MyYogaTeacher has announced a new course, Yoga to Improve Brain Function, that helps improve cognitive health.
The yoga class, taught by instructor Zaeem Zaidi, combines the practice of asanas (physical postures), pranayama (breathwork) and meditation to improve blood flow and oxygen delivery to the brain and other vital organs. Exercises include joint mobilization, body strengthening, alternate nostril breathing and rapid breathing.
Related: How to Engage All Five Senses in Yoga Classes
Class Exercises:
- Sukshma vyayama (joint warmup and mobilization);
- Uudara shakti vikasaka (abdominal strengthening exercises);
- Merudanda shakti vikasaka kriya (whole spine strengthening exercises);
- Nadi shodhana pranayama (alternate nostril breathing)
Rapid Breathing Exercises:
- Uccarana-sthal tatha vishuddha-chakra-shuddhi (straight neck breathing)
- Buddhi tatha dhrti-sakti-vikasaka (neck back while back bending)
- Smarana sakti-vikasaka (gazing out 4-5 feet toward floor)
- Medha sakti-vikasaka (gazing at toes)
“While the yogic breathing exercises appear to be simple, they have powerful effects on the mind and body,” said Zaidi. “Delivering oxygen to the brain results in a nice boost—increased memory, clarity and cognitive function—along with improvements in immunity, balance and stability in one’s posture. While the class is open to anyone desiring better cognitive health and the breathing exercises can be performed by anyone over eight years of age, the class is especially recommended for people over 50 years old to lower their risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s.”
