Dhauti Kriya is a traditional yogic purification technique (Shatkarma) designed to cleanse the digestive tract and internal organs. It is one of the six cleansing practices in Hatha Yoga and is particularly effective in removing toxins and waste from the stomach, oesophagus, and intestines. Dhauti Kriya helps maintain digestive health, balance the body's internal systems, and promote well-being.
There are different types of Dhauti Kriya, each focusing on various aspects of internal cleansing.
Types of Dhauti Kriya
Vaman Dhauti (Kunjal Kriya) - Water Cleansing
This involves drinking warm saline water and then voluntarily vomiting it out to cleanse the stomach and oesophagus.
Method:
On an empty stomach, drink 6-8 glasses of warm saline water.
Once the stomach is full, lean forward slightly and induce vomiting by inserting fingers into the throat.
Expel all the water through vomiting.
Benefits: Cleanses the stomach and oesophagus, reduces acidity, improves digestion, and helps relieve indigestion, bloating, and constipation.
Vastra Dhauti (Cloth Cleansing)
This technique involves swallowing a long, clean strip of cloth, allowing it to cleanse the stomach and then gently pulling it out.
Method:
Take a 2-3 meter long, thin, and clean cotton cloth soaked in warm water.
Slowly swallow the cloth, leaving one end outside the mouth.
After some time, gently pull the cloth out to remove mucus and toxins.
Benefits: It deep cleanses the stomach lining and intestines, improves digestive health and reduces acidity.
Danda Dhauti (Tube Cleansing)
In this practice, a thin rubber tube or stick is used to cleanse the throat and stomach by inserting it into the oesophagus.
Method:
A thin tube or stick is inserted through the throat into the stomach.
It is then gently removed, cleansing the oesophagus and stomach.
Benefits: Helps in the removal of phlegm and excess mucus, improving respiratory health and digestion.
Hridaya Dhauti
This technique is focused on cleansing the chest region and clearing the throat and heart area of accumulated mucus.
Method: This is a more advanced method that requires swallowing and regurgitating, and is generally performed under expert supervision.
Benefits: Clears excess mucus from the chest, throat, and lungs, benefiting respiratory health.
Benefits of Dhauti Kriya
Improves Digestion: It helps in detoxifying the digestive tract, reducing acidity, indigestion, and bloating.
Relieves Constipation: Dhauti cleanses the intestines, helping with constipation and sluggish bowel movements.
Detoxification: Removes toxins, impurities, and mucus from the stomach, throat, and intestines.
Balances Stomach Acidity: Helps in reducing excessive stomach acid, providing relief from hyperacidity and ulcers.
Promotes Mental Clarity: Cleansing the internal organs can have a calming effect on the mind, leading to greater mental clarity and emotional stability.
Enhances Respiratory Health: Some forms of Dhauti (like Hridaya Dhauti) help clear excess mucus from the lungs and throat, improving overall respiratory function.
Precautions
Guidance Required: Dhauti Kriya, especially techniques like Vastra Dhauti and Danda Dhauti, should be performed only under the guidance of a qualified yoga teacher.
Empty Stomach: Always practice Dhauti Kriya on an empty stomach, preferably in the morning.
Avoid if You Have Certain Health Issues: People with heart conditions, high blood pressure, ulcers, hernias, or severe digestive problems should avoid Dhauti or consult a doctor before practising.
Gentle Practice: Start slowly and carefully, especially with techniques that involve vomiting or inserting objects into the body.
Dhauti Kriya is a powerful cleansing practice that promotes digestive health, detoxifies the body, and improves both physical and mental well-being.
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