In today’s world, where most of us are constantly on our computers and phones with extra-long screen times, long sitting hours, and minimal physical activity, blood circulation can easily be compromised, which drastically affects brain health. But what is blood circulation really, and what makes it so important? To put it simply, blood circulation is the vital system that fuels our body, ensuring oxygen, nutrients, and hormones reach every cell, keeping us energised and healthy.
Think of it as your internal highway, delivering oxygen, nutrients, and hormones to every cell, tissue, and organ. When circulation is smooth and strong, everything in your body functions better — from a healthy heart to glowing skin and sharp focus.
One crucial aspect to consider when talking about blood circulation is its impact on the brain. Blood circulation in the brain is important for maintaining brain health, cognitive function, and overall well-being, and when it's poor, it can leave you feeling sluggish, and you might randomly feel your hands and feet go cold.
Over time, this can lead to serious problems, such as:
- Cognitive decline
- Dizziness and lightheadedness
- Fatigue
- Brain fog
- Anxiety
- Mood swings
- Difficulty sleeping
- Increased risk of stroke
So, how do we ensure better blood circulation in the brain to avoid these symptoms? Well, there's a very simple remedy to it, and that's yoga! Through mindful movements, stretches, and deep breathing in yoga, we can increase blood flow, easing tension and ensuring that oxygen and nutrients reach our muscles and organs.
In this blog, you will learn about the best yoga poses for blood circulation to the brain so you don't experience such issues and keep your blood flow in check!
Table of Contents
- Yoga For Blood Circulation In The Brain: 8 Yoga Poses To Boost Blood Flow To The Brain
- Tips & Other Ways To Increase Blood Flow To The Brain
- Expert’s Advice
- The Final Say
- FAQs
- References
Yoga For Blood Circulation In The Brain: 8 Yoga Poses To Boost Blood Flow To The Brain
So, we’ve established that yoga can be great for improving blood circulation in the brain, but there are some poses that are more effective than others. They are:
1. Downward Facing Dog Pose
This position promotes blood flow to the upper body and brain. It requires the body to be inverted, which helps increase blood circulation to the head and neck.
- Start on all fours with wrists under shoulders and knees under hips.
- Lift your hips up, forming an inverted "V" shape.
- Stretch your heels toward the floor, engaging your hamstrings.
- Keep your head between your arms, with a neutral neck.
- Lengthen your side body, stretching both sides of your torso.
- Breathe deeply for a few breaths.
- Lower your hips and return to the starting position.
Also Read: Benefits Of Aerial Yoga, Its Effect On Weight Loss And Comparison With Normal Yoga
2. Plow Pose
The plow pose is a good yoga pose for digestive health, which strengthens your spine and increases blood flow to your brain, spine, and upper body.
- Lie on your back with arms at your sides and legs extended.
- Raise your legs to the ceiling, keeping them straight.
- Slowly lower your legs over your head.
- Place your hands under your lower back as your feet touch the floor behind your head.
- Once your toes touch the ground, move your hands to your sides.
- Hold for 20-30 seconds while breathing calmly.
3. Shoulder Stand Pose
This position helps reverse blood flow to the heart and increases circulation to the brain. It also helps relieve fatigue and calm the mind.
- Lie on 1-2 folded blankets under your shoulder blades, with the back of your head on the floor.
- Inhale and lift your legs and hips, balancing your body vertically on your arms and shoulders.
- Bend your arms and place your hands on your lower back for support.
- Stay in this position for 5-10 breaths.
Also Read: 10 Targeted Poses Of Yoga For Leg Strength, Agility & Power!
4. Standing Forward Fold Pose
The Standing Forward Fold pose is a great way to improve blood flow to the brain, as when you fold your body forward, gravity pulls fresh blood to your brain and increases the oxygen supply.
- Stand at the front of the mat, feet hip-width apart.
- Exhale and bend forward from the waist, keeping your knees slightly bent, and place your hands on the floor in front of your feet.
- With each inhale and exhale, allow your torso to stretch without rounding your back.
- Lengthen and soften the neck, opening the thighs and lower back.
- Hold the pose for 1-2 minutes.
5. Cobra Pose
Cobra pose boosts brain blood flow by opening the chest and stimulating circulation to the brain, improving focus and mental clarity.
- Lie on your stomach with your legs extended, hands folded under your head, and chin resting on your forearms.
- Place your hands at chest level and press down on the mat.
- Raise your head slightly, keeping your head and back in line while squeezing your thighs together.
- Pull your elbows towards your ribs, then straighten your arms and shoulders.
- As you inhale, press your hands into the mat, curl your shoulders back, and lift your upper body off the mat.
- Hold for a few breaths, then rest.
