Our breath is a major force and factor in exercise, and either powers our daily regime or stalls it. Becoming aware of how our breath and body work seamlessly together are vitally important to our overall health.

Movement for health is quite different to movement for the sake of being active. When engaging in exercise, we need to consider whether what we’re doing either irritates or soothes the body. Movement should always nourish, sustain and energise - as well as circulate vitality and life force - and shouldn’t leave the body feeling exhausted and depleted.

Movement is about balance - a balance of both Yin and Yang (passive-active) energies - or activity and relaxation. This is particularly relevant as we get older. The older we are the more need we have for exercise and activity. Likewise, the older we are, the more time we need to balance activity with rest and/or soft exercise.

The purpose of exercise is to nurture and build true health through the cultivation and mastery of Qi, Prana, Pneuma or Essence. This universal life force is found everywhere - in nature, humans, animals, and the cosmos. Everything we think, do or nourish our body with, whether through our senses, our intellect, our emotions, etc., should always preserve and care for our Essence - our life force. A strong Prana, Qi or Essence is the foundation for a strong immune system and long term natural health.

The perfect exercise regime includes a focus on breathing and breathwork. It is our breath that livens and moves the body, and not the other way around. The breath warms us, cools us down, facilitates mindfulness and presence and more.

Bushwalking, trail running, swimming, cold water therapy, sun bathing, dancing, singing, skipping, gardening, working with animals, walking barefoot in a park, standing still and meditating - can all be a part of a healthy sustainable exercise regime as long as the exercise is a balance of Yin and Yang.

Movement, activity and exercise should also be proportional to the individual’s actual fitness level and should progress consistently from there with the right level of intensity.

I prescribe exercises for my clients, regardless of whether they receive a Thai massage, cupping therapy or follow a nutritional therapy plan. Exercise acts as a restorative, curative and rehabilitative mechanism and process.

My priority is movement or exercise that requires minimal equipment, takes place outdoors in natural sunlight and air, provides a whole body workout, builds natural muscle, strength and physique, looks simple but is highly effective, and can be as varied or homogenous as one requires.

Posted by Jasmin on Jan 04, 2026