Yoga

Kriya

Introduction

Here you'll find information about yogic shatkriya or shatkarma used on Yoga Detox retreats. These are cleansing techniques used by yogis in their practice of "right" living for thousands of years.

Shatkriya means six actions. This refers to the six actions used to purify, detox and clean all the parts of the body, both subtle and gross, the energetic (psychic) and the physical.

The intent of doing any of these rather unusual practices is to provide a more user friendly vehicle for you and your Self/Spirit/God, together, as one, in one, unity. That is to say, the practice itself may be totally worthless, but the action results in experience. This might not be. It's certainly fun trying them anyway! Though some would say that's rather dependent on my warped 'British' sense of humour.

Believe it or not, there may be good reasons for doing these practices. These are outlined in the relevant sections. However, my experience is that the kriya bring both more energy and more awareness of energy into the body. The practice of morning asana (usually a torment for me) becomes light, even enjoyable. A general buzz lasts for the rest of the day. That's enough for me.

I offer you two versions, the Official and the Unofficial. The "official" version was written by a proper yogi with much more experience than me... and you'll find that in the articles section.

Warning! Some of the Kriya are for advanced practitioners only. Consult an experienced yogi before you try them.

Neti

Nasal and Sinus Washing

Neti refers to the practice of pouring liquids, usually salt water, through the nose and mouth. It is one of the easiest and most effective kriya . It is also one of the kriya that brings quick and obvious benefits which'll no doubt be pleasing to those of us who enjoy quick fixes.

Technique

The basic technique is easily mastered, providing you have the right tools to hand. Luckily, we sell excellent neti pots : click . LINK TO YOGA SHOP

From here it's only a question of filling the pot, inserting the spout into the relevant hole and tilting. The liquid flows easily up through the nostril and through the sinus and out of the other side.

Some beginners have problems with the liquid flowing down the cheek. This is due to the angle of the head. Others find it flows down the throat. Breathing gently through the mouth and checking head angle will solve this.

Why? Oh Why?

Pouring salt water through the sinus is by no means the most extreme Kriya but some will no doubt wonder why one would want to do this.

Simple: practicing neti has lots of benefits . I like to consider them in terms of gross or physical benefits and subtle or psychic/energetic benefits. This list is not exhaustive. These are my experiences. For others check the official version.

Physical

cleans out gunk.
opens passageways
makes breathing easier

Subtle

balances energy in the head
makes eyes sparkle
brings alertness to the mind

The benefits do depend on what liquid is being used. Some yogis go for milk and even urine. Generally these are used to deepen the practice and find more space for/of God.

As always, consult a qualified yogi before using this practice.

If you would like to read an article written by a very experienced yogi, click here

Kunjal (Vamana) Kriya

Stomach Washing

Kunjal - Stomach washing? Here things get a bit more extreme. Well, we have a shower every morning, so why not a little scrub up inside?

Kunjal involves drinking quite a lot of water, rolling the stomach muscles a bit, then forcing it out, bringing any unwanted bits n pieces. Forcing it out can be quite spectacular, when done by an experienced yogi. It looks rather like an elephant trumpeting water. I've seen it spout an impressive 10 feet or more! Lesser yogis and beginners generally have to be content with a kind of grumbling, groan that spatters around the feet.

Technique

It takes a bit of getting used to. Not least because one has to drink such a large volume of liquid for the technique to be effective. Everybody is different on this score, some take 3 plus litres, others can manage only 4 cups. Although gloating is not encouraged, comments of "So then Bill, how many glasses did you do this morning?" can occasionally be heard on the yoga terrace.

We use warm, plain water for this. Some yogis use salt water, but this is not great for beginners since if you don't get all the water out, a common enough difficulty, it burdens the liver.

To drink, we adopt a squatting posture, closing the pyloric valve in the stomach so water doesn't escape into the bowel. Then pour down as much water as possible, until you're feeling really, really full. Then, standing, we rotate the abdominals for a quick wash, and, bending at the hips, expel the water as forcefully as possible. Cries of "Bravo! Well done!" are acceptable at this point. Sometimes, a little encouragement for the water to come out is necessary. Here a couple of carefully positioned fingers at the back of the throat work wonders.

Why? Oh Why?

What some people consider fun always amazes me. However, Kunjal is a very useful technique. And there are even benefits...

