Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Dahn Yoga can help those with Autism Spectrum Disorder

According to the data shared by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in every 68 kids, there is one that is affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder. This ration came from the ADDM or the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network, and based on this prestigious organization, it is very alarming since the numbers seem to be increasing every year. Thankfully, it was found out that Dahn Yoga can brighten up the life of those with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder…

The vast variation in terms of symptoms among kids with autism has resulted to the ASD concept or the Autism Spectrum Disorder. Based on medical practitioners, Autism Spectrum Disorder affects boys more than girls.  They also reiterated that early diagnosis is highly relevant. It is because of the fact that early treatment can aid the patient with this condition make significant gains in terms of social and language skills.

Autism Spectrum Disorder may affect the kids in 3 different aspects, and these are:

Social Interaction
Behaviors and interests
Communication (both non-verbal and verbal)

According to those who specialize in this disorder, every kid with ASD shows a pattern of autism. There are cases whereby the development of the child is delayed starting from birth. There are also some patients who develop normally; however, they suddenly lose their language or social skills. There are also those who feature normal development until they acquire sufficient language to express unusual preoccupations and thoughts.

In some kids with Autism spectrum Disorder, loss of language is their primary impairment. In some children, unusual behaviors, for instance, spending hours in lining up their toys, seem as if the dominant factors.

Recently, different kinds of Autism Spectrum Disorder have been ascertained, and these are:

Asperger’s Syndrome
Autistic Disorder
Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Not otherwise Specified or PDD-NOS

The abovementioned disorder challenges the families of the patients, as they need to find efficient methods of communication in order to effectively connect with them. “Autism Spectrum Disorder” is now being utilized for the medical diagnosis of each and every symptom that is associated with this condition.

The symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder may range from mild to severe. Those people with this condition may suffer from behavioral, social, as well as cognitive deficits, which may cause them to become withdrawn, anxious, and oppositional.

The perks of ancient practices, such as Tai Chi, Yoga, and Meditation, are indeed well-known. There are a lot of people who highly believe that these practices can help youths as well as adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Suffice to say, Dahn Yoga is a promising methodology in easing the lives of those people who are affected by ASD.

If you know a family who has a member with ASD, you can help by contacting a Dahn Yoga center and ask for assistance in existing programs as well as qualified instructors within your area or near your area.
As highly cognizable, Dahn Yoga is comprised of a strong focus on the bolstering of the mind-body connection. Through practices like different postures, Deep Breathing, and Meditation which enables the body to relax and makes the brain activity calm, these 2 aspects of the self can work hand in hand smoothly.

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Tips When Doing Dahn Yoga Exercises at Home

It has been proven by regular practitioners of Dahn Yoga exercises that these practices are indeed very beneficial for the whole being. Dahn Yoga is more than just acquiring valuable guidance from an excellent instructor. Its exercises are very therapeutic since you will be surrounded by other like-minded people, exerting effort to achieve improved health and wellness.

This can help you stay on the right track, on the path towards your absolute self-development goals. However, as reiterated by Dahn Yoga instructors, the different practices of this mind and body technique can as well be done at home. Dahn Yoga at home is as beneficial as that being practiced at studios or centers.
It is because of the fact that Dahn Yoga at home can allow you to increase serenity and quietude so that you can fully pay attention to connecting with the so-called inner self. If you are planning to incorporate this mind and body training strategy in your at-home life, below are some of the guidelines that you can consider, to ensure that your Dahn Yoga practice will be efficient.

Have a Dedicated Dahn Yoga Space

Indeed, Dahn Yoga classes could render people with a welcoming and soothing environment to do the different poses. However, these aspects can as well be attained at home. Though it is true that it is a bit difficult to recreate a comfortable and pleasant Dahn Yoga environment at home, but it can be accomplished by clearing out a certain space.

This doesn’t mean that you have to clear out an entire room. It could be a corner of your home office or your bedroom, as long as it could accommodate the size of the yoga mat and it could allow you to make stretches. It is highly recommended to have a CD player, allowing you to play meditation sounds. You can as well have other yoga paraphernalia, like candles or incense, anything that can help you develop sense of tranquility.

