The Alzheimer’s Research and Prevention Foundation (ARPF) in Tucson, Arizona did a study on the effects of a specific type of yoga meditation called “Kirtan Kriya” on brain health. Kirtan Kriya meditation is an age old practice (from India) that uses the power of primal sounds, found to improve focus, attention, concentration, short-term memory and mood.
Dr. Helen Lavretsky, a psychiatry professor at UCLA, said in a press release, “The science behind this course has shown in our research at UCLA that yoga and Kirtan Kriya helped reduce depression, improve mental health and cognitive functioning, as well as reverse cellular aging and inflammation, and provide brain fitness effects in stressed dementia caregivers when compared to relaxation while listening to music.”
“Research also found positive effects of Kundalini yoga practice on mood, memory and executive function, and brain connectivity in older adults with mild cognitive impairment compared to memory training,” added Lavresky.
How Does Kirtan Kriya Work?
So, how does this unique practice of Kirtan Kriya work to improve brain health? According to practitioners of the ancient tradition, Kirtan Kriya stimulates the areas of the brain associated with each of the 5 senses.
The Practice of Kirtan Kriya
There are several variations and levels of the meditation taught by Kirtan Kriya practitioners, but a simple overview of the practice includes breathing techniques, hand positions and visualization.
Click Here to read more about the actual practice sessions suggested by the Alzheimer’s Research & Prevention Foundation.
View this video for a visual demonstration of how to perform the meditation at home:
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