Physical

cleans the stomach of undigested food
tones the chest
clears excess mucous
tones the abdominal region
increases digestive fire

Subtle

balances energy throughout the body
opens the heart centre
quietens the mind
brings a lightness to asana practice

This technique is not suitable for everybody, nor should it be practiced all the time. Talk to your local yogi and/or consult a medical professional if you are suffering from any ailment prior to trying this.

If you would like to read an article written by a very experienced yogi, click here.

Shankaprakshalana Kriya

Complete Bowel Wash

Shankaprakshalana is the name of the yoga technique used to clean the intestines, from the mouth to the anus. It involves drinking large quantities of salt water and passing it through the anus. It's one of the more extreme detox practices and therefore is only practiced once or twice a year, traditionally in Spring and Autumn.

Drinking salt water, isn't that dangerous? In all honesty? Uncomfortable perhaps, but practiced correctly it's not dangerous. There should be no pain. However, it is a very powerful technique and leaves the body feeling remarkably clear. Done as a biannual service, it could even be considered a good thing.

Technique

To wash out the insides we use salt water, lots of it. Good old sea salt will do. The salt dissolves mucous and deep cleans, reversing the osmotic process in the intestine thereby drawing out toxicity. The idea is to drink plenty of the fluid, perform some exercise to move it through the bowel and then pass it. Make sure there's a loo handy. Afterwards, we take complete rest and eat special food to reline the intestines.

Quick, efficient, painless.

Salt concentration in the water is key. It is important to make sure that the salt concentration is carefully monitored. Your local Yogi should be able to assist here. We use alternating concentrations of salt, some weaker, some stronger and some the same as of blood salinity. Properly administered, this does not damage the body but efficiently cleans the nooks and crannies of the intestinal mucousa.

Every individual is unique. Therefore, we all require different amounts of liquid and we all have different numbers of bowel movements. On retreat, before you start you'll have a quick medical check over with the yogic doctor. He'll give you an idea what to expect.

Why, oh Why, oh Why?

Because it's good for you? Yes, I hear you say, but so is chocolate, apparently. When eaten in the right doses. Obviously, when we get into the realms of internal cleansing, there has to be 'right' motivation, you've got to want to do something like this or else the benefits are going to be minimal anyway. And for those that are interested in deepening their practice, cleansing, experiencing more energy, feeling lighter, more focused, more positive, more aware this technique can be very worthwhile.

Physical

cleansing of the mucous linings
bowel regulation
removal of blockages
removal of parasites and fungus
blood cleanse
refreshes the liver and kidneys
regulates blood sugar

Subtle

lightness
deeper body awareness
increased concentration
feelings of connection
enhanced sensory perception
all round openness

Don't try this at home kids...please consult your local yogi for guidance with this technique. Not suitable for everyone. Has contraindications. A shorter version, laghu Shankaprakshalana is a less extreme option.

If you would like to read an written by a very experienced yogi, click here

Urine therapy (Amaroli)

The simple use of ones own urine

Urine drinkers falll into 3 different categories:

Those who don't - the very thought of drinking their own urine is untenable.
Those who do - secretly, finding the idea of owning up to it quite untenable.
And others - weird ones who drink it and make public statements of not only drinking it but also enjoying drinking it...

Urine drinking. Let's face it, it's controversial. Does it or doesn't it? Is it or isn't it? The great thing is that nobody knows, nobody can tell you. If you want answers about how, what or why you're going to just have to just dive in, down the hatch, chin-chin, proust!

Apparently, people have been collecting and drinking their urine for medicinal purposes since the dawn of time. Although this has been usually confined to witches and wizards, shamans, their (un)fortunate clients and a few yogis, more recently the fold has grown to include a few doctors and nurses. Prime Ministers even...Apparently there are 'millions' who are either drinking or have drunk their piss in search of health and happiness. And this number is increasing dramatically, as noted by the annual world conference on urine therapy. Either the world has gone quite mad or there is something in it (no pun intended).

Technique

Urine therapy can be applied internally and externally. Not all that complicated really, maybe that is why so many people try urine therapy. Just point and, well, collect. The best time to collect is early morning, apparently around 4am although I find 7-9am seems to work ok for me. Use the mid stream, that means missing the beginning (may not be clean) and the end (may contain gritty bits). Then sip away. Best not to gulp as the body cant process it so well. I sip it over 30-60 mins or so. And that's it. Get ready to feel ssssstrong.

