We all know how incredible a consistent yoga practice makes us feel. Yoga truly lives up to the hype of addressing our health from multiple levels: mind, body and spirit.
Let’s hone in on the “mind” aspect of yoga. Often overshadowed by the physical and spiritual benefits of yoga, it’s easy to overlook the fact that yoga might just be one of the best supplements for brain function available to us.
An increasing amount of people are reaping the benefits of an ancient yoga sequence known for rejuvenating our mental energy. This simple and easy to practice sequence has the potential to increase our mental energy and mood by increasing both oxygen and blood flow to the brain. We refer to it as “super brain” yoga.
In Sanskrit, it’s better known as Thoppukaranam, palikarsha, or “pulling of the ears,” which is quite literally how this move is performed! As tradition goes, this sequence was often used to calm, recenter and refocus misbehaving children. The sequence is also said to balance emotions, increase the ability to retain information, and even improve intelligence. Give the sequence below a try to gain the all natural health benefits that yoga can provide.
How to practice: The Sequence of Movements
This sequence can be practiced on its own or prior to your own daily yoga practice.
1. Assume a comfortable standing position with feet shoulder-width apart.
2. Press your tongue to the roof of your mouth.
3. Squeeze the right earlobe with the left thumb and left index finger. The thumb should be placed on the front of the earlobe.
4. Squeeze the left earlobe with the right thumb and right index finger. The right arm should be on top of the left.
5. Inhale slowly and deeply while squatting.
6. Exhale while returning to standing pose.
Repeat the full squats up to 14 times. The practice can be incorporated daily.
Super brain yoga, although practiced for hundreds of years, has only recently been studied by medical researchers. The study results are encouraging: after participating in the super brain yoga sequence, participants experience an increase in attention and mindful awareness, plus a decrease in anxiety.
Pairing a practice like super brain yoga with other natural supplements for brain function can really support us when our mental health needs a boost! Supporting our mental health naturally through supplementation and a practice like super brain yoga can be an integral aspect of our journey to wellness.