AVON, Conn. -- Dahn Yoga has set up shop in Connecticut, promising inner peace and healing -- but their practices have raised concern after the death of a member.

Channel 3 Eyewitness News reporter Diana Rocco reported Julia Siverls, 41, a college professor, died while practicing Dahn Yoga.

"The last time I saw Julia, she was at my niece's wedding reception and she said she was going to Arizona," said Siverls' sister, Veronica Siverls-Dunham.

Siverls traveled to Sedona, Ariz., for master training and to learn to be a healer. Her family said she died of dehydration while hiking with only three bottles of water made available for five people.

"She was like, 'I'm scared, I'm going on this hike tomorrow and I'm scared,'" said Siverls' brother, Allen Siverls.

Rocco reported several Connecticut members have traveled to the Dahn Yoga healer school in Arizona at a cost of up to $11,000.

Dahn Yoga representatives told the I-Team they don't believe Siverls' death resulted from their teachings.

I-Team Attends Dahn Sessions

The I-Team went undercover for a month at Dahn Yoga's Avon location.

During the first session, members receive a textbook with the teachings of Dr. Ilchi Kee, the founder of the Korean art form. Lee claims to be a spiritual healer with supernatural powers, and he said those who follow him can achieve the same.

Rocco reported Dahn Yoga members are encouraged to attend at least three sessions a week.

When the I-Team attended class, members participated in exercises like hitting oneself to "stimulate blood flow," pelvic thrusts and jumping up and down -- all followed by yoga movements during which "a vibrating brain" was placed on members' stomachs. Those movements were used to channel energy.

During the session, some people started dancing around the room, claiming to be moved by the energy. Members chanted while hitting themselves, "Happy body, healthy heart, power brain."

The session concluded with a special tea and recanting spiritual experience. The members were often encouraged to stop thinking, and subscribe to the Dahn Yoga method of spirituality.

Cult expert Steve Hassan is counseling 14 former Dahn Yoga members. He called Dahn Yoga an authoritarian Korean cult.

"People that I'm counseling who've been in this group show all the symptoms of other mind-control cults," Hassan said. "In my opinion, this group is one that I'd warn your viewers about."

The I-Team asked the instructors at the Avon center about the cult accusations. One instructor responded, "I don't think this is a cult" before referring the I-Team to the corporate offices.

Critics Claim Relatives Withdrew After Joining

Critics charge that people get too involved, give away all of their possessions and families have seen loved ones change and withdraw.

Charles Liguidara said his son gave up everything to teach Dahn Yoga, but when he came home for the holidays, the family had an intervention.

"It was horrible. I saw, in my mind what I thought I saw, was a cult," Liguidara said.

Dahn Yoga representative Charlotte Connors responded to the cult accusations, saying, "I think that people who might say something like that probably don't have any direct experience with Dahn Yoga."

Lawyers for Dahn Yoga contacted the I-Team, denying claims that this organization is a cult.

The attorneys submitted a statement, as follows:

"Dahn Yoga empowers individuals to manage their own bodies well in order to become more healthy, happy and peaceful. It is a simple and easy practice based on a variety of Eastern traditions, including yoga, martial arts, breathing techniques and energy training. It uses stretching, breathing and meditation to improve flexibility, circulation and overall mind-body balance."

The Siverls family has since filed a lawsuit against Dahn Yoga, claiming Siverls was drugged and brainwashed.

The Avon Dahn Yoga center continues to actively recruit new members and insists it's not a cult.

Stay with WFSB.com and Channel 3 Eyewitness News for the latest I-Team updates.