Sep 24, 2024

​10 brain-boosting activities based on ancient Indian traditions

Shifa Khan

​​Brain sharpening techniques​

Ancient Indian traditions can work wonders when it comes to holistic well-being, mental clarity and cognitive development. These age-old methods consist of strategies that enhance mental health, overall focus, improve memory, and stimulate the brain. These 10 brain-boosting exercises based on traditional Indian knowledge can help you achieve a higher focus and sharp brain:

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​​Ayurvedic brain booster​

Ayurveda is a treasure trove for brain sharpening remedies like Medhya Rasayana, an Ayurvedic herbal remedy for mental agility, memory, and focus. Ayurvedic practitioners have been known to use herbs such as ashwagandha, sankhpushpi, and brahmi to promote cognitive wellness.

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​​Chanting of mantras​

Chanting mantras can help you in grounding. By chanting holy mantras such as the Gayatri mantra or "Om", brain vibrations are caused. These repeating sounds can activate neural pathways, improve focus, and reduce stress.

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​​Meditation (Dhyana)​

Meditating everyday lowers tension and improves attention, concentration. Regular meditation can help train the mind to remain calm and clear, and boost memory.

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​​Yoga​

Yoga is an immensely beneficial practice for mind, body and soul through physical postures called asanas and breath control techniques like pranayama. Yoga positions, such as Padmasana and Sarvangasana are known to increase blood flow to the brain, which heightens mental clarity and alertness.

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​​Trataka (Staring at candles)​

Staring at a candle is a simple but effective technique to boost memory and brain functioning. The ancient practice of "trataka" involves fixing one's gaze on a fixed object, such a candle flame helps with memory and vision improvement by teaching the brain to maintain concentration.

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​​Pranayama (Breathing technique)​

It is well known that pranayama, or controlled breathing exercises can help in oxygenating the brain and improves brain function. Yogic methods such as Anulom Vilom, or alternate nostril breathing can enhance judgment and clear the mind.

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​​Scripture reading and recitation​

Reading can help you in ways you don’t know. When reading or reciting ancient literature such as the Bhagavad Gita or the Vedas, deep thinking and reflecting ability of the brain gets encouraged. This exercise improves verbal skills, sharpens memory, and improves critical thinking.

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​​Mudras (Hand gestures)​

Simple hand gestures can go a long way in grounding you and regulating emotions in a better way. In yoga and meditation, mudras are hand motions used to guide the body's energy flow. Gyan Mudra, is known to stimulate brain-connected nerve endings in the hands, which improves memory and focus.

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​​Sound therapy (Indian classical music)​

Music and the vibrations it causes are great for your brain health. The ragas in particular, a type of Indian classical music, have a significant effect on brain activity. Certain ragas, such as Raga Bhairav and Raga Yaman, can promote relaxation, memory improvement, and creativity.

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​​Vedic mathematics​

Ancient form of mathematics called the Vedic Mathematics provides age-old methods for solving problems and performing rapid mental computations. This approach can improve logical reasoning and analytical thinking.

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