VAMAN DHAUTI
Vaman Dhauti (regurgitative cleansing)
Preparation: Wash the hands and make sure the nails are carefully trimmed.
Prepare about 2 litres of lukewarm (body temperature) water per person, adding 1 teaspoonful of salt per litre according to taste.
Technique 1: Kunjal Kriya (the practice of vomiting water)
Stand near a sink or toilet, or if the weather is warm, in a suitable place outside in the garden or near an open drain.
Drink at least 6 glasses of the prepared water, one after the other, as quickly as possible, until the stomach cannot hold any more. It is most important to drink fast and not just sip the water.
When the stomach is full, the urge to vomit will occur automatically.
Lean forward, keeping the trunk as horizontal as possible. Open the mouth and place the middle and index fingers of the right hand as far back on the tongue as possible. Gently rub and press the back of the tongue.This should induce the water to gush out from the stomach. If there is no expulsion of water, it means the tips of the fingers are not far enough down the throat or that the tongue is not being pressed. The more the practitioner relaxes into the practice, the easier it will be.
During the expulsion of water the fingers may be removed from the mouth, although this is not necessary. When the flow of water ceases, again place the fingers in the mouth and repeat the process. Continue in this way until the stomach is empty.Time of practice: Kunjal is best practised early in the morning before breakfast. However, if it is very cold, wait until the day has warmed up a little. It is essential that no food before the practice.
Frequency: Kunjal may be performed once a otherwise directed by a competent teacher.
Precaution: When the vomiting reflex ceases to bring up any water, stop the technique as it is a sure sign that the stomach is empty. These techniques remove some of the stomach lining, leaving it temporarily vulnerable. For this reason, it is advised to eat a light meal half an hour after completion of the practice.
Contra-indications: These practices should not be performed by people suffering from hernia, high blood pressure, raised intracranial pressure, heart disease, stroke, acute peptic ulcer or by diabetics with eye problems. They are not recommended during pregnancy.
Benefits: These techniques tone and stimulate all the abdomi- nal organs by inducing strong muscular contractions in the stomach walls. Excess mucus is removed, helping respiratory functions.
These techniques help to release pent-up emotions and emotional blocks or feelings of heaviness in the heart caused by inner and external conflict and pressures. Practice note: Plain water may be used on the advice of a competent teacher. Salt water, however, dissolves mucus and also inhibits the secretion of acid in the stomach, making it generally preferable, and a must for those suffering from excess mucus and hyperacidity.
The biggest obstacle to these techniques is the mental block which people have towards the idea of vomiting. Some people are unable to bring up the water at first. The water in the stomach will then simply pass through the system in the normal way.
The expelled water might be discoloured, especially on the first few attempts. This can be caused by fermented food particles, bile or mucus from the stomach. When the stomach is completely clean, the water will become clear.
Agnisar kriya Dhouti
Introduction: Dhouti is a word made up of Sanskrit verb “Dhoo” which means to wash. The process of washing up is Dhouti Kriya. However, even if this kriya is termed as Dhouti kriya, there is no actual process of washing involved. In this process, swift movements of the abdomen are expected. The word Agni used here refers to the fire in the form of internal digestive juices.
Pre-position: Standing Pose
- Stand erect with a distance of to 1.5 ft in between both the feet and inhale.
- Bend the legs at the knee in forward direction, place both the hands on the knee and exhale.
- The pressure of the shoulders should come onto the knees through both the hands. The legs below the knees and the hands starting from the shoulders should be in one line, perpendicular (90 degree) to the ground.
- After exhaling completely, contract the abdomen fully and immediately bring it back to the previous position. Continue this contraction and expansion exercise in rapidly insuccession. This exercise is to be done while being in the state after complete exhalation When the movement of the abdomen is going on, there should not be any inhalation or exhalation i e Pooraka and Rechaka should be completely stopped. Try to perform the process a number of times as possible and in a steady position. Then gradually inhale, stand straight and come back into the pre-position.