When creating a Dahn Yoga space, you have to make sure that you will be free from distractions. Once you are able to find the perfect spot, it will certainly be much easier for you to be in the mood and start the different exercises of Dahn Yoga.

Observe Precaution to Prevent Injuries

According to Dahn Yoga instructors, when there is no one to guide you, there is a possibility that you become motivated to push yourself far. Thus, when doing yoga at home, you have to mindful of your physical limitations. Also, you have to treat the most vulnerable spots in your body with utmost care. For instance, if you are aware that you have bad knees, then you have to see to it that you will avoid poses that can stress out the leg joints.

Meditate

Originally, yoga is meant to prepare people for deeper meditation. This is the reason why it is no surprise that Dahn Yoga incorporates mindfulness, also, meridian stretching and Tai Chi. When doing Dahn Yoga exercises at home, do not forget to integrate meditation strategies. Even though you are in a hurry, you should consider having a couple moments of relaxation improved by deep breathing exercises and a transformation of your attention from the stressfulness of your life to the natural flow of energy to your body.

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Dahn Yoga Benefits for Mental Health and For Veterans Experiencing Stress

Proven Dahn Yoga Benefits for Mental Health

There are several individuals, whenever they hear of the word yoga, they automatically have a connotation that the practice involves exercises and a variety of poses which can lengthen and stretch the body. Suffice to say, only few people realize and remember that yoga is also about reducing stress and meditation.

Because of the different activities of yoga, like Dahn Yoga, it is indeed so easy for people to connect their minds to their bodies and vice versa. Among the most known Dahn Yoga activities are meditation and breathing exercises. The “connection” that we’re talking about is highly relevant in all kinds of yoga.
As a matter of fact, the good connection can serve as an excellent foundation for boosted mental health. Are you aware that the brain acquires benefits from yoga exercises, same as how the body benefits from such activities?

As always emphasized by Dahn Yoga instructors, the different activities of this mind-body training method can enhance the oxygen and blood circulation to the different parts of the body, and that simply means that the brain is included. This is among the major reasons why Yoga, like Dahn Yoga, has become so famous when it comes to decreasing stress, as well as in alleviating depression and anxiety.

Once you blend the physical Dahn Yoga poses with Meditation and various breathing techniques, you will be able to access the key towards the door of everyday stress reduction and proper management of emotions. Also, you will be able to render appropriate stress responses.  Based on a study review that was conducted by the Duke University School of Medicine regarding Yoga, such practice can help in bolstering the mental health, since it is able to relieve common symptoms, like stress, memory problems, depression, and a lot more.

The co-author of the mentioned study review, who is also a Psychiatry professor at Duke’s School of Medicine, Murali Doraiswamy MD, she and her colleagues found out that the aerobic component and meditative aspects of yoga can ease the symptoms of various chronic psychiatric disorders. She also added that yoga’s aerobic nature improves the circulation of blood, as well as improve the release of the endorphins.

The meditative aspect of yoga can as well enhance the focus and attention, and it also helps in relaxing. This only means that the Korean yoga technique, Dahn Yoga, can truly help in bolstering one’s mental health.
Helping the Veterans Free themselves from Stress

All veterans agree that stress is among their greatest nemeses. As highly cognizable, thousands of soldiers went home from various conflict zones, like Iraq and Afghanistan, are currently suffering from the so-called Post-Traumatic Disorder. As explained by medical practitioners, this condition is indeed life-changing, which usually results from a terrifying experience that can result to chronic anxiety.

Yoga has proven itself as a magnificent alternative healing technique for various physical, emotional, and mental conditions. Thus, it is not a surprise that the different calming poses, breathing exercises, as well as meditation of Dahn Yoga are truly beneficial for those who have just returned from war. Also, even those veterans who are not struck by PTSD can reap the Dahn Yoga benefits, especially in terms of relieving their stress.

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Dahn Yoga Benefits: Dahn Yoga Poses that can help in Enhancing Bladder Control

As highly cognizable, there are several known Dahn Yoga benefits, from calming the mind, making it more serene, to promoting flexibility and balance. However, there are also several lesser known perks of Dahn Yoga, and these are among the purposes that thousands of practitioners seek. You will certainly be astonished to know that Dahn Yoga can also be a solution for bladder incontinence.

