Ancient Indian Brain Exercise

We have several East Indian friends attending our weekly meditation evenings and when we shared a new brain exercise we learned in India last year, they all giggled and shared that it isn't new; in fact it is quite an ancient practice taught to all children. However, they also said that because it takes a bit of focus and physical exertion their parents used it as a punitive tool when they would misbehave. Quite clever I think to use something that is actually good for the child while setting clear boundaries. Something we should think about for our parenting, eh?

In the west, this old practice has been adopted and renamed Super Brain Yoga by some. Here are some of the benefits of doing this regular exercise:
     - energises and activates the brain power by synchronising alpha
        brain waves (can enhance exam scores)
     - decrease psychological stress (improves disruptive behaviour
     - Increases intelligence and creative skills (more focused)
     - promotes overall functioning of brain power (supports autism,
       aspergers, and any learning disabilities)
     - releases tension and calms brain (relieves depression and anxiety
      levels)  (helps in partial cleansing of mental stress and energises
      the chakras and aura)
     - transforms low energy into higher forms of energy (increases flow
       of energy in the body)
     - become well-balanced and have clear thinking
     - supports spiritual growth and maturity
     - regulates and improves sex drive
     - increases inner peace of mind
     - great quad workout

Precautions: don't do on a unrested mind (angry, sad, etc)
                      - take off all jewellery as it distracts the energy
                      - practice in a quiet room
                      - keep good posture-stand straight and keep head down

How To Do This Ancient Mid Brain Activation Practice

Facing eastward (elders face north)
Take left arm and grab the right earlobe, thumb facing out
Take right arm and grab the left earlobe, thumb facing out
Put your tongue up to the palette
Keeping focused, inhale and squat down and then lift the heels
Exhaling, come up and put heels down
Repeat for 14 times for 1 minute
Do this every day

Although the Indian practice is slightly different and is coupled with further breathing exercises and inner meditations, the physical aspect is the same.

You can finish off your exercise with a few minutes of conscious breathing. (See this post)