A study on the combined effect of Trataka and Kapalbhati on EEG waves

Shatkarma, a set of six cleansing yogic techniques stated in Hatha Yoga is known to have positive effects on metabolism, sympathetic nervous system, digestive disorder, relaxation etc. Trataka and Kapalbhati are two distinct yogic practices in shatkriya, Kapalbhati is an active breathing technique that can energize the body, while trataka involves steady concentration and may be more calming. But combining Trataka and Kapalbhati can offer a holistic approach to cleansing, energizing, and focusing the body and mind. The present study looks to examine the combined effect of kapalbhati and trataka on the human central nervous system using EEG (Electroencephalography) brain waves using robust nonlinear scientific analysis techniques. The study is based on a primary working hypothesis: Combined practice of the two yogic techniques- trataka and kapalbhati, can enhance the concentration, attention span in comparison to individual practice. For this, 3 participants (Male, Age= 21-25 Years, SD= 2.5 years) were chosen, who underwent a protocol of approx 20 mins of Trataka and Kapalbhati, during which EEG response was monitored continuously. EEG or Electroencephalography is a brain imaging technique which measures the neuro-electrical responses originating from different lobes of the human brain during the process of yogic practice of Trataka and Kapalbhati. The concentration levels of the participants were monitored from the recorded EEG signals in an experimental block of 2 mins each using a nonlinear analysis technique called Multifractal Detrended Fluctuation Analysis (MFDFA). The scaling exponent generated from the MFDFA technique is used as a parameter with which the benefits of the combined yogic practice can be monitored for each participant in a scientific manner. The present study is a pilot one which tries to quantitatively assess the beneficial effects of trataka and kapalbhati using state of the art robust neuro-scientific methods. The increase in multifractal width during the combined practice is a signature of the increased concentration and attention based activities in human brain.