Memory & Yoga

“Memory enlarges our world. Without it, we would lack the sense of continuity and each morning we would encounter a stranger looking back at us from the mirror. Every event would exist in isolation; we could neither learn from the past nor prepare for the future.”

Why is it that some birds can remember, even months later, the places where they stored seeds for the winter and squirrels can remember where they buried nuts, but we may forget where we left our keys an hour ago? Nevertheless, the human brain, imperfect as it may be, is still the smartest among all the creatures.

The human brain weighs about three pounds and is roughly the size of an American grapefruit, yet it contains some 100 billion neurons, or nerve cells, forming an incredibly complex network. Indeed, just one neuron may be connected to 100,000 others. This wiring gives the brain the potential to process and retain a vast amount of information. The challenge of course, is for the person to recall the information when it is needed.

Even though our mind has an amazing capability to learn and remember, many of us complain of a faulty memory. What can we do on a regular basis to improve our memory and so to make the most of our mind’s capabilities?

Simple lifestyle changes such as undertaking memory exercises, eating healthily, engaging in moderate physical activity, and reducing stress are advocated to improve memory. These methods do help because they relax a person and hence free his mind to produce a better recall rate. However, the results may take a long time to come, are limited and go down significantly once the change is done away with. It is ‘yoga’ that offers a quick, significant and permanent solution to the memory problem.
Yoga and Memory: The Indisputable Link
Memory is the faculty by which the mind stores and remembers information. Yoga assists in improving memory power through aasanas, Pranayamas (breathing exercises) and meditation. These yogic practices increase the circulation of blood to the brain. This helps calm the mind and enhances concentration. Memory lapses can also be prevented through these practices because they enhance the power of recall. The brain functions of attention, visual perception, cognition and processing of sensory information are also honed with yogic practices. One can draw upon the immense power of the mind with consistent yogic endeavor.

Aasanas: The inverted postures nourish the brain with increased blood supply, and supply of oxygen to the cells that help in developing memory. Some of the Aasanas that aid in memory enhancement are Sheershasana, and Chakrasana. In addition, many Aasanas and mudras (yogic postures) induce relaxation and hence rejuvenate the memory cells, like Shavasana and Yoga Mudra.

Pranayama: Pranayama is the process of regulating the pranas or the vital powers in a positive way. It is a deep breathing exercise that helps in the increased flow of prana and oxygen to all body parts including the brain. In this, the psyche of the individual is concentrated on his breathing rhythm. Oxygen and energy are positively altered in the entire body including the brain by the regulation of breath. Hence, Pranayamas nurture the brain and boost concentration. Pranayamas especially help in enhancing memory power and improving intelligence. The pranayama that helps the most is known as Nadi Shodhan or Anulom-Vilom pranayama. It powers the brain to work at a much higher capacity. Other beneficial Pranayamas include bhraamari and Ujjaayi Pranayamas.

Meditation: Pranayama might be a very powerful method of increasing memory. Nevertheless, the science of consciousness recommends meditation very strongly due to its quick and long lasting effect. Meditation helps to clear the mind of unwanted thoughts and reduces excessive and needless thinking. Excessive thinking saps the mental energy of a person. Daily meditation helps to keep the mind calm and free of tension thus enhancing our memory capabilities.
A regular practice of the first level of Vihangam Yoga takes a person to the heights of mental excellence and soon promotes him to even greater heights.


-- Mrs. Ritu Bhat, Secretary
North America Institute of Vihangam Yoga
USA