I don’t know about you, but Namaste young and sharp with Kirtan Kriya, because a flexible mind is just as important as a flexible body! If you’re like me, you might have noticed that as you get older, it’s not just your body that feels a little creaky and rusty. Your mind can start to feel a bit sluggish too. But fear not! There’s a simple, low-impact practice that can help keep your brain sharp, focused, and agile: Kirtan Kriya.
What is Kirtan Kriya?
Kirtan Kriya is a form of meditation that combines chanting, mudras (hand movements), and visualization. It’s been practiced in India for centuries and has recently gained popularity in the West for its reported benefits to brain health and longevity. And don’t worry, as catchy as I find it to keep saying, “namaste young” that itself is not part of the practice. 😉
How does it work?
Kirtan Kriya involves repeating a specific mantra (“Sa Ta Na Ma”) while performing hand movements that correspond to the syllables of the mantra. This combination of sound, movement, and visualization is thought to activate different parts of the brain and stimulate neural connections. Research has shown that regular practice of Kirtan Kriya can improve cognitive function, memory, and overall brain health.
Benefits of Kirtan Kriya for Brain Longevity:
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Sharper Memory
- In a study conducted at the University of California, Los Angeles, participants who practiced Kirtan Kriya for 12 minutes a day for 8 weeks showed significant improvements in memory recall compared to a control group. So, next time you forget where you left your keys, try a few rounds of Kirtan Kriya instead of tearing your house apart.
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Better Focus
- Kirtan Kriya has also been shown to improve executive function, or the ability to focus, plan, and execute tasks. In a study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, participants who practiced Kirtan Kriya for 12 weeks showed significant improvements in attention, problem-solving, and decision-making compared to a control group.
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Reduced Stress
- As if all those brain-boosting benefits weren’t enough, Kirtan Kriya has also been shown to reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol. In a study published in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, participants who practiced Kirtan Kriya for 12 minutes a day for 8 weeks showed a significant decrease in cortisol levels compared to a control group. So, the next time you’re feeling frazzled, try chanting “Sa Ta Na Ma” instead of reaching for that bottle of wine.
In conclusion, Kirtan Kriya is a simple and effective way to keep your mind as sharp as your yoga poses. With regular practice, you can improve your memory, focus, and overall brain health, while also reducing stress and promoting relaxation. So, next time you roll out your yoga mat, don’t forget to add a few rounds of Kirtan Kriya to your practice. Give those brain boosting yoga practices a go! For now, it’s time for me to namaste young and carry on with my day.
References:
- Khalsa, D. S., Amen, D., Hanks, C., Money, N., & Newberg, A. (2018). Cerebral blood flow changes associated with different meditation practices and perceived depth of meditation. Psychiatry research, 271, 1-6.
- Innes, K. E., Selfe, T. K., & Khalsa, D. S. (2016). Kirtan Kriya meditation: A promising technique for improving cognition in older adults. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, 52(3), 947-955.
- Lavretsky, H., Epel, E. S., Siddarth, P., Nazarian, N., St. Cyr, N., Khalsa, D