A 2020 study specifically examined the Ashtanga yoga primary series and its effect on brain activity. Researchers measured neural patterns before and after practice using EEG. The results showed meaningful shifts in brain wave activity, particularly in regions associated with focused attention and relaxation.
This is notable because the primary series follows a fixed sequence. The predictability of the practice may allow the brain to settle into deeper states of concentration without the cognitive load of learning new movements. Breath synchronization likely plays a central role in the observed effects.
The study adds to a growing body of evidence that structured, repetitive movement practices produce specific neurological outcomes. For those who practice the same sequence regularly, the research suggests the repetition itself may be a feature, not a limitation.
Source: Yoga Research: Brain Structure & Function on ashtanga.tech. Original research.