The movement of the abdomen should not be jerky but should be done rhythmically.
Duration: Since the process is to be performed after exhaling, a definite duration cannot be specified. It is expected a to carry on the process till the time the bahya (outer) kumbhaka can be easily maintained. The duration of the bahya kumbhaka (the state after complete exhalation before inhalation) will determine the duration of the process. The duration will change as per the study of each sadhaka. Even if the duration of the balya kumbhaka is less, the process can be repeated as the asanas were studied. The process can be practised for 3 to 4 times at a time. However, it is not advisable to practise it further.
Physical Effects: In this process, when the abdomen moves in outward direction, the pressure reduces. When the process is performed efficiently, the pressure reduces to the extent of -110 to -120 mm. The pressure stays for a second and then increases to -50 to 60 mm when the muscles are relaxed, the pressure returns to the normal and when the abdomen is contracted, it increases to +10 to +20 mm (Ref: Yogamimansa volume 7, No 3. December, 1957)
These positive and negative pressures in the abdomen change as per the swift movements made during the process. Thus, they act rapidly on the internal organs of the abdomen. To understand their implication, one must have knowledge of the blood circulation process.
The blood vessels which carry the purified blood are termed as arteries (Rohini). They are quite tenacious. The excess or too low a pressure does not affect them much. The vessels carrying impure blood are known as veins. (Neela) Compared to arteries, these are soft and weak. The low or excess pressure affects them immediately. When in the agnisar process, the pressure becomes negative, the vessels suck blood inside. When the pressure is negative, the blood gets sucked to that area, when the pressure is positive, the blood gets pushed forward. Thus, in the process of agnisar, the rapid movement of the abdomen causes negative and positive pressure; the impure
blood is sucked into the veins at the same rate and forward. The pressure causes the blood to push forward. These pushed vessels contain valves so that the blood flows in one direction This causes the circulation of the blood in the abdomen to be rapid and effective, thus improving it considerably.
The abdominal cavity contains important organs such as stomach, small intestines, liver, spleen, pancreas, kidney etc. The blood circulation of these organs improves, and these organs are supplied with purified blood, oxygen and the necessary food elements, the impurities and poisonous substances generated are effectively thrown out, which increases the efficiency of all these organs.
There is another important effect of the process. The muscles of the abdomen are made up of involuntary muscles. These muscles cannot be moved as per one’s wish. They are regulated by involuntary nervous system. Hence, one cannot make the abdomen exercise at one’s will. The efficiency of other muscles can be increased with the voluntary movement of the muscles. However, the muscles of the abdomen cannot be exercised as such. In the process of Agnisar, since there is positive and negative pressure on these organs, they get massaged to some extent and moved too. This increases their efficiency and also generates more digestive juices. This improves the digestionl process. The description in the yoga texts that the agni in the abdomen is ignited, can thus be experienced. Also, the bile produced by the liver is an important factors of the digestive process. Since the process increases its production, the food is digested and assimilated well and more efficiently.
The other important gland in the abdomen is Pancreas. Pancreas produces Insulin. Insulin helps to digest the sugar in the food items. If enough insulin is not secreted, the sugar in the blood and urine increases and the cells are deprived of it. That means one suffers from diabetes. Due to the positive and negative pressures generated in the process, the efficiency of the gland increases, more insuline is produced and the sugar is digested properly.
It is evident from this description that this process is useful for the ailments such as complaints regarding digestion, indigestion, constipation, diabetes etc. However, one should study and practice it under expert guidance.
