Relief from Fibromyalgia and Depression (Testimonial)

When I first came to Dahn Yoga in September 2010, I was in constant pain from Fibromyalgia, physically exhausted, and being treated for insomnia, digestive disorders, and severe clinical depression. I was taking more than ten pills a day in an attempt to alleviate the various symptoms. My life consisted of struggling to meet my personal and professional responsibilities, and each day, I was withdrawing more and more from the world. The thought of physical exercise created a huge sense of anxiety in me because the pain and fatigue was so intense. Although I knew there was so much to be thankful for in this world, overwhelming thoughts of ending my life consumed me.

I came to Dahn Yoga as a skeptic because I had never considered yoga as a practice that could benefit me. I had no real exposure to, or belief in, energy as a healing power, and I didn't believe in myself. But my first visit to the Dahn Yoga Center in Schaumburg changed everything. Joanne could tell so much about me by evaluating my body condition and breathing. The wealth of information and encouragement she provided on that initial visit gave me a small kernel of hope. When I actually began taking classes, I discovered that the movements were gentle enough for me to perform. I came to class and practiced diligently at home and saw gradual improvements to both my physical and mental health. When I finally grasped that these changes were due to the improvement of energy flow within my body, the effects accelerated. 

As I began to explore the spiritual elements of Dahn Yoga, I realized that so many of my issues were due to being spiritually lonely. By filling this void, my depression began to weaken and gradually my pain began to lessen. I no longer wanted to be associated with pain and worked to distance myself from it. Slowly, I began to taper off of the pain medication and three months after starting Dahn Yoga, I no longer needed the sleeping pills I had been taking for over five years. Now, six months after starting Dahn Yoga, I am free of all prescription medicine.

So what is it about Dahn yoga that enabled these improvements in my life? First and foremost, it was the inspiring instructors who provide compassion when you need compassion and are firm when you start to lose your will to change. They shared the simple, yet profound principles of Dahn Yoga, which put me on a path of continuous self-healing and spiritual growth. They provided me with hope. My overwhelming gratitude for this blessing has instilled a strong vision in me to share this with others, so that they too can reclaim healthy, happy and peaceful lives. To say that Dahn Yoga changed my life would be an understatement. It absolutely saved my life.

By Sharon Tierney

Curing Fibromyalgia (Testimonial)

In May of 2007 I had fibromyalgia, chronic low back pain, and working through a nervous breakdown. I was pretty much a mess.

When I came here the first time I could barely walk. It was very difficult for me to sit and then to get up, I had to have help. The pain level was a 10+, even on all the pain medication; I was on anti-depressants, I was on three different medications to sleep. I was on anxiety medication. And all that did was just take the top layer off. It didn’t really do anything for me.

In August of 2009 my doctor said, ‘There’s no reason for you to come back. You don’t have fibromyalgia anymore and it is because of the Dahn Yoga.’ And he wrote that in his note. I am not on any medication at all. The last one to go was the anti-depressant. Took me a year and a half to wean myself off. I am healthier now than I have been in my whole life.

By Jerrie Gathe

How to boost your immune system

Flu and cold are common in winter. Nearly everyone gets a cold or flu once in their life. Some don’t get it that often and recover quickly if they catch it while others cough and sneeze for a week or even longer. This difference comes from their immune system. Now I assume that most of you know how the immune system works. It is very important that you know how to improve your immune system to become healthier you. 

First, eating certain food can boost your immune system. I think you are also familiar with this. If you don’t, eat lots of fruits and veggies that are rich in antioxidants such as vitamin C, E and Beta-carotene. Now here is more interesting topic. What about exercise? Does exercise help you improve your immune system? It is obvious that exercise helps you build a strong immune system. Then what kind of exercise is most beneficial to boost the immune system? Experts say that you should never go over the limit. Extreme gym exercise or long term exercise actually decreases your immunity. If you have been or started exercising to strengthen your immune system, try something moderate and do it consistently. Here is a list of exercises recommended. 

Walking/Running

Yoga/ Tai-chi

Swimming/Acua Aerobic

Gym work out (Not too heavy)

Dance

If you are already sick, try not to exercise and rest until you recover from it. Exercising while you are sick may make it worse and can be also dangerous. Also, along with your exercise and diet plan, try to keep your abdomen area warm while keeping your head cool. This promotes good blood and energy circulation which also helps boost your immune system. Visit CGI Website to learn more about these exercises. 

Winter Swimming

Swimming is one of the most popular exercises in the summer, but much less continues this exercise in the winter. People want to stay warm and do not feel like diving into the cold water. If you are one of them, do not let your feeling stop you from doing what is right for your body. There are a number of health benefits from swimming in the winter season. Some scientific studies shows that winter swimming help relieve the pain from rheumatism, fibromyalgia and asthma and that generally, people who swim in the winter experience less stress and fatigue. Needless to say, it is good for shedding pounds. And here is the good news. If you do not like to swim in cold water, CGI swimming pool is ready for you to dive in. CGI pool temperature is always controlled to be mild in all seasons so it is very comfortable for everyone to enjoy the pool. CGI heated pool facility is also equipped with a super-efficient double pomp natural element filtration and ionization system that minimizes the use of chlorine. This means you can swim without the harmful chemicals associated with traditional swimming pools. This state of the art facility is unsurpassed in Northern Bergen County. After swimming, you can also enjoy CGI spa facility which was awarded “Best Spa in Bergen County” from Bergen Health & Life. If you are serious about your health, you should definitely check it out. Visit CGI website today to learn more about its facility and swimming programs.

I don’t have a time to exercise..Here is an opportunity for you! (Before/After Work Group Sessions)

I remember someone once said “Time is not what you have, but it is what you make” I probably heard this when I complained about my tight schedule. I didn’t get it at once, but now it is totally true. 

I see someone who is a full time student, works part-time during weekends and go to a church every week says he tries to learn a new language when he has some free time, and I also know someone who stays home and take care of her son says how busy she is. We know exercise is important but often many chose not to because they feel they are too busy for this. Well…it really depends on your will power. 

Now, for its members who want to exercise, CGI is offering morning (before work) group exercise session and evening (after work) evening group exercise for free of charge. 

 

 

"Before work" session (6:30AM) will be led by the most passionate trainer of CGI with full of energy, Jonathan Martinez. This exercise is to boost your energy so that you become more energetic and effective at you work.    

 

"After work" session (7:00PM) will be taught by the experienced, skillful yet compassionate trainer of CGI, Kyla Heo. This session will focus on how to relieve stress and fatigue build up from work and prepare you for the next day. 

This program will start in the first week of February. If you lack motivation to change your day, please come out and meet others. Although they may have same issues as you, they might help you feel motivated

CGI OPEN HOUSE - Free Health Evaluation! Don't miss!

CGI started Wellness Campaign at the beginning of 2014 by providing CGI members with a quarterly health evaluation. This consists of the following tests.

 

1. Body Composition Analysis

2. Stress Level of your Brain

3. Age of your Physical Body

4. Chakra Development Status

5. Health condition of your Organs

6. Breathing Quality

 

This evaluation has been a great tool for the members to understand their physical and mental condition and find the best way to improve their health as well as wellness. With the results from the tests, CGI health consultant guides you with various exercises and therapy that are most beneficial in improving your total fitness and wellness level. Here is the great news. CGI will have open-house days on 2/06 (Thursday) and 2/22(Saturday) and this health evaluation will be provided free for anyone who visits CGI during the event. Do not miss this great change. Call now to schedule an appointment at (201) 784-5575 or visit CGI Website