For decades, during most of what comprises the history of modern Western medicine, it has been assumed that once a person reached adulthood, that was the end of increasing brain function. Brain cells, they thought, would begin to die rapidly starting in the forties and would continue to shuffle off this mortal coil; there was little anyone could do about it. However, Ilchi Lee says that it turns out that the conventional wisdom (as often proves to be the case) was wrong: the brain can indeed form new neural connections—in a process called neurogenesis—leading to faster communication and greater ability to learn and remember. The brain can and does continue to improve throughout life. There are many possible ways to improve various aspects of brain performance, but physical exercise is one of the best ways to take advantage of this marvelous brain ability.
Until recently, most scientists believed that the positive effects of exercise came about largely as the result of increased blood flow to the brain. Although a boost in circulation certainly has its benefits, as it brings more oxygenated blood to the brain, the complete picture is more interesting. It appears that with each movement in rigorous exercise, the muscle releases a hormone that stimulates the growth of new nerves in the brain’s learning and memory center. So when you do DahnHak exercise, you’re ordering the brain to produce more cells and more connections. No one knows vet whether new cells can grow in the rest of the brain as a result of exercise, but there is little doubt that the entire brain thrives on the extra blood and oxygen that flood it when we hit the elliptical machine, lift weights, or swim a few laps in the community pool.