Super Brain Yoga!

To read this article in Marathi, click here: सुपर ब्रेन योगा

You may be familiar with yoga. Yoga is a group of physical, mental, and spiritual practices that originated in ancient India. It is practiced in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. Yoga as exercise is a physical activity consisting mainly of asanas (yoga poses), accompanied by the breathing exercises of pranayama, and ending with a period of relaxation or meditation. It helps in controlling the body and mind. It also helps to release any suffering and find inner peace. Yoga brings harmony in life and is known for disease prevention, health promotion and management of many lifestyle-related disorders. This article is about Super Brain Yoga.

Human brain has approximately one hundred billion neurons. These neurons are connected by trillions of connections. It is not the size of the brain that matters, but the number of connections, which are responsible for how well our brain functions. There is a left and the right sides of the brain (hemispheres). These hemispheres perform different functions and alternatively dominate the opposite side of our bodies. Brain waves are independent within right and left hemispheres. Our left and right brain wave patterns are typically in sync during any form of relaxation, including meditation and other forms of yoga. This synchronicity may increase our brainpower, helping us retain more information, and giving us more control over our emotions.

Super Brain yoga has been a part of the Indian culture since centuries. This method has been used in two different ways: worship and punishment. The lord Ganesha, an elephant-headed deity from Hinduism, is one of the most worshipped deities. He is worshipped as the remover of obstacles, bestowed of knowledge and success. Super brain yoga is used to worship lord Ganesha and pray to forgive them for any mistake caused intentionally or unintentionally. Also, it is said to be used as form of punishment in Indian schools that was actually aimed at enhancing concentration and activating parts of the brain which in turn helps one remain alert, improve memory and grasp knowledge.

It is known with different names in different Indian languages:

• Uthak-baithak (Hindi)
• Utha-bashya (Marathi)
• Gunjeelu (Telugu)
• Thoppukaranam (Tamil)
• Baski (Kannada)

In the past few decades, lot of research studies were undertaken by Scientists & Doctors across the world on this method and the term “super brain yoga” has become popular as the practice has gained media attention. This technique was initially created to increase the brain functioning via combination with ear acupressure and it has evolved quite a bit over time. Grand Master Choa Kok Sui, the founder of the Philippines-based Institute for Inner Studies, Incorporated (IISI), conducted research and developed the modern version of the practice.

Before we talk about what happens with brain waves during super brain yoga, let’s learn the basics of brain waves.

Brain waves: The electrical activity of brain is measured by a test called “Electroencephalogram or EEG”.

There are 4 types of brain waves:

• Alpha waves: Alpha brain waves indicate relaxed and calm state of our mind. It is seen during meditation and creative activities.
• Beta waves: Beta brain waves are seen in our normal every day activities like talking, doing work, solving problems etc.
• Theta waves: Theta waves are seen during deep relaxation, meditation.
• Delta waves: Delta waves are the slowest range of brain waves and are seen during deep dreamless sleep and very deep meditation state.

The most creative and inspiring work happens while we are in the Alpha state.

During some studies¹ done with Super brain yoga, it was observed that, Alpha wave activity increases immediately after performing Super brain yoga. Hence, regular Super Brain Yoga practitioners consistently enjoy much more time in the Alpha state than regular people, thereby increasing their memory, creativity, intuition, and overall health.

Super Brain Yoga combines breathing and acupressure (acupressure points on ear lobes) to “connect” the right and left hemispheres of the brain. The activity is simple to learn, relatively quick, and can be practiced anywhere. All it takes is a few minutes per day. While you can practice Super Brain Yoga at any time of day, try to complete it in the morning. That way the effects of the exercise, which includes relaxation and a sharper mind will last throughout the day. Super Brain Yoga is suggested to be practiced regularly for the best results. Some of my patients from here, USA, told me that, super brain yoga is practiced in their schools regularly.

How to do super brain yoga:² 

1. Stand straight.
2. Lift your left arm and hold your right earlobe with your thumb and index finger. Your thumb should be in front.
3. Lift your right arm and hold your left earlobe. Your right arm should be over your left arm.
4. Inhale deeply and squat down slowly to a sitting position.
5. Stay in this position for 2-3 seconds.
6. Gently exhale as you rise up again. This completes one cycle.
7. You may repeat this cycle about 15 times every day.

Benefits of super brain yoga: 

Super brain yoga activates acupressure points on the earlobe that helps stimulate your gray matter. This exercise helps your brain by:

• Synchronizing left and right side of the brain
• Distributing energy levels and increasing sense of calmness
• Stimulating thinking capacity
• Increasing mental energy
• Making you more creative
• Improving focus and concentration
• Relieving stress or behavioral problems
• Improves memory

This brain exercise known to help patients with Alzheimer’s, mild depression, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Down’s syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and Dyslexia among others. 

The April 2014 International Journal of Yoga has provided more scientific evidence of its effectiveness. In addition, a number of doctors have gone public with unpublished results. Online testimonials include Dr. Eric Robbins of Los Angeles, who told a news program that one of his student’s grades were raised from a C to an A in one semester. Dr. Eugenius Wang Jr. says brain imaging has shown the ability of super brain yoga to synchronize the right and left hemispheres of the brain. Some people do not believe in its effectiveness and think that it is a placebo effect. It is a combination of physical activity and breathing technique. You have nothing to lose!😀

Take home message:

• If you believe in Super brain yoga, start doing it.
• The activity is simple to learn.
• It is relatively quick.
• It can be practiced anywhere.
• All it takes is a few minutes per day.
• Try to do it 15 times a day.
• It does not need any special equipment.
• People from all ages can do it.
• Try to do it in the mornings if possible.
• Practice it regularly for the best results.
• Lastly, there is nothing to lose by doing it!

References:

1. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/312220116_Evidence_based_study_on_super_brain_yoga_and_its_application_on_alpha_EEG_in_adolescence
2. https://www.artofliving.org/us-en/health-and-wellness/super-brain-yoga