February 12, 2008
Dahn Yoga and Hatha Yoga: What is the Difference?
By Jenny in Health | 10 comments
Did you know that there are many diverse types of yoga practiced all across the world? These schools of yoga are known as “paths.” And, two of the most common paths are Dahn yoga and Hatha yoga?
What is Dahn Yoga?
Unlike Hatha yoga, Dahn yoga focuses more on the spiritual benefits of yoga, as opposed to the physical aspects. Reintroduced in 1980 by Korean educator Ilichi Lee, Dahn yoga utilizes breathing techniques, stretching, relaxation, martial arts and meditation to lead practitioners to a healthy lifestyle. The benefits of Dahn yoga include: weight loss, stress reduction, increased energy, improved flexibility and so much more.
What is Hatha Yoga?
An Indian sage named Yogi Swatmarama introduced Hatha yoga in the 15th century. This type of yoga focuses almost completely on a strong physical body. So strong, in fact, that some very experienced practitioners are actually indifferent to pain (and even pleasure). Through physical poses, relaxation exercises and ultimately meditation, this popular form of yoga aims to help people deal with stress, relieve tension and lead healthy lives.
So whether you want to practice Dahn yoga in Chicago or Hatha yoga in New York, there are plenty of studios that teach both helpful methods of yoga. But, CA Dahn yoga practitioners are especially lucky because they get to experience yoga with mountain views!
[tags] Dahn yoga in Chicago, CA Dahn yoga, Dahn yoga [/tags]
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Jim Blakey | Dec 10, 2008 | Reply
Dahn Yoga is not Yoga at all, but a money-making scheme for the naive. Just say NO.
Sarcastic Meow | Jun 18, 2009 | Reply
I agree, Dahn is not yoga. It’s a tiny bit of chi gong and stretching plus a lot of mental pressure on the client to spend spend spend. They are creepy.
Mark Steeple | Jul 15, 2009 | Reply
it’s true dahn yoga isn’t “yoga” that us westerns perceive yoga to be.
“yoga” means union (of body & mind) and that’s what they teach there, just a different technique then the expected. they aren’t just teaching you stretching techniques they learned in a few months or even weeks(like most instructors i’ve encountered.in the end what they want to teach people is how to live a more fulfilling life. sometimes it may come off a bit pushy.. but i just think it’s a cultural difference
most of the instructors that teach the dahn form are from korea because it is from korea. i think that’s the key reason some people may feel “pressured” and all because of the cultural difference.
in my case i welcome it because even though it may seem “pushy” at first, in the end you end up thanking them. sometimes we all need a kick in the keester to get us going (especially me-i was sooo lazy before i started this practice). we just don’t like it when it goes beyond the comfort zone. but like i said, i welcome a bit of a culture & challenge (it’s good for my ego).
Deanna Patacsil | Oct 3, 2009 | Reply
First, thank you Jenny for posting what the difference is between Dahn yoga and Hatha yoga. Many people wonder and don’t know how to find the answer or describe it exactly. When I first started this yoga, I don’t know what exactly it was, but I could just feel something really positive about it. At first I could feel a lot of good changes in my body, my chronic headaches were disappearing, and I started to feel more confident and trusting of myself. It’s been over a year and a half since I started, and now I work at the center where I used to be a member. I’ve experienced a lot of changes, both in the myself and in the center, and through everything that’s happened, I’m really grateful that Dahn yoga has showed me how to make healthy choices for my life. It’s something that I’m always going to take with me no matter what I do.
Michelle | Oct 16, 2009 | Reply
As I understand it, Dahn means “energy”. For me it really has been a practice of understanding energy running through my body and understanding the energy of the world. This practice has really allowed me to integrate my mind- body training in the center into my life. My friends and I always say Dahn Yoga is More Than Yoga!
Young Mooney | Nov 24, 2009 | Reply
Dahn yoga is not just yoga but yoga for Energy circulation and coordination with brain, so that your brain will be awakening all the cells, that makes healthy and spiritualy awkening to relize whole earth is one and need heal together. For my personal experience is, Dahn yoga is the best of all type yoga. Try it!!!! highly recomended.
Jemmah2 | Dec 22, 2009 | Reply
I practice Yoga at home mainly for the purpose of having a relax mind and body. Stress is really high on our workplace and yoga helps me relax.
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| Acne Therapy Asia | Jan 5, 2010 | Reply
Many yoga classes are out there, and you may be turned off if you pick one that does not suit your personality and state of physical fitness. For most beginners, a hatha or vinyasa class will be most appropriate, depending on whether you want a slow or fast-paced class. These are basic styles, and you can always try something fancier later.
Kember | Feb 3, 2010 | Reply
it is easy to learn Yoga although it seems difficult at first try. I practice Yoga mainly for relaxation and for improving my blood circulation.
Steph | Feb 25, 2010 | Reply
I think there is a preconception of what “yoga” is…
Nonetheless, i love both types. I practiced hatha for a few years and it made me truly stronger physically as the article states.
However Dahn offers something, at least for me, something other yogas never have. The principles they teach are simple and relevant to life. I’m become a stronger person emotionally and mentally through the practice.
I think Dahn offers a little something for everyone. Phsyically or mentally. The other day in class a member shared how in one week her anxiety attacks have lessened on days she comes, and days she doesn’t it comes back. Since she’s been going every day.