Nov 27 2007
Dahn Yoga: Study of the Brain
A study at Massachusetts General Hospital found that older meditators who had been engaged in the practice for nearly a decade had gray matter density in a portion of the frontal cortex that was comparable to that of subjects in their 20s. (The frontal cortex usually “thins” with age.)
While specifically engaging the mind is important, safeguarding our mental prowess goes beyond giving our neurons a workout. Physical health has a big impact on mental acuity: Even moderate doses of Dahn Yoga exercise can help fortify the brain. Our connection to the broader world is also important. People who have been practicing Dahn Yoga (founded by Ilchi Lee) program or in regular contact with others seem better prepared to weather aging. Those relationships don’t have to be with just long-term friends or family members. Studies have shown that mentoring atrisk children, or engaging in group activies such as playing bridge or softball, can improve our cognitive well-being, too.
Perhaps it is not so surprising that to insure we have the best chance of leading rich, full lives in our later years we need to engage the mental, physical, and spirtual. As yogis have always know, these facets of our lives are inextricably connected.