Have you ever started a new wellness practice and suddenly felt unexpected changes in your body or emotions? You’re not alone. In Korean, this phenomenon is known as Myung Hyun (명현, 明顯). You may hear this term today in Body & Brain Yoga Tai Chi classes, from instructors referring to a healing response to the process of “balancing energy.”
Body & Brain classes and workshops are based on East Asian wellness tradition. An important goal in this tradition is to create a balanced internal flow of vital energy (Qi). You’ll find a variety of energy-based exercises in Body & Brain classes, taught in different styles such as Energy Yoga, Deep Stretching, Breathwork, Tai Chi or Qigong, but they are all intended to create a healthy balance and flow of Qi energy. If this approach is new to you, you may notice your body naturally adjusting to the feel of it.
As students begin to learn Body & Brain exercises, Myung Hyun can manifest as temporary muscle discomfort, fatigue, or an awareness of old aches and pains ~ this wouldn’t be unusual if you haven’t been doing any similar exercises before. From the viewpoint of Korean traditional wellness principles, it may also be considered a positive sign that your mind-body awareness is improving and that your body’s energy system is restoring balance.
• What is Myung Hyun? • Benefits of Energy-Balancing Exercise • How to Navigate Myung Hyun • When to Seek Guidance • The Gift of Myung Hyun • Ready to Deepen Your Healing Journey?
The term Myung Hyun comes from two Korean words:
In the East Asian tradition, Qi is thought to have characteristics of Yang (brightness, lightness, activity) and Yin (darkness, heaviness, stillness). These aspects are neither “bad” nor “good,” but they are believed to exist in balance throughout the natural world, including in our bodies. In this tradition, energy balancing is a natural part of deep healing and transformation, often experienced in holistic practices like yoga, Tai Chi and Qigong, as well as acupressure and other healing arts. While there may not be much definitive scientific proof of these ancient principles, there is enough evidence of benefit that many medical centers today offer complementary approaches such as Eastern energy healing practices in addition to Western medicine.
In Body & Brain practice, when we say you may be experiencing feelings of Myung Hyun, this refers to the temporary physical or emotional reactions that you may experience as you balance the opposing characteristics of Qi. You may hear a Body & Brain instructor say, for example, that if you can release accumulated negative or stagnant energy, it is possible to rebalance your vital energy and increase your feeling of wellness, the more you practice. As your Qi becomes more balanced, the feelings of Myung Hyun will pass, and it is possible to create a greater brightness and an improved sense of vitality.
When you engage in energy-based exercises such as yoga, Tai Chi, Qigong, deep stretching, breathing techniques, or meditation, your body begins to change: ✅ Increase circulation—bringing fresh oxygen and nutrients to tissues ✅ Release “blockages”—reducing stiffness in muscles and joints ✅ Restore Qi balance—especially in the energy principle of Water Up, Fire Down ✅ Gain confidence—releasing negative thinking as your sense of wellness increases
These are major beneficial changes, but if you’re not used to energy-based exercise, it may take your body a little while to adjust. Since Body & Brain training emphasizes energy awareness and mind-body integration, you may become more sensitized to the feeling of your body as you get used to the new exercise.
If you experience Myung Hyun, don’t be alarmed! It’s a sign that your body is working to restore itself. Here are a few ways to support the process:
If you’re experiencing body aches from doing new kinds of exercise, it’s especially important to drink plenty of water or herbal tea to support healthy circulation. Choose light, nutritious foods like vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
Your body is doing deep internal work—so give it time to recharge! Take naps, get extra sleep, and listen to your body's signals.
Avoid pushing too hard. Stick with gentle stretching, breathing, or meditation to help energy flow smoothly without overstimulating the system. Research shows that yoga-based relaxation techniques, including breathwork and meditation, can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, supporting recovery and balance.
Myung Hyun is not a setback—it’s progress! Instead of resisting it, acknowledge the changes as a sign of deeper healing. Journaling, breathing exercises, or light walks in nature can help bring a sense of emotional balance.
How you experience energy balancing exercise is as individual as you are. It may help to remind yourself: My body is not me, it’s mine, and be patient with your learning process. If you feel frustrated with your progress as a Body & Brain Yoga Tai Chi student, talk with your instructor about how to work through your self-care challenges.
First, it’s wise to seek guidance from your health care provider before you start any new exercise program. It’s especially important to consult your doctor if you have chronic illness, heart conditions, or other medical concerns.
While Myung Hyun is traditionally believed to be temporary and beneficial, it’s important to listen to your body and seek guidance if you need help getting through it.
Consider reaching out to your Body & Brain Yoga Tai Chi instructor to ask for exercise modifications. Sometimes, just talking to an instructor can give you clarity and peace of mind. Body & Brain instructors are trained to help guide you through energy shifts and offer personalized guidance as you learn energy-based exercises.
For Myung Hyun experiences after beginning a practice, you should consult a healthcare professional if:
🚨 Your symptoms persist longer than two weeks.
🚨 You experience extreme fatigue or dizziness.
🚨 Your emotions feel overwhelming or unmanageable.
Experiencing Myung Hyun can feel unfamiliar at first, but it can be a sign of awakening a deeper connection between your body, brain, and energy. Through patience and self-care, this releasing process should resolve quickly and lead to a stronger sense of well-being.
If you want to explore Body & Brain practice further, book a private introductory session at your nearest Body & Brain Yoga Tai Chi location! Our instructors can guide you through the process and help you experience the benefits of holistic fitness first-hand.