Yoga   Yoga: For Health and Much More

Data gathered by Centers for Disease Control show that 65% of Americans are overweight and 31% are obese — and both rates have doubled in the past 25 years.

Dahn Yoga was founded by Ilchi Lee to provide people in the U.S. and around the world with the tools to regain and maintain their body-mind fitness. Based in the principles of several thousand years of Asian health practices and modern brain research, Dahn Yoga classes (stretching, breathing and meditation) and individual healing sessions are ideal for weight and health management.

What can people expect from doing the full range of Dahn Yoga exercises? Many testimonials report these results: Pounds melt away as strength and flexibility increase. People improve their digestion and normalize their elimination. Their abdomens and thighs became tighter and firmer. They feel lighter, breathe easier, and look healthier and more attractive, which in turn builds confidence and self-esteem.

Lee recommends five exercises that have the specific benefit of decreasing weight and improving general health:

1. Abdomen Tapping. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, with the knees slightly bent. Lengthen and relax your spine, shoulders, neck and arms. With your palms, tap your abdomen in a rhythmic, striking motion, focusing on the feeling of inner vibration it creates. Do it at least 100 times a session, 2-3 sessions a day.

2. Intestinal Exercise. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, with the knees slightly bent. Lengthen and relax your spine, and relax your shoulders, neck and arms. Place your hands comfortably on your abdomen, with your two thumbs pointing toward the navel and your two index fingers touching each other to form a triangle. In a rhythmic pace, push your abdomen out as you inhale, and pull it toward your back as if you want it to touch your spine. Breathe comfortably. If your feel any pain in your intestines, stop and with your palms gently rub your abdomen in a clockwise circular motion. Start with 100 times a day, working up to 500 times.

3. Rocking the Spine. Sit on the floor, pulling your knees to your chest, feet together. Clasp your hands and lock your fingers around your shins. Keeping your chin tucked at all times, roll back on your spine and extend your legs toward the floor behind you. Start with 30 a day, working up to 100 times. Afterwards, pull your knees to your chest and rock from side to side to massage your spine.

4. Fish Exercise. Lie on the floor, with your arms and legs extended. Lace your fingers and stretch your arms up, while relaxing your neck and shoulders. Keeping your feet together, sweep your upper body and lower body in the same direction, toward the right and then the left, feeling your torso being stretched and stimulated. Do 30 repetitions, 3 times a day.

5. Shaking the Extremities. Lie on your back, and lift your arms and legs straight up from the body. Relax your entire body. Rapidly shake your extremities so that your entire body vibrates. Keep breathing slowly in and out of your abdomen. Do this exercise for 2 minutes, 3 times a day.

For more information, visit dahnyoga.com.

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