NOW AVAILABLE
Taming the Walrus
Inner Intelligence, Yoga, and the Science of Healthy Ageing
A guide to building energy, resilience and clarity at any age, written by yoga teacher, breathwork practitioner and MS specialist Véronique Gauthier Simmons.
About the book
A different approach to healthy ageing
This is not a book of protocols, supplements or biohacks. It is an invitation to understand your body: how it moves, breathes, repairs and creates energy, and to work with it rather than against it, especially if you are navigating fatigue, stress, or chronic health conditions.
What it combines
Science meets wisdom
Evidence-based longevity science woven together with the traditional yogic understanding of breath, prana and awareness.
What makes it different
Written from lived experience
Véronique has lived with MS since 1999. This book is not theoretical. It grows from over two decades of teaching, healing, and learning to trust the intelligence already within the body.
Inside the book
What you will explore
Each chapter opens a fresh dimension of healthy ageing, grounded in current science and inspired by wisdom traditions.
Introducing the Walrus
1: Movement as Medicine – Awakening the Body’s Intelligence
2: Strength – The Architecture of Stability
3: Stretching – Fascia, Inflammation and the Nervous System
4: Power – Speed, Strength, and Neural Agility
5: Stress – The Silent Saboteur
6: Breath – The Gateway to Resilience
7: Deep Rest – A Biological Requirement
8: Vitality – Power at the Cellular Level
9: Prana & the Flow of Life – Life Force as Intelligence
10: Silence & Trust – Listening Beyond the Body
11. Conclusion – Remembering our Deepest Intelligence
Who this is for
This book is for you if…
You want to age with energy, clarity and strength, not just manage symptoms
You feel there must be more to healthy ageing than protocols and willpower
You are navigating fatigue, stress or a chronic health condition
You are curious about yoga, breathwork or movement but want to understand the science behind it
You are ready to stop fighting your body and start listening to it
Put it into practice
The book is the map. Here is how to walk the path.
Reading about healthy ageing is the first step. Véronique offers three ways to take the approach in this book off the page and into your body, at whatever level of depth suits you.
Join a class
Live Zoom sessions: yoga, breathwork and strengthening designed for 50+ and those living with MS or chronic conditions. Group or 1-to-1. Available now
See the timetable
Online course
A self-paced course based directly on the book’s framework, going deeper into each pillar with guided practices and reflections.
Coming July / August 2026
Join the waitlist
Come on a retreat
Immersive 3-day and week-long retreats in Portugal. An opportunity to live the practice fully, in community, in beautiful spaces. 2027 dates available
View retreats
Advance praise
What readers are saying
“Dr Gauthier Simmons’ book is a treasure; her story resonates deeply with me, in all sorts of ways. She shows us that in accepting and facing serious adversity, one can open the door to profound growth and realisation. Make Véronique your guide, read and absorb her wonderful book, engage with her clear instructions and exercises, and trust yourself to embark on the greater journey of ‘allowing life to unfold fully’.”
Professor George Jelinek MD – Honorary Professor, University of Melbourne · Author & Founder, Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis
“A beautifully written and deeply engaging book that brings science, yoga and personal experience together in a way that feels both relatable and empowering. Clear, thoughtful, and truly compelling.” Twanna Doherty, CEO, Yogamatters
“Véronique’s book inspired me, even after 30+ years teaching yoga and meditation, to step onto my mat with a renewed sense of curiosity. She has a beautiful way of bringing to life what happens in our body when we move.” Esther Ekhart, Yoga & Meditation Teacher · Founder, YogaEasy
“Each chapter is grounded by the latest science, and inspired by wisdom traditions, which invites us to engage with ourselves, understand ourselves, and explore ourselves more deeply as life continues to unfold.” Doug Keller – Yoga Teacher & Therapist · Author, The Therapeutic Wisdom of Yoga
“I found myself both exhaling and smiling from deep within as I read this book. Véronique writes with rare beauty and meaning, speaking to every cell of the body and soul.” Linda Bloom – President, Overcoming MS Charity
“With great clarity and compassion, she offers not just in-depth knowledge and the latest insights, but deep understanding and real hope. Her voice is reassuring and empowering, reminding us that we are not alone.” Dr Jonathan White – Overcoming MS Medical Advisor
Get your copy
Begin the journey
Available now in paperback. Kindle edition from 21 June 2026.