Boost Brain Function

Jan 10, 2017

How can we boost the brain function as we age?

As we start aging, the mental faculties of our brain start decreasing. Studies by the University College of London found a decrease of 3.6 percent of mental reasoning in both the men and women as they reach 45 to 49. These results are quite disheartening for the people who still have a long way to go in their respective careers and profession. But, the latest studies as published in the Journal of Alzheimer Diseases shows that by doing weekly yoga and daily meditation can increase brain function memory power including the reduction in depression, Alzheimer, and other related mental problems. Dr. Justin Davis Tigard OR Chiropractor discusses how a healthy diet, strong specific yoga techniques and regular chiropractic adjustments can boost overall brain function.


The Brian

Brain also constitutes of gray matter which is found towards the surface of cerebral corpus and involved in the control of the muscles, sensory perceptions, emotions, speech, decision-making, and self-control. 20% of the oxygen goes into the brain out of which 95% enters the gray area. The more is the gray matter in the brain function, the more your brain functions and you increase the ability to think and make correct evaluations of your decisions. Regular chiropractic adjustments, yoga and other physical postures and pranayama increase the gray matter in the brain and helps aging people in coping with the stress, aging process and memory retention says Dr. Justin Davis Tigard OR Chiropractor.

Studies

Several studies have been conducted demonstrating considerable improvement in the mental functioning with regular chiropractic adjustments and yoga rather than any other form of exercise schedule. The study by Neha Gothe, a profession of kinesiology at Wayne State University found participants performing Hatha yoga are better in brain function tests regarding mental flexibility, switching of tasks etc as compared to the participants performing aerobic exercises.

Yoga

In Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra it is mentioned “yoga chitta vritti nirodha”, this famous verse can be translated as “yoga is the reduction of fluctuations of the mind”. Yoga and other meditation techniques like Kirtan Kriya are best to bolster the cognitive function of the brain and to protect it from age-related decline.

Here are few basic yoga poses that are best for boosting the brain functioning:

Dr. Justin Davis Tigard OR Chiropractor

Sarvangasana: This asana increases the blood supply to the brain and helps in building the memory. Lie towards your back. Inhale and raise both your legs straight upwards. Support your back with your hands. Remain in this position for two minutes and come down slowly. Gradually increase its timing, say for 30 minutes.

Padmasana: It is a very simple yoga posture but best to give peace to the mind and enhance the mental power. For doing this pose, you only need to sit cross-legged on the ground with spine straight as shown in the picture. Keep the palms on your knees, close your eyes and relax. You will yourself feel mentally and physically relaxed and mental power increased.

Regular chiropractic adjustments along with these specific yoga exercises, agrees Dr. Justin Davis, is a sure way to boost brain function.

Sukhasana: It stimulates the brain by soothing the mind, body, and soul. Sit straight and spread your legs forward, now keep your left sole towards the inner edge of the right thigh and right sole towards the left thigh as shown in the picture. Place your palms on the knees and concentrate on your breathing with your closed eyes. Sit in this position for few minutes.

Garudasana: This balance posture helps in increase in focus and concentration. In fact, this pose derives its name from the Hindu God, Garuda which is known for its strength, focus, and power.

To perform this pose, stand straight with your both feet together and hands on your hips and look for a steady point. Bend your knees and cross your right leg across your left thigh and hook it behind the left calf. Then cross your arms, and locked against each other and try to join the palms. In this posture, always remember to keep your spine straight and focus and deep through your nose.

Paschimottanasana: This asana helps to calm your mind. To perform this pose, stretch your legs straight in front of you with your toes pointing upwards. Inhale, open your chest and straighten your spine. Then exhale and hold your palms together outside the feet. You can also keep your palms on your shins, or use a strap. Remember to take deep breaths, and as you exhale you will feel you have entered in your posture.

Nadi Shoddana Pranayama: Just five minutes of Nadi Shoddana Pranayama and the difference you will feel will be amazing. You will get clear, calm and focused mind. It is a complete yoga therapy that can increase your energy level and makes you relax whenever you feel anxious. Sit in a relaxed and comfortable position. Press your right thumb over your right nostril and inhale through left nostril. After the inhalation, press your left nostril with the right finger and exhale through the right nostril. Continue to do it for 3 minutes. When you have done it, allow your breath to come back to normal and notice the changes.

Shashankasana: Sharpen your brain by regularly doing this pose. Sit comfortably on your heels while keeping back and your neck straight. Bend your body over the thighs so that your forehead touches the mat.

Along with yoga, a rich diet that includes green vegetables, fruits and omega 3 and regular chiropractic visits are the best for memory and above all keep smiling.

These recommendations are provided by Dr. Justin Davis at Elevation Chiropractic located in Tigard OR. Always discuss any changes in your diet or physical routine with your primary care physician prior to beginning anything new.

Don’t forget to visit your local Tigard OR Chiropractor for your overall health!



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