References in the ancient texts: Gherand Samhita mentions the process in its first chapter Shatkarmsadhan as under:
Nabhigranthim meruprushte shatwaram cha karayet
Udarymamayam twaktwa jatharagnim vivardhayeta || GS 1.19
Vanhisarmiyam dhoutiryoginam yogsiddhida | Esha dhoutihi para gopya devanamapi durlabha || G S 1.20
Meaning: Try touching the navel hundred times to the spinal column. This process is known as agnisar dhouti. The process ensures siddhis for Yogis. This process eliminates diseases in the abdomen and ignites the fire in the stomach. It is a secret process, which is hard to achieve even for the Gods
Technique 2: Laghoo Shankhaprakshalana (short intestinal wash)
Two litres of warm salted water should be prepared as for poorna shankhaprakshalana.
Quickly drink 2 glasses of the prepared water. Perform the following 5 asanas 8 times each:
a) Tadasana
b) Tiryaka tadasana
c) Kati chakrasana (variation: see practice note p 146)
d) Tiryaka bhujangasana e) Udarakarshanasana.
Drink 2 more glasses of water and repeat the asanas 8 times each.
Repeat the process for a third and last time. Go to the toilet, but do not strain, whether there is a bowel movement or not. If there is no motion immediately, come back. It will come later on. Additional practices: Kunjal kriya and jala neti may formed immediately after completing the practice.
Time of practice: Laghoo should be practised in the morning when the stomach is completely empty, before any food or drink is taken.
Duration: Allow an hour for this practice. Frequency: Once a week is sufficient for general purposes. In cases of constipation, however, it may be practised daily until the condition improves
Rest: On completion of the practice, rest for half an hour before taking any food or drink. Restrictions: There are no special food restrictions and no special food has to be taken following this practice, although a light vegetarian diet is preferable for that day
Precautions: Do not try to force a bowel movement; it should be completely natural.
Contra-indications: As for shankhaprakshalana.
Benefits: The laghoo or short method is intended to encourage normal functioning of the intestines. It is an excellent method of encouraging good bowel movement and is ideal for regular use and for those who are unable to practisethe full version. Laghoo is recommended for digestive disorders and to flush out the kidneys. Practice note: Greater benefits may be derived by combining this practice with light food. Medication may be safely continued.
Technique 3: TTK solution
One litre of warm salted water should be prepared as for shankhaprakshalana, or pure unsalted water at room temperature can be used if the weather is not too cold. The first 3 asanas of the shankhaprakshalana series are used:
a) Tadasana
b) Tiryaka tadasana
c) Kati chakrasana (variation: see practice note p 146).
Quickly drink one glass of the prepared water.
Practise tadasana 10 times and drink a second glass of Practise tiryaka tadasana 10 times and drink a third glass water.
Practise kati chakrasana 10 times and drink a fourth glass of water.
Go to the toilet, but do not strain, whether there is a bowel movement or not. If there is no motion immediately, it will come later on.
Time of practice: The TTK solution should be practised in the morning when the stomach is completely empty, before any food or drink is taken and before other asanas.
Frequency: Once a week is sufficient for general purposes. In cases of constipation, however, it may be practised daily until the condition improves.
Restrictions: There are no special food restrictions and no special food has to be taken following this practice. Precautions: Do not try to force a bowel movement; it should be completely natural.
Benefits: This practice helps to prevent constipation and related digestive problems. It makes the body feel light and ensures a healthy intake of water first thing in the morning.
SHANKHAPRAKSHALANA
Technique 1: Shankhaprakshalana or Varisara Dhauti (cleansing of the entire digestive tract) Preparation: It is advisable to take a light, semi-liquid meat the night before undertaking this practice. Plenty of clean, lukewarm water should be available and also extra hot water in case the temperature of the water cools. Add 2 teaspoons of salt per litre to the water, so that it tastes mildly salty.
Prepare a special khichari of good quality white rice and mung dal, cooked with ghee, clarified butter. The rice and lentils should be cooked together in water until soft. A little haldi, turmeric, may be added, but no salt. Finally, the clarified butter should be liberally mixed in so that the final preparation is semi-liquid.
