Agnisar Kriya for Stomach Ailments
What are Kriyas?
Kriyas are some techniques in yoga, which are used to cleanse our internal organs. This cleansing process, not only helps the body to release unnecessary toxins from the body, by doing o, it restores the balance and harmony of the body and mind, thus leading to well-being and good health. Kriyas are performed before Pranayama (breathing exercises) and help balance the Vata (wind), bile, and mucus (pitta) in the body.
According to the teachings of Hatha Yoga, there are six cleansing techniques, known as Shat Kriyas (‘Shat’ means six). These are Dhouti (Agnisar), Trataka, Kapalbhati, Nauli, Vasti and Neti.
What is Dhouti (Agnisar) Kriya?
Dhouti comes from the Sanskrit word ‘dhoo’ which means cleaning or to wash. Actually no washing movements are included while performing this kriya. This kriya uses swift movements of the stomach in order to purge toxins. ‘Agni’ refers to fire, which is present in our body in the form of internal digestive juices. Performing this kriya affects the digestive system through the use if gastric fire, hence the name Agnisar Kriya.
Step by step procedure: You can practice it in a seated position.
Benefits:
Precautions:
Kriyas are some techniques in yoga, which are used to cleanse our internal organs. This cleansing process, not only helps the body to release unnecessary toxins from the body, by doing o, it restores the balance and harmony of the body and mind, thus leading to well-being and good health. Kriyas are performed before Pranayama (breathing exercises) and help balance the Vata (wind), bile, and mucus (pitta) in the body.
According to the teachings of Hatha Yoga, there are six cleansing techniques, known as Shat Kriyas (‘Shat’ means six). These are Dhouti (Agnisar), Trataka, Kapalbhati, Nauli, Vasti and Neti.
What is Dhouti (Agnisar) Kriya?
Dhouti comes from the Sanskrit word ‘dhoo’ which means cleaning or to wash. Actually no washing movements are included while performing this kriya. This kriya uses swift movements of the stomach in order to purge toxins. ‘Agni’ refers to fire, which is present in our body in the form of internal digestive juices. Performing this kriya affects the digestive system through the use if gastric fire, hence the name Agnisar Kriya.
Step by step procedure: You can practice it in a seated position.
- Stand straight, with your feet together. Hold either side of your waist with your hands – your thumb should face your navel, while your fingers are at the back. Breathe normally.
- Now, spread your feet, with about 12 to 18 inches between them. Inhale, bend forward at an angle of 45 degrees and place your hands on each respective knee. Look straight, keeping your chin up.
- Exhale completely, blowing out your stomach like a balloon. Hold this for 2 seconds and then inhale deeply. Hold the breath for 2 seconds and again push it out. Keep pumping your stomach in and out. Do this 5 or 6 times. This is one round of Agnisar kriya. Repeat each round 5 or 6 times. Ultimately your goal should be around one hundred abdominal pumps.
- Come back to your normal standing position.
Benefits:
- Agnisar Kriya is especially beneficial for stomach ailments. It also strengthens and tones the other abdominal organs such as the kidneys, pancreas, liver and spleen. It has been used effectively for:
- Colon cleansing
- Digestion problems
- Constipation
- Diabetes
- Improving appetite
Precautions:
- It should be practiced on an empty stomach.
- Do not practice it if you suffer from a stomach ailment, swelling of the intestines, or any ailment of the liver, unless you have consulted a yoga and medical expert.
- If you have had any surgery of the abdomen, do not perform this kriya for at least 3 years from the date of the surgery.