There are other variations, such as urine fasts or collecting and keeping the urine for external urine therapy. It's alleged that older urine, 3-7 days (or more) is more potent, hence preferable for rubbing and massaging. Problem is, for most of us, the smell. Again, I don't really mind it on myself. My girlfriend, on the other hand, isn't so keen on coming out to dinner with me when I have washed my hair in it. Funny that.

Why, Why, Why!

I don't pretend to be a world expert on the subject. Actually, I am rather a novice when it comes to the amber nectar. So, like always, I can only share my own experiences with you. If you want more evidence, proof, I suggest checking the official story or get collecting.

Recent 'scientific' research suggests there may be a variety of reasons why taking the piss helps you feel better. These are mainly based on evidence for the strengthening effect on immune function. Other writers have wondered about the more subtle energetic effects of drinking a solution that has already been processed and energetically 'earmarked' by the body. Drinking one's urine does seem to provide more energy, perhaps because there is an amplification effect from receiving nutrients already processed.

Physical

more energy
disappearance of old health problems
better sleep
better digestion

Subtle

enhanced sensory perception
increased self awareness
increased body awareness

The jury is still out. A strong and valid motivation is undoubtedly necessary for beginning Urine Therapy. Lots of people say lots of different things. I drink it because I had recurring stubborn health issues and I wanted to know what it could do for me. The feedback I have noticed has been mostly around increased sensory and self awareness. My girlfriend would probably also atest to my dancing around the house yelling "I feel grrrrreat!" after my morning tipple... When you drink your pee you certainly know what you've been up to the day before. Perhaps this was why it has traditionally been a yogic practice?

NB. Just don't dive into this practice without thinking about it. It is powerful. The body can react in unusual ways. As always, check out the known contraindications. Practice wisely.

If you would like to read articles written about Urine Therapy, click here.

Nauli Kriya

Churning of the Abdomen

Compared to some of the other shatkriya this practice seems quite 'normal', although it can be tricky to master. To practice nauli we have to learn how to isolate different area of the abdomen. This can take time, though probably not for belly dancers, since the effect is quite similar I've often thought.

Technique

Practicing nauli is a little technical. Firstly, it's necessary to isolate and apply the internal muscle 'lock' called uddiyana bandha . (Ask your friendly local yogi to demonstrate it and/or help you find it. It's a bit hard to explain here). Then, bending the knees and leaning forwards slightly, breathing out, the abdominals are sucked in, whilst keeping the lock applied. Straightening the knees, stand up and we should find the abdominals are standing to splendid attention. From this position, whilst holding the breath, the muscle group can be rotated in and out, from side to side and round and round. Looks great, feels even better.

Why?

Probably my explanation doesn't do the practice of nauli any favours. It's one of those practices easier to demonstrate than to explain. However, this is a great practice for building flexibility and fire in the abdomen.

Physical

regulates bowel movement
enhances peristaltic motion
regulates acidity in the stomach
increases energy

Subtle

opens solar plexus and sexual creative centres
increases energetic heat
enhances a sense of well being

Girls, don't practice this during ovulation or when pregnant please. Other contraindications apply. Otherwise it's a great daily wake up.

You can read more, click here

Trataka

Gazing

This is one of the more subtle and straightforward yoga shatkriya . It does exactly what it says on the tin. Gazing. Staring at a fixed point. Easy and rather peaceful.

Technique

The choice of object when practicing trataka, the gazing kriya, is important. For example, staring into the sun, whilst practiced by some yogis, is not for beginners. Most of us prefer a candle or a picture of suitable choice, preferably one that radiates good energy, a Guru or God is the ideal choice. Yourself in the mirror is also an interesting option.

Sitting in a quiet room with dim lighting, go ahead and start gazing. Gaze away until the eyes water and when it becomes too uncomfortable, stop gazing, blink and let the eyes water freely. Build up the amount of time you practice trataka over time.

Why?

Sitting quietly for a while everyday is always a good idea. Trataka can easily be fitted into a busy day, just as a period of quiet amidst the chaos. Meditation. Doing this simple exercise on it's own will help you remain more centred throughout the day.

Physical

Cleans the eyes

Subtle

increases concentration
improves will power
clears brow centre

It's pretty safe for everybody to practice trataka .