14 Health Benefits of Shambhavi Mahamudra Kriya by Isha Foundation
Does Shambhavi Mahamudra Kriya Work?
For those looking to explore ancient practices with a solid foundation in scientific research, this article bridges that gap. Shambhavi Mahamudra, a powerful yogic practice, has gained attention not only for its spiritual benefits but also for its potential impact on mental and physical health. Numerous studies in reputable medical journals have examined the effects of this practice, providing strong evidence of its efficacy.
In this article, we’ll dive into the key findings from various research studies, showcasing the scientific benefits of Shambhavi Mahamudra. Whether you are a seasoned practitioner or a curious newcomer, this comprehensive overview offers valuable insights into how this ancient technique can enhance your well-being.
What is Shambhavi Mahamudra Kriya?
Shambhavi Mahamudra Kriya is a yogic practice that combines deep breathing and meditation techniques. It includes pranayama and meditation, in which several breathing techniques are practiced. In the practice of Shambhavi Mahamudra Kriya, deep and controlled breathing techniques are used and the engagement of bandhas or muscular locks in the abdomen and pelvic floor is applied for 15 minutes followed by a 5-minute opening-monitoring meditation.
At Isha, this practice is a part of the Inner Engineering program. Several studies have proved this practice to be of immense help in reducing various health problems and in promoting the feeling of overall well-being. Here is an insight into the health benefits of the Shambhavi Mahamudra Kriya by Isha Foundation.
14 Amazing Benefits of Shambhavi Mahamudra Kriya
Sadhguru explains that the varied inputs your senses receive can lead to a dissipation of energy, causing feelings of exhaustion, and Shambhavi Mahamudra helps to counteract this by directing your energy correctly. The practice of Shambhavi Kriya thus reduces stress, enhances feelings of joy and restores health.
#1 Higher Cortisol Levels
As per research, the cortisol awakening response is higher for individuals who practice Shambhavi. An individual who is practicing Shambhavi for at least 90 days, 30 minutes after rising in the morning, has a much higher cortisol awakening response than other individuals.
#2 Neuroscience Meets Yoga
According to studies conducted by different famous universities, after practicing Shambhavi Mahamudra Kriya for one mandala (40 to 48 days), a rise was observed in the brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) of the participants. An increase was also seen in their levels of anandamides and other endocannabinoids.
#3 Age-Defying Benefits
After 90 days of practicing Shambhavi mudra, you are 6.4 years younger at a cellular level.
#4 Balancing Calmness and Alertness
A unique health benefit of Shambhavi Kriya is that calmness levels increase with the brain remaining active. On the other hand, studies conducted on some Buddhist meditations have proven that the practicing individual’s calmness increases but his brain activity also declines.
#5 Better Heart Health
During the practice of Shambhavi Kriya, the heart rate variability increases, which has a positive impact on how you deal with stress. Research has concluded that the practice of Shambhavi Mahamudra reduces the possibility of having cardiac disorders.
#6 Brain Harmony
In a study conducted by the Centre for Biomedical Engineering, IIT, Delhi the EEG data of Shambhavi kriya practitioners was observed in which it was found that there is greater coherence between the left and right hemispheres of their brain. Greater coherence means greater emotional stability, improved cognitive flexibility, higher IQ and greater creativity.
#7 Anxiety Relief
Practitioners of Shambhavi Kriya are less susceptible to anxiety and experience lesser stress.
#8 Improved Sleep Patterns
The total sleep time, the percentage of REM sleep time and sleep efficacy has been found to be higher in those practicing Shambhavi Mahamudra. The study was carried out by the 20th Congress of the European Sleep Research Society, Lisbon, and it proved that with consistent practice of Shambhavi Kriya, the quality of sleep significantly improves.
#9 Menstrual Wellness
In a survey conducted by Poole Hospitals NHS Trust, UK and the Indiana University School of Medicine, 128 female practitioners of Shambhavi Mahamudra were asked about the changes seen if any, in their menstruation. Their answers proved that there was significant reduction in menstrual disorders in those women. The study hence concluded that the Shambhavi kriya can be considered as an adjunct therapy for menstrual disorders.
#10 Other Health Benefits
Shambhavi Mahamudra meditation has been found to resolve depression, allergies, asthma and some other health disorders.
#11 Improved Concentration
Practitioners of Shambhavi Mahamudra Kriya have reported to find greater inner peace, emotional balance, experience greater clarity and higher energy levels. They have also reported enhanced self-confidence, increased concentration and greater productivity.
#12 Healing Chronic Conditions
Shambhavi kriya is known to help patients with various chronic diseases, and also lead to a striking improvement in overall wellness of the practitioners.
#13 Effective Stress Management
In a research conducted on 142 individuals who were asked to practice the Shambhavi Mahamudra Kriya for 21 minutes each day for a span of 6 weeks, it was concluded that the kriya can serve as an effective natural treatment for stress reduction.
#14 Mental Health Benefits
In a study on Inner Engineering practitioners, it was seen that practitioners have lesser stress and anxiety, reduced mood disorders and lesser negative emotions. A 6-weeks practice of Inner Engineering was found to alleviate depression.
Since Inner Engineering includes initiation into Shambhavi Mahamudra kriya, this study on Inner Engineering practitioners is testimony to the fact that the Shambhavi kriya indeed boosts overall well-being and serves as a natural way to treat and prevent certain physical and mental health disorders.
In the words of Sadhguru, if we knew how to manage our system well, we would create a chemistry of blissfulness. Perhaps the Shambhavi Mahamudra Kriya is one of the highly powerful ways to change our thoughts and emotions so that our body’s chemistry changes for the better and we begin to live more consciously.