Yoga and the Brain: How Asanas and Pranayama Rewire Our Nervous System - EXPLAINED

Yoga and the Brain: Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar, yoga and spiritual leader and founder of Akshar Yoga Kendraa, suggests top yoga asanas and pranayama that can help rewire our nervous system and boost brain health naturally.

Yoga For Brain: In this era of continuous thinking and the buzzing of digital gadgets that seemingly run the lives of people on a daily basis, the mind tends to be restless and tired. Yoga provides a natural and scientific method of regaining balance by supporting the brain and relaxing the nervous system. Yoga assists in strengthening neural networks, enhancing concentration and establishing mental harmony through certain poses and breathing exercises. The Shirshasana, Bhoomi Mastak Asana, Om Naad Pranayama and Bhramari Pranayama are among the most effective ones- all the practices that are meant to activate the dormant potential of the brain and induce profound relaxation.

In this article, Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar, yoga and spiritual leader and founder of Akshar Yoga Kendraa, tells us more about the yoga asanas that you can do to keep the brain healthy and strong with yoga asanas.

Shirshasana – King of Asanas to Healthy Brain

The Shirshasana, also referred to as the headstand, is commonly referred to as the king of asanas due to the intense effect it has on the brain. Done properly, it improves blood flow to the head area supplying brain cells with blood, oxygen and nutrients. This improves blood flow, which sharpens memory, increases concentration and decreases anxiety. The pose also triggers the pituitary and pineal glands that control mood and hormonal balance. Practicing Shirshasana would offer clarity, confidence and better decision making, so Shirsasana is a good pose to practice in yoga to focus the mind and be emotionally stable.

Bhoomi Mastak Asana – Stabilizing the Mind by Stillness

The Head-to-Earth Pose (named Bhoomi Mastak Asana) is a posture that teaches a sense of humility and being at ground level. It consists of light touching the forehead on the ground with the rest of the body in a relaxed pose, the expression of giving up and serenity. This pose is relaxing to the parasympathetic nervous system which helps in rest and recovery. It is by means of contacting the forehead with the earth that Bhoomi Mastak Asana calms the jumbled mind and mental exhaustion. It is particularly of use with overthinkers, people with tension or sleep problems. This pose builds inner peace and strengthens emotions with practice.

Om Naad Pranayama – Melting the Mind to Cosmic Vibration

Om Naad Pranayama is one of the deepest breathing meditation positions that concentrate on the holy sound of Om. This vibration balances the mind and the body with the harmony of both sides of the brain. Om chanting generates small vibrations that cause the vagus nerve to be activated which is important in relaxing the nervous system and regulating heartbeat. Om Naad Pranayama can help to enhance concentration, mental clarity, and emotional balance, and the practice of the Om Naad Pranayama should take place every day. It also produces a trance condition that alleviates anxiety and helps to take profound relaxation.

Bhramari Pranayama – Humming Bee Breath of Mental Peace

Bhramari Pranayama or the humming bee breath, is an easy yet profound method of relieving stress and mental tension. The vibration is produced by humming softly at the time of breathing and, therefore, through the skull, calms the nerve endings of the brain. This is a pranayama method that boosts concentration and alleviates anger and helps soothe emotions. It is also useful, especially in individuals who have insomnia, headaches or anxiety. A few minutes of Bhramari per day can help reach an ecstatic state of mind, and allows the breath and the thought to be more connected.

The effects of yoga on the brain are not only relaxation, but it is also an activity that rewires the nervous system, enhances neural communication and creates mental strength. Om Naad Pranayama and Bhramari Pranayama should be accompanied by Shirshasana and Bhoomi Mastak Asana to make it a complete set of poses, which would boost the brain functioning, emotional state, and overall well-being. Yoga is a beautiful process that leads to inner peace, clarity of mind and a healthy nervous system with a regular practice and deep breathing.