Basics of Brain Wave Vibration

If you've read much about Dahn Yoga or watched its instructional video series, you may have come across brain wave vibration, a unique exercise that enthusiasts say enlivens the mind and makes the world seem a little bit brighter.

As part of learning the yoga basics, one of the first things to know is what the technique is and how it can help you feel lighter and more energetic every day.

Here are the initial steps for trying brain wave vibration, which has also been called "meditation in motion":

1. Begin by slowly, gently moving your head. While many people start by faintly shaking the skull from side to side, you should move it intuitively in whatever direction feels natural.

2. Visualize your brain stem, which is a region at the base of the skull where your spinal cord meets your brain. See your head and neck gently moving around it, stimulating this vital nerve cluster.

3. Continue moving your head back and forth. Be careful not to speed up. The key is to maintain a slow, even rhythm that feels neither forced nor unnatural.

4. After a few minutes, you should begin to feel your neck and shoulders relaxing.

What is brain wave vibration, you might ask? It is a technique used to reduce stress. The technique is often taught to visitors of Dahn Yoga Centers and was developed by Ilchi Lee.

Does it work?

Studies say it does work. A study showed that people who engaged regularly in Brain Wave Vibration or BWV were less stressed. How was stress defined? Stress factors included depression, anger, and physical symptoms. Those who practice BWV also were found to have more dopamine in their body.

The study mentioned above was conducted by Dr. Do-Hyung Kang from the Clinical Cognitive Neuroscience Center in Seoul. You can read more about the study at the US National Library of Medicine http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20546836.

As much as 75 percent of American adults are afraid of going to the dentist, according to an article in the Journal of the American Dental Association. If you have an all-out phobia of sitting in the dentist's chair, you can try brain wave vibration to help you relax.

No, really, try it! The yoga and health benefits of brain wave vibration include reduced stress, lowered blood pressure and a sense of calm and peace.

So here's how to do it while you're waiting for the pick or the drill:
1. Begin by getting yourself comfortable in the chair. Wiggle your limbs a bit until you feel at ease in the chair.
2. Close your eyes and breathe deeply, in and out.
3. Now slowly begin to wobble your head. Move it in whatever way feels natural. You may shake it side to side, nod or twist it, but be sure to be gentle with your neck. Just get your brain moving.
4. If you're doing it right, you should feel a tingling energy in your neck after a few minutes. This is your Ki energy stabilizing.

The pressures of everyday life can be overwhelming, which is one reason why thousands of Americans engage in Dahn Yoga. When it comes to the yoga basics, one of the first things to know about is brain wave vibration, a simple but powerful method for improving your well-being.

While it may sound like something out of a science fiction film, this exercise is actually quite accessible. It just has a fancy name!

Here's how to try brain wave vibration in the comfort of your own home.
1. Begin by finding an area that is comfortable. You may stand or sit while performing the technique. There is no rule against lying down, but as you'll see, it can impede your range of motion.
2. Close your eyes and breathe deeply, in and out.
3. Now slowly begin to wobble your head. Move it in whichever direction feels natural. You may shake it side to side, nod or twist, but she sure to be gentle.
4. If you're doing it right, you should feel a tingling energy in your neck after five or 10 minutes.
Check out our how-to book on the subject, simple titled Brain Wave Vibration.