By Tanya Kawan
The brain is constantly changing and adapting, and yoga helps stimulate the growth of new neural connections as well as improve overall brain function. This is also known as neuroplasticity.
Here are some ways yoga helps build new brain connections:
1. Mindfulness: Yoga involves practicing mindfulness which means focusing attention on the present moment without judgment. This helps improve brain function by stimulating the growth of new neural connections and strengthening existing ones.
2. Physical movement: Practicing yoga involves physical movement. Engaging in different yoga poses can improve coordination, balance, and flexibility; this also helps build new brain connections.
3. Breathing: Yoga involves various breathing exercises known as pranayama. This type of breathing helps stimulate the growth of neural networks in the brain. Practicing slow, deep, breathing improves oxygen flow to the brain and improves brain function.
4. Stress reduction: Practicing yoga helps reduce stress which has a positive impact on brain function. Chronic stress can damage the brain and cause a decrease in neural connections; practicing yoga helps to counteract these effects and promote the formation of new connections.
Given all of the above benefits, it is highly recommended to participate in techniques of conscious movement, breathing, and stress reduction, and in this practice we promote greater health and comprehensive well-being.
Hatha Vinyasa Yoga for beginners and intermediates with Tanya—for information, please email shaktany@gmail.com or visit www.tanyacoaching.com
