Ayurveda Article - Unlock Your Brainpower In 7 Ways

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THE AYURVEDIC VIEW ON ENHANCING MENTAL POTENTIAL:

 

Seven Keys to Unlock Your Brainpower!

Ayurveda, the ancient system of healing from India, describes three

aspects to mental performance -- "dhi" -- learning and

comprehension, "dhriti" -- retention of knowledge, and "smriti" --

memory or recall. "For the best mental performance and realization of

the fullest mental potential, each of these three factors

individually needs to be at its peak, and, more important, the co-

ordination among the three factors also needs to be optimal," says

Rama Kant Mishra, Ayurvedic expert. Ayurveda recommends paying

attention to the three fundamental pillars of good health - diet,

sleep and lifestyle -- to achieve this state of mental balance. Here

are some tips from Mishra to help boost brainpower:

 

Eat pure, "intelligent" foods

"According to Ayurveda, it is very important to eat foods that are

natural and pure for their full benefit to be absorbed by the body,"

says Mishra. When foods are as close to their state in nature as

possible, that's when they deliver the most potent nutrition. Foods

that have been genetically altered, processed or refined have much of

their natural intelligence stripped from them, and Mishra contends

that they disturb the intellect and the co-ordination between the

three aspects of mental prowess -- comprehension, retention and

recall. Also taboo are foods that are canned or preserved with

artificial additives and preservatives, or foods with artificial

colors and flavors. "Cooking with fresh, organic ingredients can take

a little more time and effort," agrees Mishra. "But your brain, and

indeed your entire system will thank you for it and repay the effort

with accelerated performance."

 

Maintain a supply of balanced nutrition

The recommended Ayurvedic diet is vegetarian. "Grains, beans and

legumes provide nutrients for the brain," says Mishra. "Be sure to

include plenty of cooked leafy greens. Several helpings of fruit and

vegetables are recommended. Sweet juicy fruits are excellent

cleansers - they help flush toxins out of the body. Don't count fat

out entirely, fat performs some essential functions in the body,

including the brain." Mishra suggests cutting down on "empty" junk

foods and sugared drinks that interfere with the absorption of

nutrients by the body. According to Ayurveda, good eating habits are

as important as what you eat. Sitting down to eat, focusing on the

food rather than on work or other activities, and savoring the meal

are important. Ice-cold drinks disrupt digestion and impair the

assimilation of nutrients by the body, and should therefore be

avoided.

 

Harness the power of antioxidants

The brain is especially susceptible to damage by free radicals,

reactive oxygen-based chemicals that thrive on stress, pollution and

chemicals in your food. Free radicals have been widely linked to

disease and aging. Antioxidants are therefore crucial for effective

functioning of the brain. Recent research showed that blueberries are

powerful brain food, primarily because of their antioxidant value.

Ayurvedic antioxidant supplements contain Amalaki, the Indian

gooseberry, considered the richest natural source of vitamin C, along

with other herbs. Look for an antioxidant that works both inside and

outside cell walls for full-spectrum protection from free radical

damage.

 

Use herbs and aromas to enhance mental potential

Ayurveda talks about a special class of herbs for the mind,

called "Medhya" herbs. "These herbs individually enhance learning,

retention and recall as well as the co-ordination among the three

factors," says Mishra. "They provide powerful nourishment for the

brain." Shankhapushpi or Aloeweed, the authentic Brahmi or Herpestis

monniera and Indian Pennywort or Centella asiatica, also known as

Gotu Kola, are some well-known Ayurvedic herbs known to promote the

health and functioning of the mind. "Synergistic formulas that

contain not only these herbs but other supporting and balancing herbs

such as Ashwagandha (Winter Cherry) to help boost resistance to

stress are ideal," suggests Mishra, "especially for individuals in

high-stress job environments who need to be at the peak of their

mental potential on a consistent basis." Some essential oils are

excellent aromatherapy for the mind. Try rosemary for mental clarity

and alertness or basil oil to help dispel mental fatigue and enhance

your mind's innate ability to focus. Peppermint oil and lemon oil are

also effective pick-me-ups for the mind.

 

Manage stress levels

Stress and anxiety, whether caused by time pressure or difficult work

relationships, can have a significant negative impact on mental

performance. A calm mind, serene and centered in its equilibrium, is

unquestionably superior in terms of focus, attention span, retention

of knowledge and problem-solving ability. "It is important to manage

stress before it becomes a severe problem," says Mishra, "because

stress has been known to damage or destroy brain cells and many

prescription pills for anxiety can have side-effects that can further

erode mental performance." Planning tasks ahead and managing

timelines, taking occasional short (even five minutes) breaks during

periods of intense mental activity, and maintaining a healthy balance

between work and relaxation can all help. The Transcendental

Meditation technique, or other relaxation techniques are also useful

in managing stress. Listening to relaxing music, diffusing aromas

that help relax you, such as sandalwood or lavender, or a quiet

evening stroll, alone or with a nurturing companion, can all help

balance the mind and emotions.

 

Get adequate, quality sleep

Related to stress is the other plague of modern society - lack of

deep, restful sleep. "With diet and lifestyle, sleep is a fundamental

pillar of Ayurveda," says Mishra. "Optimal physical and mental

performance is impossible if all three of these factors are not

addressed." Getting eight hours of sleep is less important than

striving for quality sleep, which, according to Ayurveda, occurs when

the mind is totally disconnected from the senses. Quality sleep

recharges and rejuvenates the mind, improving both short-term and

long-term mental prowess. Mishra advises a daily warm oil full-body

massage to increase stamina during the day and promote quality sleep

at night. Cutting down on stimulants such as caffeine, alcohol and

nicotine; making work-related materials taboo in the bedroom and

winding down the evening with calming activities, instead of

stimulating ones, to help prepare the mind for restful sleep; are key

to getting your zzzs. Aromatherapy can also help - try a blend of

lavender, chamomile, jasmine and sweet orange, or just plain lavender.

 

Use it or lose it!

No matter what your age or your occupation; your brain needs to be

constantly challenged to be at its peak in terms of

performance. "Whether it's doing logic puzzles, memorizing lines from

Shakespeare, or learning a new skill, keep your brain busy," advises

Mishra, "if you don't want it to rust away like a car in a junkyard."

Asking questions to clarify things in your mind, visualization

techniques and associative memory games can keep the brain nimble.

 

Note : This ayurvedic information is educational and is not intended

to replace standard medical care or advice.

Copyright MAPI, 2002.

 

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