Dahn Yoga

From LoveToKnow Yoga

While many forms of yoga originated on the Indian continent, Dahn yoga is actually a combination of yoga and the Korean method of healing known as Dahnhak.

Dahn Yoga: Understanding the Practice

Dahnhak is defined as “energy study:”

  • dahn, meaning “energy”
  • hak, meaning “study”

Reports say that Koreans practiced a form of mind and body healing more than 5,000 years ago. The style had all but died away until a new practitioner, Dr. Ilchi Lee, resurrected it in the 1980s with a studio in Seoul, Korea and a new book explaining the practice. In the past 25 years, hundreds of practice centers have popped up worldwide. You will not find Dahn yoga at your local fitness center: you must become a member of a Dahn center.

The life force known as chi but referenced in Dahn practice as Ki, is said to be enhanced by the practice of Dahn yoga, which includes a fluid integration of:

  • meridian stretching exercises, similar to calisthenics
  • martial arts, often referred to as Qigong
  • deep breathing and relaxation
  • spiritually- and energy-focused mediation

Practice usually lasts an hour, followed by tea with the instructor and other classmates.

Those that follow the Dahn method believe that continued practice activates a certain level of energy, or Jin-Dong. The body physically responds to this accumulation of energy by vibrating.

Slight Controversy Regarding the Practice

Unlike other specialized forms of yoga, such as Kundalini or Bikram, in which certified teachers are in yoga studios and fitness centers around the world, people interested in learning Dahn yoga must become members of a Dahn studio. Critics have judged this as being too inclusive and focused on generating profit, rather than sharing the wealth of information and peace that most yogic practices promote.

Some also have concerns regarding the appearance of pressurized sales tactics; the lack of qualitative information on the practice; the “strong suggestion” that all practitioners wear the same uniform; and rumors of a cult-like atmosphere spread by former members and studio staff.

Recent attention in 2006 has focused on the centers because of a wrongful death lawsuit involving former member Julia Siverls.

The Benefits of Dahn Yoga

Practitioners view this form of yoga as an “enhancement to an individual’s mental and emotional well-being.” There are many physical benefits of the exercise as well, including:

  • increased energy
  • relief from stress
  • heightened immune system
  • better balance, flexibility and range of motion
  • improved sleep

Proponents believe that daily practice of Dahn yoga promotes “health, happiness and peace.”

Information gathered at this time did not indicate any particular restrictions, but it's always advisable to check with your health practitioner before starting any exercise program.

For More Information, Visit a Center Near You

While Dahn yoga has an online community and offers courses over the Internet, you must be a member to have access to these features, as well as the multimedia tools, radio program and newsletter. But a brief overview of the practice is viewable. See what you’re missing at Dahn Yoga Online.

If you’re ready to begin, find a complete listing of centers across the United States and around the world here. While the Web site allows for online membership registration, the membership is non-transferable for one month until the processing system recognizes it. After processing, members are free to attend any center they wish.


 


Comments

The classes themselves are good however I believe the back-office side of this organization is a mind controlling cult that is only interested in getting money from its members.

I have a loved one in this group and we have been trying to get her out. In less than a year she has gone $20k into debt because of this wonderful place. Even though this is a multi million dollar FOR PROFIT organization that brings in millions in profit to Ilchi Lee; she works there for a little over minimum wage, is forced to work hours that she isn't paid for, she doesn't get paid time off, she is basically the center master's slave for whatever they want her to do, she has to pay for all her travel and training costs even though it is supposed to be making her a better employee (real companies pay for their employees), and she doesn't have health insurance because she can't afford it. Talking to the masters doesn't make a difference, they are all brainwashed into believing that the ends justifies the means. I pleaded with them to stop my loved one from going on trips because she is addicted and it is killing her financially, they didn't care and have done NOTHING to stop her. In some cases they even borrowed her money to enable her (in process of filing complaint w Attorney General's office since this is a predatory business practice).

Our family is trying hard to get her out of this cult. Dahn Yoga is the most important thing in her life. She gave up her lifelong relgious beliefs for the words of a 70 year old Korean guy Ilchi Lee, the cult's leader. If you read his scripture books he proclaims himself to be a king and his believers should follow him if they want to get to heaven. Some members' families have had to hire professional therapists who specialize in cults or stage interventions in order to get them out. What kind of "healthy" organization requires that?

There was a lawsuit filed last month against this money hungry organization. Look it up and read the contents of the claim. Two of the members were from Chicago and were DIE HARD members a year ago. Scary stuff!! Yes some of the classes can be reasonable, but they push you into other classes, energy checkups, and workshops at hundreds of dollars each. They push some people into $5k, $10k, and $20k master programs and don't care how they pay for it. My loved one lies, begs, borrows, and steals in order to go on trips for this organization.

Dahn uses classic mind control techniques, especially during retreats. Sleep deprivation, food deprivation, physical exhaustion, and repetitive lecturing of the cults teachings. "Love bombing" is a method of making people feel like they are welcomed and part of the group. Ever wonder why Dahn employees are always hugging and saying they love you. Disassociation with their real names and lives by adding Korean words to their names or replacing their names with Korean words. Creating a unique language that outsiders wouldn't understand; Dahn combines English and Korean words into their own little language.

I was at a Tao lecture when a Dahn master told us if we wanted to be really dedicated Dahn members that we would have to remove people from our lives that we had attachments to like boyfriends and girlfriends. However it was ok for us to have intimate moments if we wanted to. If I removed all the other people from my life that loved and cared for me then who is left, other than Dahn people?? Masters work a ton of hours and according to the regional master in this area are not allowed to have relationships with members but they can with each other. This helps create an even closer knit group of masters, all devoted to the same cause. MAKE ILCHI LEE RICH!! They have a "vision" for their center as to how much profit they need to bring in, you'll notice their pushiness gets worse as the month comes to an end. You'll get a lot of pressure about having to sign up for this deal by the end of the month.

If you are strong enough to just go to the classes and not get involved with the other stuff then go for it. If you have problems in your life they will get you to tell them what it is and then they will use that to their advantage to get you to sign up for everything they can convince you will help you. Before you know it you'll be out thousands of dollars. ABC 15 in Arizona, CBS in Boston, CBS in Chicago, Fox Chicago, and CBS in San Francisco have all done investigative reports on this organization.

-- Contributed by: KN

Dahn Yoga is a underground multimillion dollar business disguised as Yoga. The instructors are all programed to achieve one goal while working as slaves for their programmer, "DR" Ilchi Lee. At first, you might not see what is hidden behind this evil organization since the first stage is about enticing you with unlimited love. But, higher ups in the organization are corrupted and does not practice what they preached. In fact, "Dr". Ilchie Lee is convicted felon in South Korea and served time in jail for selling unlicensed health food products. I lost my sister to this organization and I don't want you guys to go through the same thing that my family is going through. Please, do some googling on this evil empire before cosidering a lesson from them. -khs

-- Contributed by: A cult organization.

We run yoga studio with traditional yoga classes. We frequently get people coming in from a nearby Dahn studio that literally "ran" out their door. Many complaints.

-- Contributed by: John
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