Shankaprakshalana Kriya - Complete Bowel Wash

Yogi Shakti Das

Prakshalana means cleaning outwards and shanka means a conch. This practice washes the entire gastrointestinal tract very quickly by drinking salt water and performing special synergistic cleansing asanas together in sequence. The practice of the full version is recommended only at yoga ashrams, to be performed no more than twice a year, though an experienced yoga therapist may recommend it more often.

It is most successful if the stomach is completely empty. Eat a light dinner or better forgo the previous evening meal. Also it is best that the food eaten the previous day was not spicy, sharp, rough, or woody. It is excellent before or after a fast if the vital energy is not already weak. Make sure that there is nothing else on the agenda for this day as you will most likely need rest the entire day as the full version of this practice definitely will create a temporary need for rest.

Technique:

There are a few minor differences in techniques from one school to another, but they all consist of drinking lukewarm saline water and then performing a sequential set of asanas to move the water through while cleansing the entire GI tract. One drinks more water, repeating the sequence of specially designed asanas until the intestines have been completely washed (clear liquid comes out from the anal opening). Needless to say free access to a toilet is necessary.

There are various ways of performing Shankaprakshalana and mostly they vary only as to the choice of asanas , their amount and sometimes the order of practice.

First drink anywhere from one half to one litre of warm isotonic saline water. Some schools add the juice of two lemons. Then immediately practice the special asanas .

The special asanas are repeated three or four times until the bowels begin to move. This is one cycle. Another litre of saline water is drunk and the asanas are repeated until the bowels move again. A further 1//2 litre of saline water is drunk after each asana cycle again and again until only clear water is discharged. The practice ends with the practice of kunjal kriya .

After completing the wash, complete rest is taken, lying in shavasana for at least forty five minutes. Sleeping is not recommended at this point since it can result is lethargy and headaches. This is followed by a special meal to reline the stomach and restore the normal functioning of the bowel. In many yoga ashrams the preferred food is kidcheri (well cooked rice and dahl) with plenty of ghee which is soft, moisturizing, and lubricating. The rest of the day is spent walking quietly or resting in the open air.

In addition to the above, there are dietary recommendations that accompany Shankaprakshalana and it is advised that these be followed for at least a month after completion. Avoid spicy, pungent foods or any substance that will irritate the digestion. This includes alcohol, black tea, coffee and other poisons such as nicotine. Eat a light and healthy diet high in vegetables, pulses, legumes, rice and fruit. Where possible, eat organic.

Benefits:

Cleanses and tones the entire gastrointestinal tract. Excellent for excess tamas and rajas , very cooling in summer, lightens the mind and attitude, good for depression. Removes toxic conditions of the blood and tissues that are caused by intestinal waste product fermentation, putrefaction and decomposition thus increasing the function of the intestines. It thus relieves flatulence, constipation, acidity, indigestion, menstrual cramps, asthma, acne and boils etc. It also prevents urinary infections and the kidney stone formation through lightening the load on the adjacent lymph glands and nerves. It counteracts bad habits of sluggish bowel due to a previous diet of refined foods or a sedentary lifestyle. Light eating or fasting (preferable) greatly enhances its efficacy.

Laghu Shankaprakshalana (shortened version):

Laghu means short. As above and always on an empty stomach, but do the poses three times only and the whole cycle only three times. Do this and then go to evacuate. This brings on a gushing bowel movement and also much urination. If you do not evacuate after three rounds, do more asanas but do not drink more water. This shortened procedure can be done in a short period of time without much disruption in the regular agenda. Being less drastic than the full version it can be done more frequently, say even as much as once a week when supervised by a yoga therapist.

Contra-indications & Cautions:

Obviously this is a specialised technique and it is recommended that you only attempt this practice under the guidance and supervision of an expert teacher.

If you are suffering from any medical condition or taking any medication it is essential that you consult a qualified yoga therapist prior to undertaking this kriya . It should be avoided during pregnancy.

Also to be avoided when suffering from diseases of cold, if the immediate environment is very cold, or if you are already fatigued or debilitated. Not recommended for heart patients, the very weak or those suffering from high blood pressure, oedema, ascites, and serious diseases of the intestines without supervision of a yoga therapist.

Shankaprakshalana is perhaps the most drastic of the kriyas , and in order to avoid any of its possible pitfalls such as addiction or abuse, it is to be approached judiciously. At the same time, when it is performed, it can be one of the most effective. It should be done with a light heart, no worry and with a sense of humour.