A book by 1976 NMU alumna Margaret Vainio titled Asahi: The Nordic Health Practice was a finalist in the 2023 Next Generation Indie Book Awards in health and wellness. Asahi is a health exercise developed in Finland, which can be done by people of all ages and states of health. The movements are easy to learn are done at slow, peaceful pace in time with the breathing.
"Asahi helps people stay in the workforce longer," the description reads. "It also has a positive effect on their mental health and provides a way to maintain social contact. By practicing Asahi regularly, the elderly stay more active and are able to live independently in their own home longer. This book also includes ways to use the method as a means of self-care and rehabilitation."
Vainio has lived in Finland for many years after falling in love with the area after an NMU choral trip. She learned and mastered Asahi, becoming an instructor herself. She brought the first Asahi course to the U.S. to her alma mater, and it is now offered through NMU's curriculum. Vaino promotes Asahi Nordic mind-body practice by translating all the material into English so the method can reach people beyond Finland.
Asahi is recommended for people of all ages and states of health and meets the physical activity recommendations provided by the World Health Organization and the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.
Learn more about the book here.