In my quest to try something new every week (or so), I leapt at the opportunity to visit a “yoga and tai chi” studio with a friend, which is why I wanted to write a Body & Brain Yoga review. As we walked into the place, I realized I’d been there before.
Just before Covid, I sent to an introductory meeting with a man at a Body & Brain studio. He exuded the gentleness of a down pillow nestled in a cloud. So much that it felt creepy in the otherwise-empty studio.
After briefly introducing ourselves, he ushered me into a large studio with a padded floor and invited me to lay down on my back. Uncharacteristically trusting, I complied. This not-medically-trained yogi poked and prodded me, saying my stomach indicated digestive issues. Since I know my issues are all in my head, I didn’t return to the studio. I wanted to explore yoga and tai chi, not be fondled to assess my energies.
Second Time’s A Charm
Since a friend recently joined the studio, I returned this week for another introduction to the facility. This time, years later, a kindly woman with a friendly expression greeted us. A group of twelve convened in the padded room. We were given floor pads and these fabric seat backs which were a godsend. This is the experience I’m focusing on for this Body & Brain Yoga review.
Our host talked about energy and the Body & Brain philosophy, which centers around tapping, energy and chakras. She used a PowerPoint to explain their approach to yoga, tai chi and meditation. Which is not what most of us think of as yoga, tai chi, and meditation.
From the Body & Brain website: Since 1996, Body & Brain has been a leader in introducing Eastern holistic fitness, energy healing, and mind-body practices to the United States. Today, our comprehensive wellness system can be experienced at over 70 locations nationwide. We combine traditional Korean healing philosophies and Qi energy training with insights from modern neuroscience to optimize brain function and enhance its connection with the body.
Developed by Ilchi Lee, Body & Brain studios use movement to create that balance in body and mind. (I hope I’m getting it right, but I might not be since I felt vaguely hypnotized for some of the session.)
During the intro, we did some tapping. I’ve tried tapping before, but learning about it from some YouTube influencer overlooks the group energy dynamic that I experienced in the studio. There we all were, humming and poking ourselves in the name of “water up, fire down”. A concept described by Lee as, “When you have good energy flow according to Water Up, Fire Down, you’re in harmony with nature’s balance, and your own natural healing ability actively works at full strength.”
The leader spoke in soothing tones as we all tapped on our bellies and I fell into a mild trance. Similar to the hypnotic state that can sometimes arise with meditation or cultism. By the end of the class, I felt incredibly relaxed. But not relaxed enough to Venmo them $10k.
Some Cultsiderations
I’ve since tried to research this outfit. There are some documented concerns to consider.
First of all, Lee’s ideas around brain health aren’t rooted in science so much as theory. He takes from multiple eastern disciplines to form his ideas. Since I’ve explored these ideas in the past, I don’t have an issue with this approach. Things don’t always have to be “rooted in science” to be meaningful to someone.
Secondly, some people consider Lee a cult leader, citing legal issues in the past (when it was called Dahn Yoga). Lee was sued for “manipulating people to spend money on their programs”. Someone also died at one of his retreats.
Even before learning of its occasional reputation as a cult, something felt off. After all, I discovered all the cultish ideas only after searching “body & brain cult”. I can’t put my finger on it, but it seemed like if I offered them my first born, they might have accepted. As if they are happy to take whatever people give without considering whether or not it’s appropriate or deserved. Like that friend who always lets you buy them lunch.
Other dogs look at French Poodles and wonder if they are members of some strange religious cult.
Rita Rudner
At the same time, I felt no pressure to join (although the owner did call me the next week, which ultimately tainted this Body & Brain Yoga review). The intro class was free and though the leader asked what we thought, she didn’t say anything like, “The world will end if 10,000 people don’t join our studio by next Thursday.”
It’s All A Bit Woo-Woo
I’m not into woo-woo stuff like astrology, ghosts or the supernatural. But I do find that eastern techniques — meditation, yoga, the Tao — speak to me. They feel less like mysticism and more like convening with nature. Which is what I hope the overall intent is of Body & Brain. And not to, I don’t know… harvest my organs for more deserving humans.
I don’t think I’m done with the organization. I may explore classes to see if anything feels different next time. Maybe I’ll even go on a retreat after they “force” me to give them money. I’ll be sure to report back if I’m told they’ll kill my family if I don’t surrender all my belongings and assets.