Dahn yoga

  Dahn yoga (also known as Dahn Hak or Dahnhak) is a Korean yoga system founded by Ilchi Lee. In Korean, dahn means "primal, vital energy," and hak means "study of a particular theory or philosophy."^[1] Dahn teachings are said to place equal emphasis on physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.^[2] News sources have described its exercises as "a blend of yoga, tai chi, and martial arts exercises."^[2] In recent years, there has been significant criticism of Dahn yoga and its teachings, with some accusing its associated organizations of cult status.^{[3] [4]} A Dahn Center spokesperson denies this accusation, saying that such critics have "probably mistaken leaders' and other participants' enthusiasm about the training program for something else."^[3]

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Training Methods

Dahn Yoga's training methods are intended to improve the practitioner's health through development of the energy system and enhancement of the mind-body connection.^[5] The practice draws upon traditional notions of ki, also knows as chi or qi.^[6] A typical class begins with what is called "Meridian Stretching" exercise, which is believed to stimulate the energy in the body.^[7] After these stretching exercises, practitioners normally follow a sequence of postures to accumulate and circulate energy in the body.^[8] Classes often include elements of meditation, as well.^[9]

History

In 1985, the first Dahn Yoga Center opened in downtown Seoul. In 1991, the first U.S. Dahn Yoga Center was opened in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In 1997, the Sedona Ilchi Meditation Center (SIMC) was established, hosting specialized programs open to Dahn yoga members for a fee. Over the next ten years, Dahn yoga focused on expanding its operations globally. In 2006, Dahn yoga introduced two new training methods. ^[10] The first, DahnMuDo, also referred to as “The Art of Being Limitless,” is advertised as a non-combative martial art. The second, Jung Choong Breathing, is a form of internal alchemy using five simple postures focused on breathing and what is said to be proper positioning of the body. It is claimed to help release stagnant energy and accumulate fresh energy in the lower abdomen, also known in Korean as the Dan Jeon (energy center) or the 2nd Chakra in Sanskrit yoga terminology.

In the 21st century, major criticism has been leveled at the organization over the effectiveness of its practices and what some call its cult-like nature. 2006 news reports say that the organization is involved in at least two lawsuits, one being a wrongful death suit involving the death of a practitioner during a training event.^[11] According to the lawsuit, Julia Siverls, 41, died from heat stroke and dehydration during a master training hike at the Ilchi Meditation Center in Sedona, circa 2003.^{[3] [2]} One former member says that the organization is characterized by "conformity, suppression of individuality and rote learning..."^[12] They also point to the high cost of Dahn membership and workshops, often thousands of dollars, as an aspect that supports their criticism of the group.^[12] Reviews written during a citywide vote for "Best Yoga Studio" in Boston assert the effectiveness of Dahn Yoga in healing common ailments such as back pain, shoulder/neck tension, sleeping problems, migraine headaches, or digestive disorders. ^[13][14]

See also

• Alternative medicine
• New religious movements
• Falun Gong

References