The khichadi should be eaten at the end of the practice, after a 45-minute rest period, and again later in the day. No asana or physical work should be performed, and no food or beverages should be taken before commencing the practice. Not evacuating the bowels prior to the practice helps stimulate the peristaltic movement. Light and comfortable clothing should be worn.
Complete intestinal wash: Drink 2 glasses of warm salty water Perform the following 5 asanas dynamically, 8 times each as quickly as possible in the following sequence:
a) Tadasana
b) Tiryaka tadasana
c) Kati chakrasana (variation: see practice note p 146)
d) Tiryaka bhujangasana
e) Udarakarshanasana.
This is one complete round.
Do not rest between rounds. Drink 2 more glasses of warm salty water and again repeat the 5 asanas 8 times each. Repeat this process a third time.
After the third round, go to the toilet and see if there is any movement in the bowels, if they have not yet been emptied. Do not strain.
Resume the practice, regardless of whether there has been any movement or not; it is not essential at this point. Drink 2 more glasses and repeat the 5 asanas 8 times. Again go to the toilet, but do not use force to produce a bowel movement.
Continue drinking the water, performing the asanas and going to the toilet, allowing the pressure to build up. Spend as little time in the toilet as possible, a minute or so is enough. The aim is to build up the internal cleansing pressure. At first solid stool will be evacuated, followed by a mixture of stool and water. As the practice progresses, more water and less solid stool will be excreted. Eventually, cloudy yellow water and, finally, almost clear water will be evacuated.
Sixteen glasses are generally required before clear water is evacuated, but it varies from person to person.
The speed at which one completes the practice should not be compared with that of others. The practice should be performed in a relaxed way at one’s own pace.
Supplementary practices: Kunjal kriya followed by jala neti may be performed 10 minutes after completing the internal wash.
Rest: Total rest is essential after completion of the practice. Do not take a shower or bathe. Lie down in shavasana for 45 minutes, but do not sleep as a headache or cold may result. It is important to keep warm during this resting period. Try to maintain mouna, silence. During this time the whole digestive system is given a chance to revitalize itself.
Passing urine at this time is perfectly normal. Special meal: Exactly 45 minutes after completing shankha- prakshalana the specially prepared khichari must be taken. Eating this meal at the correct time is essential. The rhythm of the body has been temporarily disturbed; however, 45 minutes after completion of the practice the digestive functions resume.
The three components of khichari are helpful in the restoration of correct digestive function. The clarified butter is necessary to coat the intestinal walls until the body produces a new lining. The rice provides a simple, easily digestible packing material in the form of carbohydrate, and creates mucus, which also protects the inner lining of the alimentary canal. The lentils supplement the diet by giving the body an easily digestible source of protein, and make for an all-round nutritious meal.
A sufficient quantity of khichari must be eaten to reline the intestines and keep the walls of the gut stretched, otherwise they may cramp due to the absence of the bulk to which they are accustomed. This bulk not only maintains the tone, but aids the intestines to resume peristalsis. It is also important in order to prevent indigestion, diarrhoea, and constipation.
Further rest: Having eaten, further rest is necessary. However, it is important not to sleep for at least three hours after the initial meal. Sleep during this period may lead to physical lethargy and headache. Complete rest should be taken for the remainder of the day. During this period, it is advisable to keep silence, mouna, and avoid physical or mental work. Rest the following day also.
Second meal: Khichari should also be prepared for the late afternoon or evening meal, about 6 hours after the first special meal. The stomach must be filled to capacity at both meals, even if there is no feeling of hunger. Place of practice: The best place to practise shankhaprakshalana is in an ashram, in an open area where there is plenty of fresh air. Ensure that adequate toilet facilities are nearby. The practice is best undertaken with a group of people. The atmosphere should be relaxed, friendly and light-hearted, with no apprehension concerning the practice, as this can create tension and prevent free bowel movement.
