Last Updated:July 05, 2025, 15:17 IST
Amidst a global rise in mental health concerns, yoga has emerged as a powerful tool to support brain health, reduce stress, and practice mindfulness.
Yoga enhances cognitive function and memory.
In the modern world, where stress, distractions, and information overload continuously impact our mental well-being, the need to safeguard and enhance cognitive function has become increasingly important. While we often focus on physical health, the state of our mind is equally critical, as it governs our thoughts, actions, and overall well-being.
Dr Avinash Gupta, Consultant Neurologist at Apollo Hospitals, Bilaspur, explains how amid the global rise in mental health concerns, yoga has emerged as an ancient yet highly relevant practice. Yoga offers a potent means to support brain health and neurological well-being.
The Link Between Yoga and Brain Health
Recent studies reveal that yoga has a direct impact on brain health, particularly in areas like stress reduction, memory enhancement, and cognitive function. Mindfulness-based practices such as meditation and pranayama (breathing exercises) activate the parasympathetic nervous system, helping to regulate stress. By lowering cortisol levels, yoga offers neuroprotective benefits, mitigating the risk of anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders.
Yoga as a Therapeutic Tool for Neurological Disorders
Yoga has gained recognition as a complementary therapy for individuals with neurological conditions such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis. These disorders often result in motor impairments and cognitive dysfunction, yet yoga’s holistic approach has been shown to improve motor function, balance, and mental clarity.
Enhancing Cognitive Function Through Yoga
Gupta says, “Cognitive decline, especially among older adults, is an escalating concern globally. However, yoga offers a promising solution. By stimulating neurogenesis, the creation of new neurons, yoga has been shown to enhance brain function, improve memory, and help preserve cognitive abilities as individuals age.”
Yoga’s focus on mindfulness, attention, and deep breathing plays a key role in improving cognitive function, offering significant protection against age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
Yoga and Stress Reduction
Chronic stress is one of the most significant threats to brain health. Gupta explains, “Extended periods of stress can lead to the shrinking of the hippocampus, the brain’s center for memory and emotional regulation.” Yoga provides an antidote by combining physical postures with mindful breathing and meditation, significantly reducing stress and promoting emotional balance.
The Power of Mindfulness in Yoga
Mindfulness, a core element of yoga, involves focusing on the present moment and tuning into one’s thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations. This is especially beneficial for individuals struggling with mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
Yoga Supports Conventional Brain Treatments
Gupta notes, “While yoga is an invaluable tool for supporting brain health, it should be viewed as a complementary treatment, not a substitute for conventional medical care. For individuals recovering from brain surgery or neurological conditions, yoga can aid in cognitive recovery, improve emotional stability, and reduce stress. This makes it an essential component of a holistic recovery plan.”
In India, where neurological diseases are on the rise, integrating yoga into treatment protocols could enhance recovery outcomes.
- Location :
Delhi, India, India
- First Published:
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