Min Zin and Letha Yoga are used together, complementary systems of ancient and modern Burma.

Although Mahayana and Hinayana Buddhism are widely practiced in Burma, ancient animistic beliefs and shamanic rituals are still practiced by tribes in the vast Himalayan regions.

Min Zin is a complex of ancient shamanic energy healing techniques practiced by Dumsu (spirit priests) and Nat-Kadaw (spirit healers), preserved in Buddhist monasteries in the remote Himalayan border regions of northern Burma, Tibet and India. Min Zin is a simplified term from a longer phrase in the Pali language. Min means king, rule, influence, control or regulate. Zin signifies path, way, direction, technique or method of generating, storing and transmitting internal energy.

Letha Yoga, widely practiced in ancient Burma, is a system of body manipulation, adjustment and alignment adapted from yogic asanas and principles. The word Letha derives from ancient language of Hpyu people who settled in northern Burma around 300 BC, and means "hands of a partner." Letha Yoga signifies "a yoga system assisted by the hands of a partner." Written records and stone carvings about these practices date back to 500 BC.

Min Zin includes ancient Burmese techniques of grounding, centering, shielding and cleansing, as well as energy healing practices, practiced with a partner. These techniques are appropriate for use by healers, and necessary to help another using Letha Yoga. Breath practices and internal energy movement are key aspects of Min Zin and Letha Yoga. One should be in a spiritually balanced and harmonious state before touching another with intent to help.

Letha Yoga, influenced by Indian and Tibetan (Hatha and Tantra) yogic systems, focuses on the joints of the body and on nine zones, corresponding to chakra regions on the front and back. The system was taught by monks to the laboring class, to retain flexibility and strength in the face of rigorous physical demands. There are over 90 "asanas" or stretching postures used to assist the partner in stretching and regaining flexibility. Letha Yoga is beneficial for those who overuse or misuse their bodies from excessive physical labor, inadequate exercise or other causes.

Min Zin and Letha Yoga were taught at the Homalin and Halin Monasteries of northern Burma prior to and during World War II. They were introduced to the United States in 1990 by Dr. Maung Gyi, Professor Emeritus of the College of Communications at Ohio University, and Chief Instructor of the American Bando Association (Bando is a Burmese Martial Art, introduced to the West by Dr. Gyi). Dr. Gyi experienced these teachings as a young man in Burma.

Bekki and Crow have been studying Letha Yoga and Min Zin with Dr. Gyi since October 2000 and January 2001 respectively. Min Zin augments their shamanic energy healing, and Letha Yoga is used as a healing modality with clients. They also offer workshops in Min Zin and Letha Yoga

For more information or to schedule healing work, contact us at healing@church-of-earth-healing.org or call (740) 664-5050.