What Is SuperBrain Yoga?

Are you familiar with “SuperBrain Yoga”? This practice of yoga is suggested to enhance our cognitive health and increase our capacity for learning.¹ Like traditional yoga, it features a number of benefits.²

How is SuperBrain Yoga different from traditional yoga?

Chances are you know all about the practice of traditional yoga which is the physical and spiritual activity that consists of various postures, called asanas in Sanskrit, and breathing exercises known as pranayama. Though it dates back several thousand years, traditional yoga has become a staple in the Western wellness space.²

Traditional yoga has long been considered an effective way to simultaneously keep active and quiet the mind.

Now consider SuperBrain Yoga, which focuses exclusively on the mind. This technique was initially created to increase our intelligence via combination with ear acupressure—and it’s evolved quite a bit over time.¹

Grand Master Choa Kok Sui, founder of the Philippines-based Institute for Inner Studies, Incorporated (IISI), conducted extensive research and developed the modern version of the practice.

Today, SuperBrain Yoga includes a series of steps meant to activate the brain cells.¹

It works by taking energy from the lower chakras—the wheels of energy in the body—and moving them upward through the forehead and crown chakras. During this process, our physical energy transforms into more subtle energy, which may improve our overall brain function.³

Before we explore specifics, here is a brief overview of the potential exercise benefits:³

• SuperBrain Yoga energizes the brain by synchronizing our alpha brain waves (explained in detail below).
• The practice eliminates stress and encourages mental stability.
• It promotes healthy cognitive function.

How do you practice SuperBrain Yoga?

SuperBrain Yoga combines breathing and acupressure to restore the right and left hemispheres of the brain.³ The activity is simple to learn, relatively quick, and can be practiced anywhere. All it takes is a few minutes per day. Be sure to remove all watches, jewelry, and other accessories before getting started.

Here are the steps involved in SuperBrain Yoga:³

1. Stand up straight, facing the sunrise if possible.
2. Place your tongue on the roof of your mouth, directly behind your teeth. (This should feel like you are about to make the sound “la.”) Keep this placement throughout the activity.
3. Move your left hand across your upper body. Reach for your right earlobe with your thumb and forefinger, keeping your thumb in front.
4. Move your left hand across your upper body. Reach for your right earlobe with your thumb and forefinger, keeping your thumb in front.
5. Move your right hand across your upper body and reach for your left earlobe. Again, keep your thumb in front of your forefinger.
6. You should now be gently pressing against both earlobes. At this point, take stock of your position. Make sure your left arm is close to your chest and tucked inside your right arm.
7. Inhale deeply through your nose. While doing so, move toward the ground in a squat position.
8. Hold your breath for a beat or two. Move back into a standing position, and then exhale.
9. Repeat this process anywhere from 15 to 21 times. Assess your position every so often and continue holding your earlobes. Make sure your tongue is still touching the roof of your mouth.

Allow your concentration to increase while your stress melts away and you’ll likely notice a shift in your energy within a few weeks.³

Another note: While you can practice SuperBrain Yoga at any time of day, try to complete it in the morning.³ That way the effects of the exercise—which include relaxation and a sharper mind—will last throughout the day.

How does SuperBrain Yoga affect the brain?

Research indicates SuperBrain Yoga can have powerful effects on our brain waves.Specifically, data show about 15 minutes of SuperBrain Yoga can lead to a spike in our alpha wave activity.⁴

This is significant because the more our alpha waves are stimulated, the greater the cognitive benefits. Alpha brain waves promote resting alertness and relaxation. They also play a role in the occipital region of the brain, which oversees learning, memory, critical thinking, and more.⁴

Accordingly, SuperBrain Yoga is also thought to affect the brain by:⁴

• Strengthening the immune system and promoting fast healing (due to the increase in alpha wave activity)
• Reprogramming our state of inner consciousness
• Improving intelligence, creativity, and overall performance
• Synchronizing the right and left hemispheres of the brain

Our left and right brain wave patterns are typically in sync during any form of relaxation, including meditation and other forms of yoga.⁴ This synchronicity may increase our brainpower, helping us retain more information, and giving us more control over our emotions.

Ultimately, it’s worth noting that Master Choa Kok Sui views the brain as a living battery that requires constant recharging.⁶ This means SuperBrain Yoga is suggested to be practiced regularly for the best results.

What are the benefits of SuperBrain Yoga?

Consistently practicing SuperBrain Yoga is thought to support improvements in memory, thinking, performance, expression, and self-identity.³ The technique may support a healthy brain by strengthening our ability to retain and process information.

According to Master Choa Kok Sui these benefits include:⁵

• A more energized and active mind
• Increased inner piece
• Relief from anxiety and other mental health challenges
• A more stable sex drive
• Physical cleansing
• More energized chakras
• Greater psychological balance
• Proper brain functioning

The practice may also result in improved pranic energy.⁶ (You might be familiar with this concept, which is known as chi in Chinese. Pranic energy touches on the body’s innate ability to heal itself.)

Think about giving SuperBrain Yoga a try to see what it can do for you.

This content is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individuals should always consult with their healthcare professional for advice on medical issues.

For more information on yoga and brain health, please visit the Metagenics blog.

References:

1. Choa Kok S. https://www.globalpranichealing.com/courses/healing-and-protection/super-brain-yoga. Accessed March 29, 2019.
2. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Staff. National Institutes of Health.https://nccih.nih.gov/health/yoga/introduction.htm.Accessed March 29, 2019.
3. Merkas E. Queensland Academies – Health Sciences Campus. https://qahs.eq.edu.au/superbrain-yoga-a-simple-exercise-to-maximize-brain-power. Accessed April 1, 2019.
4. Ramesh D. Ontario Centre for Pranic Healing. http://www.pranichealingontario.ca/SUPERBRAIN.pdf. Accessed March 29, 2019.
5. Choa Kok S. Quezon City, Philippines: Institute for Inner Studies Publishing Foundation, Inc.; 1st edition. 2005.
6. Choa Kok S. World Pranic Healthing Foundation. https://www.worldpranichealing.com/en/energy/what-is-pranic-energy. Accessed April 1, 2019.

Submitted by the Metagenics Marketing Team