Yoga has become quite a popular health practice in the United States, yet it is an ancient practice with origins in Indian philosophy. Since it involves exercises mixing physical posture/activity, breathing exercises, and meditation, it is considered beneficial not only to physical health but also to neurological health.

What Happens To Your Brain When You Do Yoga?

Studies show that yoga demonstrates “a positive effect” on neurological health, particularly “on the structure and/or function of the hippocampus, amygdala, prefrontal cortex, cingulate cortex, and brain networks…”

Because of yoga’s effects on the brain, it may be an effective treatment for mitigating “age-related and neurodegenerative declines” such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

Does Yoga Help With Neurological Problems?

Given that many neurological problems stem from the parts of the brain that yoga helps improve, it follows that yoga has the potential to help stave off or slow down such conditions that result from old age and neuro-degeneration and improve mental health.

Also, as many conditions are exacerbated by the body’s stress response, yoga’s stress-relieving effects help relieve accompanying symptoms.

Delay of Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease

Although further research is required, yoga has the potential for “preventing cognitive and memory decline because of its stress-reducing effects.”

Stress induces high cortisol levels, and high cortisol is associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Stress relief and cortisol reduction have been shown to benefit patients with Alzheimer’s; therefore, the stress-relieving effects of yoga may help in treating symptoms of the disease.

Yoga has been helpful in treating the following conditions:

Epilepsy: Some studies have shown that yoga therapy’s stress-reducing effects over time can significantly reduce the “seizure index” and increase overall quality of life.
Stroke Prevention: Multiple studies have shown that the meditative and relaxation techniques of yoga are helpful in both preventing strokes and rehabilitating stroke patients.
Multiple Sclerosis: Yoga has been seen to help improve “mobility, activity, and mental function in those with MS.”
Fibromyalgia: Clinical tests have shown that yoga has helped to treat symptoms of fibromyalgia, including “pain, fatigue, stiffness, sleep problems, depression, memory, anxiety, tenderness, balance, vigor, and strength.”

Which Yoga Is Best For Brain Health?

Yoga poses generally improve blood circulation throughout the body, including the brain. Here are some popular poses that stretch and strengthen the body while improving blood flow:

Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog Pose)
Adho Mukha Svanasana, also known as the “downward dog,” is likely the most popular yoga position. It is an inversion pose focused on the lower body that strengthens wrists, arms, and shoulders while stretching wrists, hamstrings, and back.

Vrikshasana (Tree Pose)
Vrikshasana is a standing pose that most commonly has one bent knee with the foot of the same leg planted on the inner thigh of the opposite (standing) leg while your hands are held above your head, pointed upward with clasped or unclasped hands.

Phalakasana (Plank Pose)
Phalakasana is a prone position, toe, and arm balancing pose that focuses on strengthening your core, arms, shoulders, lower back, biceps, triceps, and gluteus.

Ustrasana (Camel Pose)
Ustrasana is a kneeling back-bend pose that opens your chest and back, helps prevent bad posture, such as slouching, and lowers back stiffness.

Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend Pose)
Paschimottanasana involves bending forward from the hips while grasping your feet or lower legs. Those who have difficulty bending their back should be cautious!

Does Yoga Increase Neuroplasticity?

Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to “form and reorganize synaptic connections,” making it possible for people with brain injuries or strokes to heal and overcome neurological conditions and traumas.

Yoga can be helpful for supporting neuroplasticity, given the many ways regular yoga therapy can improve many parts of the brain. This is why it is used in treating some brain-related conditions.

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Can Yoga Improve Neurological Health?