Vaman Dhauti Yoga Kriya – Simplified Hygiene Practice
Holistic health and stomach are directly related. We eat our food or diet every day. Busy lifestyle and not chewing food properly leads to undigested food and stomach ailments. Most of us eat it on the go and in a hurried manner. When we eat our diet, the food first goes to the stomach and remains there for a considerable length of time. After consuming a heavy meal, on an average, it takes around 2 to 3 hours to empty the stomach. Then the food goes into the small intestine for further digestion and absorption, depending on what kind of food is consumed.
In the stomach, the food gets converted into liquid chime with the help of enzymes and digestive juices. Now food is ready to move into the intestine for absorption.
Although though the liquidated food gets released into the intestine, small particles of undigested food remain on the lining of the stomach. But, this may get flushed down when we drink water or when we take the next meal. But during that time, it can cause irritation and produce gas and acidity.
Vaman Dhauti is an important Shatkarma or Shatkriya. The yogis devised it as a means of systematic cleaning of the alimentary canal. It is intended mostly for the cleansing of the digestive tract. Also, it has a hygiene effect on the respiratory tract, the external ears and eyes. “So let’s understand clearly, “what is dhauti kriya?”
Kriya help and tips for beginners
- Do not deliberate on this practice and think of it as disgusting. A common mistake most yoga beginners make. Such thou ghts can prevent your body from appropriately vomiting. Think of this kriya as a fast cleansing practice. Within a few minutes, it provides relief from stomach pain and makes you feel light in the chest and stomach.
- Do not worry if all the water you drank did not come out again. Try to get out all the water as much as possible and even if the remaining water goes down; it is okay. This water gets eliminated naturally. Do not worry about it. Just like any other practice, this Kriya will need some practice.
Yogendra Vamandhauti; stomach wash (gastric autolavage). It is a simple and safe technique for maintaining proper hygiene of the alimentary canal.
The method for preparation of water–
- Boil 1 litre of drinking water and let it cool till lukewarm.
- Add one tablespoon each of salt and soda bicarbonate in equal proportions and stir well.
The sequence of steps-
- Stand or sit comfortably (sit in a squatting position, if comfortable).
- Keep drinking this mixture until the stomach can contain it no more. Retain the water; do not throw out immediately.
- Exhale entirely and draw the belly in, deep towards the spine.
- After 5-10 seconds (as per individual comfort), relax the abdomen and inhale well, letting the stomach balloon. Keep repeating 5 to 10 times, as convenient.
- Now apply slight pressure on the pit of the stomach with the palm and vomit the water out. If unable to vomit, insert the forefinger and touch the palate or the root of the tongue.
- Rest for a few seconds and repeat step5, above. Keep doing till all the water comes out. Avoid strain and exhaustion.
Recommended practice of Dhauti Yoga-
- Begin by practising daily for two weeks in the morning and then on alternate days for one month.
- After that, once a fortnight or a month, as required.
Precaution- Rest well after the practice of Dhauti Yoga and have a light sattvic diet for the res t of the day.
Limitations /Contraindications for Dhauti Yoga-
High B.P., stomach ulcers, colitis, acidity and other heart ailments.
Benefits of Yoga Kriya:
- This kriya has a favourable effect on the functioning of the kidneys, liver and the intestines.
- An important benefit of Dhauti Kriya is that is helps to reduce excess phlegm, bile and gastric juices.
- Vaman Dhauti offers relief in case of obesity, diabetes, gas and flatulence and constipation.
- A significant benefit of Dhauti kriya is that detoxifies the digestive system.
- Hygienic effects due to massage of the internal organs.
The benefits of dhauti kriya are manifold and pervasive so try and make it a part of your health and wellness routines.
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