Yoga Articles >Yoga Improves Memory
Memory is the ability to retain and recall information as and when
required. Memory capacity is the ability to analyze and process the
assimilated information and not raw data storage alone. Memory power
varies from one individual to another.
Yoga and Memory: are linked by an umbilical cord
Memory is critical to our daily lives. Throughout the day, we are
constantly flooded with information, data and new
happenings/developments/facts. Thus our mind has its natural way to
sieve out only the information that is relevant or useful to us. Thus it
is important that we train our minds accordingly and ensure a healthy
state of functioning.
Yoga provides an excellent tool for improving memory power and fighting forgetfulness
The brain functions of attention, cognition, processing of sensory
information and visual perception are honed with yogic practices. Yogic
practices hatha yoga, which is a medley of asanas, pranayama, meditation
and Om chanting increase blood feed to the brain. This helps in
soothing mind and enhances concentration.
Memory power is given a boost, while also improving the ability to maintain focus and concentration.
- YOGA ASANA: Sarvangasana and Bhujangasana are the two main asana, which are a great remedy to all your physical and mental problems.
- PRANAYAMA: In pranayama, the mind is focused on the breath as it flows in and out of the body. Oxygen and prana (energy) levels in mind and body also elevate due to the regulation of breath. Bhastrika, Kapalbhati and Brahmari Pranayam are the best. They improve the memory power and alleviate forgetfulness.
- OMKAR CHANTING: Here you inhale air from one nostril and exhale through the other. While you breathe in from one nostril you need to close the other one with your thumb and while breathing out release your thumb.
- Open-Legged Forward Bend and Sirshasana are some other yoga practices that strengthen memory.
There are some yogic techniques that exclusively stimulate the brain and nervous system to improve memory and concentration.
- Dharana: or the practice of Concentration: is known to yoke the wandering mind. This relieves strain on the mind. Mental strength increases. Efficiency and effectiveness of work is known to improve. The daily practice of dharana reduces the wavering attitude of mind with peace and mental calm settling into life. Moreover it trains the mind to become clear, focused and directional.
- Meditation: is a step beyond Dharna, requiring even more mental focus and concentration. The practice of meditation, either by itself or in conjunction with asana and pranayama solaces the mind by reducing excessive thinking.
Conclusion
Joan Shivarpita Harrigan, director of Patanjali Kundalini Yoga Care
says that if you practices yoga religiously, he can shift the patterns
of the autonomic nervous system over time. It can empower one to change
the physiology, the hormones, and the neurotransmitters in the brain and
create a foundation for more peacefulness and clarity and receptivity
and retentiveness." To sum it up in the words of the Yoga Sutra, "Yogah
cittavritti nirodhah" -- yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of
the mind. A calm mind is a focused mind.
