YOGA: THE KEY TO VESTIBULAR INTEGRATION

Vestibular integration is one of the important senses for a human and it is one of the earliest developed senses for a fetus. The vestibular system in the inner ear maintains the balance of the body and it helps to maintain the equilibrium and balance of body posture. But, at times, the senses do not get integrated well, as in the cases of vertigo causing many issues to lead a normal, healthy life.

But not to worry when there are effective solutions for the same problems right here in our own culture and soil. Yoga, more than being a physical, mental, and spiritual discipline, it is a lifestyle which has the key to solve most of the problems. Yoga in general increases the muscle flexibility improves the energy, maintains a balanced metabolism and protects from injury.

People with sensory issues especially those facing vestibular integration find it really hard and difficult to do yoga just because they are afraid of collapsing while performing it. But, the reality is the other way round. Even though initially they may find it difficult to do the yoga postures, Yoga provides you with many poses and exercises to build better balance and thus to solve the sensory integration issues.  Vrksasana, tadasana, utkasana, garudasana are few of the poses that help you gain better control over the body. When the body balance gets improved, it naturally increases the confidence too. Fast paced vinyasa have to be avoided and instead, enough time must be given to set the postures, moving from one to another posture. Yoga blocks and props if used can improve the stability of the body. The breathing exercises improve the ability of the brain to unite with the mind setting it free and clear.  

Yoga when practiced along with the medications, have proved to be producing tremendous change and bringing out inspiring steps.

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BRAHMI : THE SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN HIGHER MENTAL FUNCTIONING

Brahmi, scientifically Bacopa Monnieri, natural nootropic, one of the boons of Ayurveda is highly effective in supporting focus, cognition, memory, increasing communication between neurons and reducing anxiety & stress. Modern researchers have clearly mentioned about the role of Brahmi as a treatment in several neurological diseases including epilepsy, dementia, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer's disease.

Active constituents in Brahmi include alkaloids, sterols, saponins, stigmasterol, beta-sitosterol etc. The most important alkaloids present in Brahmi are brahmine, nicotinine, and herpestine. The bacosides present in Brahmi have an anti-depressant activity.

The Brahmi not only affects the brain but also helps in:

    • promoting liver health
    • protection against neonatal hypoglycemia
    • cures systemic redness and swelling
    • maintains normal blood pressure
    • strong antioxidant activity.

Brahmi has a significant role in bringing the 3 neurotransmitters, serotonin, dopamine and GABA into balance. It also increases the production of acetylcholine, which is helpful for memory and learning. Parkinson’s disease affecting the production of dopamine can be brought into control using Brahmi’s role in balancing dopamine and discouraging neural degeneration. Brahmi also has a significant role in improving the neuronal networking thus improving the higher mental functioning.

Even though Brahmi is a cure, sometimes, when taken at inappropriate levels causes many side effects which are not so welcoming. If the dosage of Brahmi is too large for a particular individual, it may cause a headache. Brahmi also has the power of relaxing the nervous system. But if the level of intake of Brahmi increases it can even lead to the loss of consciousness. Brahmi is not advised in people with low heart rate conditions, bradycardia. The gut-brain theory explains the disorientation of brain due to gut issues and vice versa. Hence, any issue related to the brain cannot just be cured by Brahmi, instead, the root cause of the problem has to be sought out. Also, any gut problem if prevalent has to be cured first. Brahmi, when used in the ample quantity in the right proportions can help the higher order mental functioning thus bringing the balance of the mind and the brain.

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