Understanding Incontinence

Bladder incontinence is the term used to define the leakage of urine. There are millions of individuals who suffer from this condition, and its most common victims are older women. Nevertheless, bladder incontinence may affect individuals of all ages as well as genders. There are 2 common kinds of bladder incontinence and these are:

Stress Incontinence

This particular kind of bladder incontinence may occur when the person is experiencing great pressure in the abdomen. For instance, too much coughing or laughing may cause Stress Incontinence. This is typically due to weak muscles in the pelvic floor.

Urgency Incontinence

This kind of bladder incontinence is also referred to as overactive bladder. This incontinence may happen when the person develops an urgent and sudden need to utilize the comfort room, which leads to the leakage of the urine just before he makes it to the room. It is typically due to damaged nerves in the bladder.

How can Dahn Yoga Help in Alleviating Bladder Incontinence?

No matter what kind of bladder incontinence the person is suffering from, there are Yoga poses that can be done in order to regain control of the bladder. It is true that urination is a form of reflexive action; however, there are methods that can increase the voluntary control the person has over the organ.

The Dahn Yoga poses for bladder incontinence improve the conscious awareness of the person to this portion of the body. These poses can as well strengthen the muscles that are in the pelvic floor. There are a lot of Dahn Yoga positions that are meant for the augmentation of the pelvic muscles and raising the consciousness of the person of the different parts of the body, which is done by simply bridging the gap that is in between the mind and the physical self.

Different Dahn Yoga Exercises that can help in improving the Bladder Control

Dahn Yoga’s Chair Pose is truly useful in alleviating bladder incontinence. It is because of the fact that this Dahn Yoga pose can boost the pelvic floor, while at the same time making the person more conscious of his bladder. In order to do this Dahn Yoga position, the person must begin off by doing the Mountain Pose; the feet must be together.

As the practitioner inhales, he should put his hands up to the air while his palms are facing one another. The practitioner needs to bend his knees as he exhales, and then he should make his knees parallel to the ground. After which, the shoulder blades must be brought to into the upper back, making the elbows stretch towards the back of the ears.

The practitioner should elongate his tailbone towards the ground and then he should gradually rotate his pelvis towards his back until he feels a soft contraction in the pelvic floor. The person must hold this position for about a minute, paying his attention on his lower abdomen.

Next, he should squeeze his urinary sphincter as if he’s trying to prevent the urinary flow, and then he should hold this for couple of breaths, and then release. Do this for couple of times.

Indeed, this is among the best Dahn Yoga benefits.

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Energize the 5th Chakra through Dahn Yoga Benefits

As taught by Dr. Ilchi Lee, the maker of the Dahn Yoga, there are 7 Chakras that are situated in different parts of our body. For those who don’t understand the importance of Chakras, there’s no need to pay attention to those aspects. However, according to the explanation of those who teach and participate in these classes, the Chakras also determine the state of well-being of the body. Same with the other Chakras in the body, it is crucial to energize the 5th Chakra, and endure the Dahn Yoga benefits.

Energizing the 5th Chakra

Even by just taking a short Dahn Yoga class at the comfort of your home, and by just following a mini video, it is possible to open up and enhance the well-being of the 5th Chakra. This particular Chakra is situated in the neck, proximal to the thyroid gland, and it is associated with expression, purification, and cleansing.

Starting the Purification of the 5th Chakra

While on a standing position, the practitioner should slightly bend his/her knees. As he/she breathes in, the practitioner needs to lower his/her chin to the chest. As he/she breathes out, the chin needs to go back to the center or to its original position. While doing this activity, the practitioner needs to render great amount of attention to the neck as well as the 5th Chakra.

The practitioner needs to tip his/her head backwards and then slightly pause, then stretch the front portion of his/her neck. The practitioner needs to breathe out as he/she goes back to the center. And then, the practitioner needs to turn his/her head towards the left as he/she breathes in. In that position, he/she should pause.

After which, the practitioner has to breathe out and then go back to the center. Do the same to the right direction. Along with a slow movement, the practitioner has to move his/her head gently in a circular motion while at the same time breathing out through the mouth. This will open the passage through the throat and then unleash the tension that is in the neck.
The practitioner has to relax his/her shoulders. Rotate the head to the opposite direction, and then do the latter movement for 3xs. Go back to the center.

