Boost Your Brain Health: Study Shows How Kundalini Yoga Can Protect Your Memory

Ever found yourself forgetting names, misplacing keys, or missing appointments? It’s unsettling, isn’t it? And for many, those little lapses spark a deeper worry: Is my memory getting worse?

If that thought has ever crossed your mind, you’re not alone. Many people experience subjective cognitive decline (SCD)—a sense that their memory isn’t as sharp as it used to be, even if standard tests say otherwise. Women, in particular, should pay close attention. They account for nearly two-thirds of Alzheimer’s cases, making memory health an even greater priority.

But there’s good news. A groundbreaking study from our founder, Dr. Dharma Singh Khalsa, and researchers at UCLA suggests that an ancient practice—Kundalini yoga—may help protect memory and improve mood even better than traditional memory training. Here’s what they discovered and why it matters.

Why This Study Matters

Despite being most at risk, women are often left out of medical research on Alzheimer’s. This study aimed to change that. It focused on women over 50 who had gone through menopause and were noticing recent memory issues. Many also had cardiovascular risk factors, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a past heart attack—conditions that can increase the risk of cognitive decline.

The goal? To see whether Kundalini yoga or a structured Memory Enhancement Training program could help slow or even reverse cognitive decline.

What Participants Did

Kundalini Yoga Group

Participants attended weekly 60-minute in-person sessions for 12 weeks. A typical class included:

• Tuning in – Centering the mind and body
  
  

• Gentle warm-up exercises – To increase circulation
  
  

• Breathing techniques (Pranayama) – Enhancing oxygen flow to the brain
  
  

• Meditation with chanting (Kirtan Kriya) – A key technique combining sound, breath, and movement
  
  

• Deep relaxation pose (Savasana) – Allowing the nervous system to reset
  
  

At home, they practiced Kirtan Kriya daily—just 12 minutes of chanting, finger movements, and visualization. This multisensory meditation is designed to stimulate the brain and strengthen memory.

Memory Enhancement Training Group

This structured program, developed by UCLA’s Longevity Center, focused on:

• Understanding how memory works
  
  

• Practical strategies to boost recall (such as visualization and storytelling)
  
  

• Managing anxiety related to memory loss
  
  

• Group discussions and daily 20-minute practice sessions
  
  

The Results: Why Kundalini Yoga Wins

Both groups saw improvements in how often they forgot things, but Kundalini yoga delivered broader benefits:

• Stronger Memory Perception – Women practicing Kundalini yoga felt a greater improvement in memory than those in Memory Enhancement Training.
  
  

• Mood Boost – Kundalini yoga significantly reduced anxiety, depression, and stress, supporting emotional well-being.
  
  

• Brain Changes – MRI scans revealed that Kundalini yoga increased hippocampal volume (a key brain region for memory), while the Memory Enhancement Training group actually experienced some brain volume reduction.
  
  

• Anti-Inflammatory Benefits – Even on a biological level, Kundalini yoga made an impact—it helped regulate key markers of aging and inflammation, crucial factors in brain health.
  
  

In short, Kundalini yoga didn’t just sharpen memory—it protected and supported brain health on multiple levels, giving participants the confidence and peace of mind they needed.

What This Means for You

If you’ve been noticing memory lapses, don’t wait for them to get worse. You have the power to take action. Here’s how to start with Kundalini yoga today:

Try Kirtan Kriya Daily – Just 12 minutes of chanting and finger movements can make a difference.

Join a Kundalini Yoga Class – Look for local or online classes to guide you through breathing and meditation techniques.

Adopt a Brain-Healthy Lifestyle – Pair yoga with quality sleep, a nutrient-dense diet, key supplements, and regular exercise for the best results.

A New Path for Memory Health

Memory loss solutions can be expensive, inaccessible, or ineffective. That’s why studies like this matter. Kundalini yoga is simple, free, and proven to support brain function, lower stress, and boost well-being.

Why not give it a try? Your brain—and your future self—will thank you!

Stay vibrant and thrive,
– The Dr. Dharma Team