Key result
Pranayama is linked to higher EEG oscillation frequencies and increased gamma power across brain regions.
Why the study?
Pranayama practices have been used traditionally to improve brain function and mind-body synchrony, but the underlying brain wave changes and cognitive effects require further understanding.
Observational
Pranayama practices are associated with a shift to higher-frequency brain oscillations and increased gamma power, suggesting a potential mechanism for attaining higher cognitive states.
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
Hypothesis-generating for pranayama's cognitive effects via gamma oscillations; leaves open any clinical role pending controlled trials.
Pranayama practices are being used since ancient times as a holistic approach by saints and yogis to improve and control the subtle phenomenon of the brain and hence to bring mind and body in synchrony using breath as a link. This work is an attempt to understand this subtle phenomenon of the brain and the process of attaining higher state of cognition followed by consciousness. From the Electroencephalogram (EEG) signal analysis, it was observed that with the increase in Pranayama practices, the frequency of oscillation shifts from lower-frequency range to higher-frequency range with the significant rise of gamma power (>40 Hz) in frontal, central and also some part of temporal region of the brain. This frequency shifts count for attaining higher cognitive states leading to consciousness of human brain.
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Gandhi et al. (2011) reported an observational. Pranayama practice was evaluated on EEG signal frequency of oscillation and gamma power. Pranayama practice was associated with a shift in EEG oscillation frequency to higher ranges and a significant rise in gamma power (>40 Hz) in frontal, central, and temporal brain regions.
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