The Opening

Step one foot, while the other foot is left at the back at slightly angled position. The practitioner should then
bend the knee that is in front, making a 90 degree angle. The hands must be placed on the thighs, and then as he/she breathes in, the practitioner has to lean back, and then tilt his/her head to open the neck as much as he/she could.

The practitioner then needs to breathe out and go back to the starting position. Repeat this motion for 3xs while having simultaneous awareness of the 5th Chakra and the throat. When exhaling, the practitioner has to be mindful of the sensation of the strength in the lower portion of the body. Change sides and then repeat it for 3xs. The practitioner has to gradually go back to the center once he has finished doing the routine.

These are just some of the exercises that can help in energizing the 5th Chakra. Among the Dahn Yoga benefits of these activities is being able to express yourself much better.

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Dahn Yoga Classes: Philosophical Explanation of the 5 Dahn Yoga Elements

Those who are having the Dahn Yoga classes are indeed aware of the phrase “Water Up, Fire Down”, as well as how it is associated with the human body. This originated from the belief of the conventional Oriental medicine, which recommends that the life is produced and sustained through the peace and equilibrium between these 2 primeval elements.

As a matter of fact, Oriental medicine talks about the prevalence of 5 primeval elements, which merged in the physical reality as an aftermath of the communications of the Yin and Yang. The 5 primeval elements are: Water, Earth, Fire, Wood, and Metal. According to some Dahn Yoga experts, these elements have either controlling or generative properties on one another.

Therefore, this means that these 5 elements can improve or support the elements that is involved in the next cycle. It’s either it controls or tones down the excess of the element. These 5 elements are signified by imagery, inspired by what is represented by the natural world. The image itself is so powerful and meaningful.

As you go over the list below, try to visualize every involved element.
 
Tree or Wood

Energy that is geared upwards which brings freshness and newness to the cycle of the 5 elements.

 Fire

Warm, outward, upward, flowering energy which can be signified by dancing, sharing, and passion.

 Earth

Growing, downward, and earthy energy which can be signified as a silencer, grounder span of time that is focused on harvesting and amassing.

 Metal

Consolidating and inward energy that is used for the eradication of any unnecessary, storing, or assimilating.

 Water

Cooling, floating energy that represents the spirit of self-reflection as well as meditation.
Now that you are already aware of the 5 elements that are being tackled by Dahn Yoga, what you are about to witness is how the abovementioned philosophy is magnificently being utilized to trigger healing of the human body.

The term generative or the nourishing cycle, the sequence of the elements in this is: Water, Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and then it will return to Water. For instance, the Water element is the one that facilitates the growth of trees (Wood element), wood on the other hand produces fire. The fire element develops ashes, and the ashes go back to Earth, and as time passes by, Earth generates Metal.

In the controlling cycle, the sequence of the elements is like this: Metal, wood, Earth, Water, Fire and then it will return to Metal. Therefore, in this cycle, the Metal element cuts the Wood; the Wood regulates the Earth (in terms of tree roots); the Earth element hinders the flow of the Water; the Water element extinguishes the Fire; and the Fire can melt the Metal.

The 5 elements are also associated with the organs in the body, and they’re listed below:
 
Wood or Tree

It is related to the gall bladder and liver

 Fire

According to the conventional Oriental medicine, Fire is the one that fuels up the small intestine and the heart.

 Earth

The Earth energy is related to the spleen based on the explanation of Oriental medicine. But in the west, it is associated with the heart.

 Metal

It is related to the function of the colon and large intestine.

 Water

The body is comprised of 50 to 65% water and this is the element that controls the bladder and the kidneys.

Indeed, people will learn a lot if they will take the Dahn Yoga classes.

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Dahn Yoga Exercises: What it is and its Core Energy Principles

There are a myriad of training techniques nowadays. However, the fact remains that many people prefer to go for different Yoga techniques. Aside from the fact that Yoga techniques are not so stressful unlike the other kinds of training practices, these are also calming and boast a bunch of healthy benefits. Among the most practiced training techniques nowadays are the Dahn Yoga exercises.

