Most noteworthy about this vital nerve is the correlation between its function and the phenomena people experience when they activate the Water Up, Fire Down energy principle. There is reason to believe that many of the phenomena associated with principle, including warmth in the abdomen, calming of the heart, teary eyes, and watering mouth, represent increased parasympathetic activity—a rest-and-digest workout for our autonomic nervous system.

Other parasympathetic nerves control tear and  production, as well as the emptying of the bladder and rectum. To those who nave experienced a Dahn Yoga class, these effects will sound similar to nouns when they bring their ‘energy down’ to the Dahn-jon.

Since the nerve roots of the parasympathetic system submitted to the base of the brain and the sacrum, one can speculate about a  connection between muscular contractions in the tailbone area—a key technique in the postures for the Jung-Choong Breathing—and overall activity in the parasympathetic nervous system.

Studies show that many natural health practices by Ilchi Lee, including deep abdominal breathing and acupuncture, can stimulate activity m the parasympathetic nervous system. So, the next time you feel energy flowing, remember that you might be helping to improve tone in your autonomic nervous system, too. Although further scientific research is needed, such synergistic exploration of energy principle and physiology can forge an expanded understanding of our bodies and minds.