Proceedings of the 3rd International Conference, Anubhuti: Revitalizing Indian Knowledge Systems for the Modern World (ICIKS 2025)

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Exploring the Effect of Trataka on Cognitive Functions: A Review

Authors
Prachi Priya Pandey1, *, Nidhi Sharma2, Tavishi Limaye3
1Student, Department of Development Studies, Vivekananda Global University, Jaipur, India
2Associate Professor, Department of Development Studies, Vivekananda Global University, Jaipur, India
3Assistant Professor, Department of Development Studies, Vivekananda Global University, Jaipur, India
*Corresponding author.
Corresponding Author
Prachi Priya Pandey
Available Online 10 November 2025.
DOI
10.2991/978-2-38476-477-8_11How to use a DOI?
Keywords
Trataka; cognitive functions; yoga; attention; working memory; executive function
Abstract

Trataka, a yogic eye exercise, is among the six ancient shat kriyas in yoga, renowned for improving concentration, mental clarity, and intellectual focus. This review critically analyses the scientific literature on the impact of Trataka on cognitive ability in various age groups. Basing its analysis on literature from yogic science, psychology, and neuroscience, the review appraises prior research, discusses methodological strengths and limitations, and determines avenues for future research. Research indicates that Trataka improves selective attention, working memory, and cognitive flexibility. But constraints in sample size, brief intervention durations, and limited application of neurophysiological measures limit the current evidence’s generalizability. Future research using rigorous methodologies is needed to confirm Trataka’s sustained cognitive advantages.

Copyright
© 2025 The Author(s)
Open Access
Open Access This chapter is licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/), which permits any noncommercial use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license and indicate if changes were made.

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Volume Title
Proceedings of the 3rd International Conference, Anubhuti: Revitalizing Indian Knowledge Systems for the Modern World (ICIKS 2025)
Series
Advances in Social Science, Education and Humanities Research
Publication Date
10 November 2025
ISBN
978-2-38476-477-8
ISSN
2352-5398
DOI
10.2991/978-2-38476-477-8_11How to use a DOI?
Copyright
© 2025 The Author(s)
Open Access
Open Access This chapter is licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/), which permits any noncommercial use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license and indicate if changes were made.

Cite this article

risenwbib
TY  - CONF
AU  - Prachi Priya Pandey
AU  - Nidhi Sharma
AU  - Tavishi Limaye
PY  - 2025
DA  - 2025/11/10
TI  - Exploring the Effect of Trataka on Cognitive Functions: A Review
BT  - Proceedings of the 3rd International Conference, Anubhuti: Revitalizing Indian Knowledge Systems for the Modern World (ICIKS 2025)
PB  - Atlantis Press
SP  - 148
EP  - 155
SN  - 2352-5398
UR  - https://doi.org/10.2991/978-2-38476-477-8_11
DO  - 10.2991/978-2-38476-477-8_11
ID  - Pandey2025
ER  -