Also Read: Getting A Toned Belly Is Easy! Practise These 15 Yoga Exercises For Belly Fat And A Strong Core!
6. Warrior Pose II
Your feet play a crucial role in your body's overall circulation. Warrior II strengthens and activates the muscles and veins in your legs, enhancing blood flow.
- Move to the back of the mat and step forward with your right foot, keeping your toes pointing forward.
- Ensure your left leg is parallel to the mat and your right knee is bent at a 90-degree angle, not extending past your toes.
- Extend your arms to either side, with the right arm in front and the left arm behind you.
- Open your chest and activate your legs to stay grounded on the mat.
- Hold for 5-6 breaths, then repeat on the other side.
7. Legs-Up-The-Wall Pose
By elevating your legs up on the wall, this pose allows gravity to pull blood to your upper body, improving blood flow throughout your body, including the brain.
- Place a folded blanket parallel to the wall.
- Sit on your side in the middle of the blanket, facing the wall.
- Lie down comfortably and raise your legs. Let them rest against the wall.
- Rest your head and neck on the floor and straighten your legs completely.
- Extend your arms out to your sides with palms facing up.
- Allow your chest, abdomen, and pelvis to relax fully.
- Breathe evenly and hold the pose for 5-8 minutes.
8. Seated Twist Pose
The Seated Twist Pose stimulates blood flow to the brain by improving spinal flexibility and promoting circulation throughout the upper body.
- Sit with your knees bent and tuck your legs next to your left buttock.
- Inhale with a straight spine and lift your chest.
- Exhale and twist your torso to the right.
- Place your right hand on the floor behind you and your left hand on your right knee.
- Inhale and turn a little more, then exhale and turn your head to look over your right shoulder.
- Hold it for 20-30 seconds, then repeat on the other side.
Tips & Other Ways To Increase Blood Flow To The Brain
How can I increase blood flow to my brain? Apart from doing the yoga poses shared above, you can also do the following things to improve blood circulation in the brain:
- Exercise: This should be the first priority as it may be the single most important thing you can do for your overall health, including brain health. Any exercise will ensure sufficient blood flow to all parts of the body. Brisk walking and yoga are also great options if you don’t want to do something as strenuous as strength training.
- Music: It’s great for your brain. In fact, it can make you happier, smarter, and more creative. In a way, music provides these benefits by increasing blood flow to the brain.
- Meditation: This simple practice offers many healthy effects on your brain, including increased blood circulation. Research has confirmed that meditating for 12 minutes a day increases blood flow to areas of the brain involved in memory acquisition.
- Chew gum: This increases blood flow to the brain and surprisingly changes your brain wave pattern to put you in a more relaxed state.
- Diet: Your diet can change your circulation. Ginger, garlic, rosemary and turmeric are spices that not only increase blood circulation but also make food tastier. Research has shown that dark chocolate increases blood circulation to the brain and the effects last several hours after consumption.
Expert’s Advice
Poor blood circulation can increase the risk of several health problems. Regularly practising these asanas can positively impact blood circulation. Along with yoga to increase blood flow to the brain, I suggest making lifestyle changes such as doing regular exercise and keeping a healthy diet to help maintain or improve circulation. Build good habits for a healthy lifestyle and take a holistic approach to your health by adding exercise to your daily schedule.
Dt. Lavina Chauhan
The Final Say
Keeping our brains healthy and our blood circulation moving at the right pace is very important for our overall health. Yoga is one way to improve circulation. Poses such as downward facing dog, plow pose, and all the others mentioned above can help you achieve that and more! Some other ways to improve circulation are to exercise daily, eat a good diet, listen to music, etc.
FAQs
1. How can yoga help improve concentration?
Yoga improves concentration by calming the mind, enhancing focus through breath control, and reducing stress and distractions.
2. Which Kriya improves concentration?
Tratak Kriya is considered a substance that helps improve concentration.
3. What part of the brain does yoga activate?
Practicing yoga has a positive effect on the function of the hippocampus, amygdala, prefrontal cortex and cingulate cortex of the brain structure.
References
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3155099/
- https://www.artofliving.org/in-en/yoga/yoga-sequences-for/super-brain-yoga-to-boost-gray-matter
- https://myyogateacher.com/articles/8-easy-yoga-poses-for-improved-blood-circulation#
- https://www.yogacurious.com/blog/brain-yoga-exercises
- https://www.ayushakti.com/fitness-and-exercise/type/6-yoga-asanas-and-exercises-to-improve-blood-supply-to-the-brain/
- https://neurologist-ahmedabad.com/2018/06/01/how-to-increase-blood-flow-to-the-brain/
- https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/cardiovascular/how-to-improve-circulation
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