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Superbrain Yoga for Brain Health
Superbrain Yoga for Brain Health
Do you want to feel more energy? Do you want to improve your brain function? The
brain is one of the most important muscles in your body and one that is frequently
overlooked when it comes to exercising. Although support and funding for the scientific
research of Superbrain yoga is limited, the anecdotal evidence of individuals, schools
and therapists believe that the practice of Superbrain yoga has radically improved many
people’s lives.
Are you too ready to implement a simple exercise into your daily routine to not only
improve your physical body, but your mental, psychological and spiritual wellbeing as
well?
A Traditional Practice
Educators and parents in India long used what is called murgha punishment
incorporating the very technique of Superbrain yoga into the classroom. This
punishment, also a form of yoga, is an exercise with the scientific rational that it
improves oxygenation to the nervous system and brain thus promoting better
concentration and the ability to learn. Placing the hands on alternative earlobes is a
concept that originates from the science of Ayurveda medicine in which pressure points
on the earlobes stimulates neural function on both sides of the brain.
Perhaps Superbrain yoga is a radical practice to you but it is certainly not an exercise
technique new to this world. Spiritual practices in India perform a prayer known as
Thoppukaranam which significantly resembles the flow of Superbrain yoga. People who
participate in this Indian prayer practice will speak of its many calming benefits for the
both the body, the spirit and the brain. (5)
How does it Work?
Research led by Dr. Joie P. Jones of the University of California reinforces the
traditional Indian beliefs behind Superbrain yoga (1). His research highlights that the
success of the yoga practice stimulates acupuncture points on the ear. The ears are a
major pressure point that stimulates the mouth, eyes, temples, testes, ovaries, forehead
and brain.
The idea behind stimulating the earlobes is that energy within lower extremities such as
sexual structures becomes stagnant and trapped. With Superbrain yoga, the energy
takes a direct vertical line up the center of the body through the heart, then the throat,
passes the tongue to the mouth and lastly the brain.
Science behind brain health shows that the brain hemispheres are oppositely, and
unilaterally stimulated from the right ear and left ear. When each earlobe is
simultaneously stimulated, both the left and right side of the brain hemisphere becomes
synchronized producing powerful brain activity (5).
Benefits of Superbrain Yoga
Teachers believe that their students whom practice the technique have fewer symptoms
of autism, dyslexia, ADD (attention deficit disorder), ADHD (attention deficit
hyperactivity disorder), Down syndrome and show fewer emotional disturbance.
Therapists believe it helps patients with declining cognitive function and can improve
symptoms related to neurological degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. Older adults
even believe it improves their memory function for daily activities such as finding keys.
(1, 5)
The benefits of Superbrain yoga can appeal to every age as anecdotal evidence and
independently ran studies also suggests improved sex drive, lower psychological stress,
promotes mental clarity and focus, increases creativity and intelligence, and an increase
in calmness and inner peace which can further aid in appetite control and overall health
management (1, 2, 3). Benefits of Superbrain yoga, however, are believed to be short
term unless the practice is used daily. This concept is also not new news as any fit
individual knows too well from a resulting injury. Muscle atrophy does not only occur in
biceps and leg muscles but the lack of an exercise to the brain results in the same rapid
muscle loss and muscle function.
A study conducted amongst 56 middle school students experiencing academic and
behavioral problems participated in the practice of Superbrain yoga a minimum of twice
a week. Academic performance increased by more than 21%. Results of the study
found that the practice reduced frustration in students, improved class participation,
lowered anxiety and fear, improved standardized test scores, and increased
collaboration with peers. Teachers observed a significant shift in student’s ability to
show compassion, kindness, and generosity. (4)
Proper Technique for Superbrain Yoga
The technique for Superbrain yoga is an easier style of yoga to teach than a vinyasa
flow or hot yoga. Some believers and purist of Superbrain yoga who have been
diligently practicing the technique for years believe that you should face your body east
when performing the exercise to enhance the flow of energy through the body. Suitable
for any age and skillset, give Superbrain yoga a try next time you need to feel
rejuvenated.
1. Take your left hand and place it on your right earlobe so that your thumb is in the
front of the ear.
2. Take your right hand and place it around your left earlobe so that your thumb is
in the front of the ear. Your left arm should be closest to your chest and held
within the forearm of your right arm.
3. Stabilize feet so they are about hips width apart.
4. Place your tongue to the roof of your mouth keeping it there for the duration of
the exercise.
5. Inhale while you bend your knees and squat downward. Make sure your knees
do not bend over your toes avoiding pressure to knees. Be sure to keep your
chest open and prevent your body from bending forward.
6. Exhale while you begin to stand back up.
7. Repeat the exercise as many times as desired. General recommendations
advise for repeating the technique for 2 to 3 minutes.
8. Repeat daily for at least 3 months to begin to see results.
Tip for Seniors with Limited Agility: Science shows that visualizing a technique can
actually result in positive benefits as if your body physically performed an exercise or
experience. Older adults with limited abilities to squat should sit in a chair with feet
grounded and hands positioned accordingly. While performing the same breathing
patterns, visualize the exercise while promoting relaxation.
Sources for this Article Include:
1. Superbrain Yoga: 3 Minutes That Maximize Brain Power Link Here
2. Super Brain Yoga: A Research Study Link Here
3. Chandrasekeran A, Rajesh SK, and Srinivasan TM. Effect of repetitive yogic
squats with specific hand position (Thoppukaranam) on selective attention and
psychological states. Int J Yoga. 2014 Jan-Jun; 7(1): 76-79. PMCID:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4097921/
4. Superbrain Yoga – Improving Academic and Behavioral Performances in
Adolescents Link Here
5. SuperBrain Yoga Link Here