Myth: Seri ous brai n decline is inevi table.

Yes, changes in brain structure and chemistry do occur with age. But they do not have to lead to a steep decline in mental ability. Writing in Newsweek, Gene Cohen, M.D., Ph.D., founding director of the Center on Aging, Health, and Humanities at George Washington University Medical Center, says that in his work designing games to improve the mental function of aging men and women, he has found that the brain’s left and right hemispheres (the left is responsible for linear, logical thinking; the right, for creativity and intuition) actually become better integrated as we age, leading to greater creative potential.

Cohen writes that it is becoming clear that with the proper lifestyle and challenges, the brain can in many respects become stronger with age.

Myth: I am getting dumber beca use my brai n ce lls are dying.
It is true that brain cells die as we age. Brain cells die and new cells are born throughout our lives. But for many years people have assumed that, barring excessive drinking during college, brain cells cash in their chips at a higher rate as we get into the retirement years. But as it turns out, that is not true either. It appears that we lose brain cells at a consistent rate throughout life, owing to causes that range from stress and nutritional deficiencies to environmental toxins. Also, some neuroscientists now believe that brain cell death may be a part of the brain’s learning process. The loss of some  cells paves the way for new connections to develop as we learn, part of the sculpting of the brain that occurs when the brain remains active and constantly learning.
Myth: The adult brai n cannot form new connections.

For many years, brain scientists were certain that the brain could not make new nerve cells to replace lost ones. But in the mid-1990s, researchers began to see evidence that indeed the brain can produce new nerve cells in some areas of the brain related to memory–a process called neurogenesis. This phenomenon is particularly responsive to regular physical exercise, meaning that working out is not just good for your heart, bones, and muscles, but good for your mind as well. Studies based on the work of Columbia University neurologist Scott Small and Salk Institute neurobiologist Fred Gage suggest that regular exercise delivers more oxygen-rich blood to the brain, as well as a chemical called brain-derived neurotrophic factor, or BDNF . These factors and others appear to improve memory, learning, and other brain functions.

from the book “in Full Bloom” by Ilchi Lee

Posture

1. Stand up straight with your feet together. Place your palms together in front of you, as if in a prayer position.
2. Balance your weight on your right foot as you bend your left knee, and raise your left foot next to your right knee.
3. Let your toes point to the floor.
4. Close your eyes.
5. Hold the position while balancing. With practice, you can increase the length of time you are able to balance in this posture.
6. Change to your left foot.

Sole Patting

Dahn Yoga’s sole patting: Benefit—Significantly bolsters brain function. The feet are like a “second heart.” They are vital in orchestrating proper blood circulation. When the soles of the feet are stimulated, you will
begin to notice a heightened sense of clarity, focus, and concentration.

Postures:

1. Sit on the floor with your legs extended in front of you.
2. Bend one leg and bring the ankle over the knee of the other leg.
3. Make a fist with your thumb tucked inside your hand.
4. With the pinky side of your fist, pound the sole of your foot strongly 30 times.
5. Alternately, you could use a wooden stick to press the soles of the feet.
6. Pay attention to your Ki 1 (Yong-chun) acupressure points.
7. Repeat with the other foot.

I would like to invite all core Hawaii Dahn members to attend on March 15th.  If you want to prepare food (12 noon to 3 PM) for Chun Je please let Master Ahn know.   All Dahn Healers, Dahn Mu Do School, BEL, and Shim Sung Members are invited!

Gloria

ALSO, please take part in HONG BO for both centers.  You ask what is HONG BO??  These are the brochure/holders that we distribute through-out the communities.  Please start thinking about five places that you could place the brochures at.  Where do you work? shop? play? school? car repair? pet care? dentist? eye care center? hairdresser? manicure/pedicure?

You can get the brochures at the centers (be specific as to what area you need brochures for).  Sign them out with your name, date, and where you plan to take them.  You can have them all at once or one at a time.  It’s up to you but we really need your help.  Please do the best you can.  Most companies are happy to have the brochures, especially if you are a customer!

Mahalo