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 VARISARA (SHANKHAPRAKSHALANA)

See other also |YOGIC SHATKRIYAS | Meditation | Shankhaprakshalana | Kapalbhati |

What is shankhaprakshalana ?

Shanka means a conch, and

Prakshalana means cleaning out.

A short practice, laghoo shankhaprakshalana, can be done once a week (every day in the case of constipation) with no dietary restrictions. The full practice should be done once or twice a year under guidance at an ashram.

Laghoo shankhaprakshalana (short intestinal wash)

	This should be done on an empty stomach in the morning.
	Prepare two litres of warm salty water (ratio 2 tsp salt : 1 litre).
	In a squatting position quickly drink two glasses of this water.
	Then dynamically execute five asanas that relax and stimulate the sphincters and nerves of the intestinal tract letting the water flow through; -

a)     Tadasana arms stretching up overhead and lifting onto the toes.

b)     Tiryaka tadasana

c)     Kati chakrasana

d)     Tiryaka bujangasana

e)     Udarakarshanasana

This is a complete round. Without a break drink two more glasses of the water, complete that round and a third followed by uddiyana bandha with nauli. Go to the toilet and if there is no bowel movement, do not strain, it will come later on.

It is usual to complete the practice with kunjal kriya and neti.  

Benefits

This kriya supports normal functioning of the intestines, relieves flatulence, constipation, acidity, indigestion, menstrual cramps, asthma, acne and boils etc. It also prevents urinary infections and the formation of kidney stones. The addition of fasting or partial fasting enhances the practice. It counteracts the bowel malfunctions that cause a decrease in the natural cleansing of the intestines due to low-grade food, a sedentary lifestyle, or gradual organic breakdown. In many cases the tract can be like a pipe clogged up by lime-scale.

In healthy people this purification of the body sharpens the mind and creates dynamic vitality, permitting the intensive yogic practices leading to states of higher awareness.

{Note-: Shanka-prakshalan