Climate: Shankhaprakshalana should not be performed when the weather conditions are extreme. Those who live in cold climates should practise in the summer when the days are warm and dry. This is important, as it is easy for the stomach and intestines to become chilled. On the other hand, do not practise when it is very hot as this would produce too much sweat and the experience would be exhausting.
Very cloudy, windy or rainy weather is also to be avoided. The best time to practise is at the changeover of seasons. Frequency: This practice should not be performed more than twice a year.
Duration: The whole day should be put aside for this practice and the following day for rest.
Precautions: It is important not to exceed the point beyond which almost clear water without specks of solid matter is being passed, as the system may start producing bile. indicated by bright yellow water. It is better to stop when the water is still slightly cloudy. While resting for 45 minutes after terminating the practice, one should not sleep as a headache or cold may result.
No water or other fluids should be taken until at least 2 hours after the first special meal. Cold liquid will chill the digestive system. Drinking or eating anything before the prescribed period will dilute and wash away the new protective layer which is being reproduced by the body on the stomach and intestinal wall.
Fans and air-conditioning should not be used until the evening as the body must be kept warm to prevent chills and fever. If the room is cool, the body should be covered with a blanket to maintain the inner body temperature. Sitting in the hot sun, near a fire or doing physical exercise should be avoided.
Rest periods should be maintained very carefully. Mental strain and stressful situations should be avoided. Food restrictions: For at least one month after the practice, all chemically processed, synthetic, pungent, spicy, acidic, rich and non-vegetarian foods must be strictly avoided.
No pickles, sweets, chocolates, ice cream or soft drinks should be taken. Milk, buttermilk, yoghurt and all fruits, especially acidic fruits such as lemons, grapefruit, oranges or pineapples are restricted. Alcohol, cigarettes, tea, coffee, betel nut preparations such as paan and any type of intoxicant or drug should not be taken.
The diet should be as pure, simple and neutral as possible. It may include foods such as rice, wheat, bread, vegetables with a low acidic content, nuts, lentils and other pulses. Common sense must be used in this regard. After shankhaprakshalana the digestive system is very vulnerable and extra care should be taken to protect it. Warning: This practice should only be attempted in an ashram or yoga centre under the guidance of a competent teacher. All guidelines and restrictions must be followed strictly to avoid experiencing harmful side-effects. Those who are unable to follow these restrictions should not practise shankhaprakshalana. They will find the simplified version, laghoo shankha prakshalana, more appropriate to their needs.
Strong medication such as antibiotics should be avoided for one month. Regular medication can be discontinued during the practice and recommenced 2 or 3 days after the practice.
Contra-indications: People with heart or kidney problems, or high blood pressure, should not practise shankha- prakshalana. Those suffering from any medical condition should seek guidance from their doctor before attempting it, especially those taking medication. This practice should also be avoided during pregnancy.
Benefits: Physically, shankha prakshalana alleviates digestive problems and tones the liver and other digestive organs and glands. It strengthens the immune system, reduces excessive mucus and purifies the blood. Shankha prakshalana recharges the entire pranic body, removes blockages from the nadis and purifies all the chakras. The harmony of the five pranas is restored and the energy level is raised. Mentally, it calms the mind and prepares the way for higher states of consciousness. Any sadhana performed after this cleansing practice gives manifold results.
Practice note: The five asanas which form the core of the practice activate intestinal peristalsis and enhance the cleansing process. When performed in the correct sequence, they progressively open the pyloric valve at the outlet of the stomach, then the ileocaecal valve at the exit of the small intestine and finally the sphincter which forms the anus. Tadasana acts mainly on the stomach and stretches the colon; tiryaka tadasana acts on the small intestine and colon; kati chakrasana massages the small intestine; tiryaka bhujangasana and udarakarshanasana squeeze and mas- sage the caecum, sigmoid colon and rectum, and also stimulate the urge to defecate.
Those who have difficulty drinking rapidly or develop a feeling of nausea should reduce the quantity of water from two glasses to one glass before each round. The quantity of salt may also be reduced.
