Can an Ancient Practice Reverse Ageing?
In the heart of ancient Eastern traditions lies a fascinating meditation practice that is said to be able to reverse and even stop ageing.
The names of this method don’t translate very neatly into English: Inner Strength Movement in India, the Microcosmic Orbit in China, and the Waterwheel in Japan. But please don’t think this is limited to the East. Comparable practices exist in Western inner alchemy and Kabbalah. Indeed, I have even found a description of something very similar in a 17th-century Rosicrucian document.
I am, however, choosing to use the Indian Yogic version of the exercise called Shakti Chalana Mudra.
This meditative exercise involves circulating energy through specific pathways in the body, and ancient texts claim that it holds the power to reverse the ageing process. Intrigued by these bold assertions, I’ve decided to embark on a personal experiment to see if there’s any truth to these claims.
Understanding the Shakti Chalana Mudra
The Shakti Chalana Mudra, involves the conscious circulation of energy, or “prana”, through two major channels in the body: the Governing Vessel, which runs along the spine, and the Conception Vessel, which flows along the front of the body.
The practice methods vary but typically involve specific breathing techniques, visualisation, and locks (bandhas) and symbolic body positions (mudras) to guide the energy flow. The goal is to create a continuous loop of energy, harmonising the body’s energy systems and uniting the higher and lower forces. For a more in-depth understanding of this, please see my other blogs on inner alchemy.
The ancient Yoga texts claim that to achieve age reversing (and other effects), one really needs to practice this meditation with full focus for extended periods. This time varies from 80 minutes to 160 minutes a day!
Is that really possible?!
The Shakti Chalana Mudra is a very dedicated, intense method, and the suggestion of doing this for more than 20 minutes sounds unrealistic to most people, never mind the times suggested in the traditional instructions.
Indeed, the most respected modern Yoga practitioners don’t believe it’s possible.
Swami Muktibodhananda – “Though it is stated in the text that shakti chalana should be practised for ninety minutes, this will not be possible, nor is it advisable.” – In her commentary on the Hatha Yoga Pradipika
Swami Shivananda – “Only a King of the Yogi could repeat the mudra as long as suggested.” – In his talk, the theosophical society.
Can it Really Reverse Aging?
Ancient texts and practitioners of Shakti Chalana Mudra make a remarkable claim: regular practice can reverse the ageing process. This claim is based on the belief that ageing is caused by a depletion of original life force and blockages in the body’s energy channels. Writings consistently state this all the way back to the 1st century in China and the 4th century in India.
Next year, I have decided to commit to a daily practice of Shakti Chalana Mudras. I’ll be documenting my experiences, including any changes in my physical and mental well-being here.
It may be that reading this, you have strong doubts about hidden forces and chrakras. If this is the case, consider this an exercise in mind over matter or the placebo effect. What would happen in a meditation expert was to sit in a deep state of focus every day, willing the body to return to a youthful state?
Measuring success:
I am going to keep this very simple. In my opinion, if it works, it will be very obvious.
- I will continue to take blood tests and continue to compete in the Rejuvenation Olympics (I am currently in position 40)
- I will report any notable physical or mental changes
- I will use the outer world as my age test. How old do people I meet who don’t know me think I am?
Both Indian and Chinese texts state that results should be clear to see from the very beginning, with the Shiva Samhita stating that every breath of this exercise makes you live longer, and the Daoist Secret Recording of Nourishing Life states that every day of practice makes you more days younger.
Why Am I Doing This?
Let me, please be totally clear that I have come to this practice not because I am specifically seeking to reverse ageing but because inner alchemy is the next step in my training to reach adepthood. These exercises have higher goals and rejuvenation is just a side effect I feel it would be a blessing to share.
If you are aware of my previous undertakings, you might have seen that I have been sharing my yogic approach to rejuvenation/regeneration throughout 2024 with some promising but limited results for Viapareeta Karani Mudra. This practice, based on a very similar energy mechanism, started to form into the exact circulation utilised in my inner vision. The transfer feels guided, and I have got used to the very tough extended practices, which I feel places me in a good starting place for the above technique.
During the year, I will slowly work up to the suggested time while getting guidance from expert teachers on this art.
Please keep checking this blog to see how this develops. If there is enough interest, I will post my whole regime in the near future.