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also because of the overall (right nostril breathing) has an
improvement in the metabolic activating and stimulating effect. It

functioning of the cells and tissues. results in a shortening of reaction
The following pranayama is time and enhances sensory-motor

beneficial function.
• Kapalbhati, the popular yoga Om chanting:
breathing technique slows the aging It decreases systolic and diastolic
process and adds glow to the face. pressure, pulse rate, depression,

People who practice it regularly can anxiety, and stress. It calms down
look 8 to 10 years younger than their the mind and enhances memory.
age. Kapalbhati practice calms the Meditation:

mind, reduces stress, and also helps
in losing weight.
• Bhastrika pranayama (bellows

breath) improves respiratory
function and lung capacity.
However, experts suggest the

judicious use of breathing practices
such as kapalbhati, bhastrika, and • Focused meditations:
breath retention. Tratak (steady gaze on a small
• Rhythmic, deep, and slow object) and Om meditation result in

abdominal/ diaphragmatic deep faster reactions to stimuli and reduce
breathing stimulates calm, content stress. Meditation can be a potential
states of mind. tool for the prevention of age-related

• Slow pranayamas, such as anulom- Alzheimer's disease.
vilom (alternate nostril breathing), • Mindfulness or open monitoring
chandrabhedan (left nostril meditations:

breathing), sitkari (cooling breaths), This type of meditation allows the
and bhramari (humming bee breath) practitioner to face illness, pain, and
improve the blood flow to the brain loss with presence and equanimity.

and oxygenation that improves brain
function. Mudra:
• Anulom vilom pranayama reduces Mudra is a subtle movement or

anxiety, depression and is suggested gesture that enhances awareness and
to be a useful adjunct to medications perception. The classical texts on
and at times, the only form of yoga describe the practice of some

treatment. Surya bhedan pranayama mudra to prevent or slow down the

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