent or past life events and environmental stresses may have created negative  emotional patterns that need to be released. Tantra/Mantra therapy, as well as yogic postures (asanas), yogic breathing exercises (pranayama) and meditation can all have profound effects on mind-body balance.

Kaya Kalpa can therefore be seen to be highly complex – a far cry from popping a hormone pill every day – but it has tremendous rewards. The time it takes varies greatly, for example if there is an existing illness this has to be addressed first, but we would generally advise anyone embarking on the program to expect it to take a year. A small price to pay for longevity and spiritual wellbeing.