This training exercise is considered as a leader in the world of health and wellness. As of today, there are already several Dahn Yoga centers not just in the United States, but also in other parts of the world. Other than Dahn Yoga, the Dahn Yoga centers are also offering other mind and body training schemes like Tai chi and meditation.

Dahn Yoga is indeed rampant because it is not only being practiced in franchise and affiliate locations. It is also being used as a form of relaxation technique of various corporations. They encourage their employees to engage in Dahn Yoga in order to free themselves from stress. Dahn Yoga is also being offered in community centers.

This training technique aims to boost the energy. In Korean, the meaning of the word Dahn is life force or the energy, which pertains to Qi. As highly cognizable, Qi is well-appreciated in the Asian culture. This Ilchi Lee training technique can make people energetic and have a well-balanced and healthy life.

Dahn Yoga is not only about training the energy or the Qi. It is because it also encourages the practitioners to provide positive contributions to the communities that they belong to. All Dahn Yoga Centers offer high quality care and services to their practitioners, to ensure that the latter are able to augment the quality of their lives.

Part of their routine is giving periodic checkups as well as consultations, in order to further the experience of the practitioners.

The Different Core Energy Principles that Dahn Yoga Uses

According to Ilchi Lee, the inventor of this magnificent mind and body training system, the Dahn Yoga follows 3 main principles which ascertain how the energy works not only in general, but also in the brain and the body. These core energy principles are indeed essential aspects in the Dahn Yoga practice.

“Where the Mind Goes, Energy Follows”

According to the Dahn Yoga Gurus, the energy follows the practitioner’s mind direction, which results to the yielding of reality, both in the body and in life. This core energy principle aims to let people know that they should pay attention with what is on their mind and to its power to mold lives.

“Water Up, Fire Down”

This core energy principle explains that if the head is cool, the chest is open and the abdomen is warmed up, the blood circulation as well as the energy is balanced.

“Stages of Energetic Growth”

As the practitioner stabilize his or her energy, he or she will achieve optimum emotional well-being. The mind will also become clear and the spirit will also light up.

The Dahn Yoga exercises can truly enhance all the bodily aspects.

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

The Changes that Dahn Yoga can bring into one’s Life

Dahn Yoga is another form of exercise. But this exercise does not just focus on the physical body but also gives equal importance to the well-being of the mind and spirit. This is something that most people will benefit from because it has an overall positive effect. Dhan Yoga was founded by Ilchi Lee who is also an author and a founder of training activities that focuses on brain training. He believes that that mind is powerful and if you out your mind to it, you can achieve many things.

Dhan Yoga exercises give great importance to energy. Recognizing the importance of energy and knowing how use it properly is being taught in this practice. Through this, one can truly be a master of the body and achieve many things. This is also based on holistic principles and philosophies.

There are many benefits that the practice of Dahn Yoga can bring about to a person. For the physical body, it gives more strength, flexibility and power. It can also help take away pains like arthritis, back pains, neck pains as well as headaches. The exercises also help with weight management and the development of muscles especially on the core area.

Dahn Yoga exercises improve the mental health by helping one get relief from stress and be more relaxed. The meditation part helps one block out problems and stress causing factors to be able to think clearly. This can help with learning how improve focus and get peace of mind. These can help with those suffering from insomnia and other sleep problems. Having a healthy body and sound mind can make one be more confident to face everyday challenges and changes that life can bring.

The combination of body and mind can result to a better spiritual health as well. One will be more positive and look forward to becoming a better person. To get even better benefits out of the Dahn Yoga exercises, there are workshops or classes that practitioners can get. One is the Shim Sung class.

What is a Shim Sung class? Well, this is a two-day workshop that focuses on self-discovery. The activities in this class aim to help a person see who he or she truly is and what his or her motivations and goals are. Shim Sung literally means “mindset” in Korean. This means that an individual’s mindset is an important factor in the quality of the life that he or she has. It has an effect on one’s happiness and overall wellbeing.

There are so many positive effects that Dahn Yoga and Shim Sung can bring into one’s life. The effects do not only stop with the person but it can also improve his or her relationships with other people. This can keep one healthy, positive and have a smooth relationship with the surroundings.

There are many Dahn Yoga centres that can help bring these positive changes in your life. Take a closer look at this practice because may bring about a big change in your own life.