Scientists found that yoga and meditation are more effective than memory exercises for combatting mental deterioration disease known as Alzheimer's.
Scientists from Australia and the United States of America made a study that show comparison of two approaches in a group of 25 volunteers. The volunteers are aged 55 who said to have memory issues. They often forget names and faces, appointment dates, and/or misplace their belongings.
Three months later, by playing memory, the volunteers improved verbal memory skills, thus heping them remember names and word lists. However, yoga provided a lot of benefits. According to Telegraph UK, the study required 11 participants to have weekly hour-long memory training sessions and performed exercises, which includes crossword puzzles and computer-based tasks.
Meanwhile, 14 participants were assigned to have an hour-long yoga session once a week, and practiced Kirtan Kriya meditation at home for 20 minutes every day.
"Historically and anecdotally, yoga has been thought to be beneficial in ageing well, but this is the scientific demonstration of that benefit," University of Adelaide in Australia lead reasearcher, Harris Eyre, said.
"We're converting historical wisdom into the high level of evidence required for doctors to recommend therapy to their patients," he added.
The form of yoga used in this study is called s Kundalini, it focusses on breathing and meditation. It also includes chanting and its poses designed to increase strength and flexibility.
One of the benefits of yoga and mediation is to reduce stress and anxiety according to Greek Reporter. A study found this practice is best to find inner calmness and let you learn nurture the mental tools needed to reach a state of calmness and awareness in daily lives.
Stress effects physical, spiritual, emotional and even mental energy blockages if a person allows negative energy to encompass his energy center. By practicing yoga and meditation, these energy sources will be blocked.