Various Dhauti is described in the ancient yogic literature Hatha Yoga Pradipika to ensure adequate cleansing of the internal organ system (action). There are six cleansing kriyas described in the text that target various parts of the body, including the head, upper stomach, lower stomach, nose, and eyes. The upper stomach region is cleansed by Vaman Dhauti or Kunjal kriya.
What is Kunjal Kriya?
The Kunjal Kriya is a Hatha Yoga purification method that uses intentionally induced vomiting to remove pollutants from the upper digestive tract.
Saline, lukewarm water is consumed in excess during this kriya. The water is then ejected out of the stomach using finger-inducing after it has been kept there for a few minutes.
For issues with indigestion or acidity, this kriya is quite helpful. Additionally, Gherenda Samhita asserts that this exercise, when followed continuously, helps treat liver and spleen conditions. The cause is that during Kunjal kriya, the burst of water flushes away the undigested food particles that cause toxins to build up in the stomach. Undigested food particles leave behind a sticky, yellowish-white material known as “Ama” if the stomach lining is not cleared of them.
What is Vaman Dhauti?
The first of the 6 Shatkarma (purification methods) is Dhauti, according to the categorization. In addition, there are four different varieties of Dhauti Kriya based on the portions of the upper digestive tract they clean. Dhauti’s traditional meaning is “cleaning.”
Similar to Kunjal kriya, which involves inducing vomiting to throw the contents of the stomach, Vaman Dhauti involves doing the same. It is also known as viagra kriya (tiger-like activity); In the same manner that tigers vomit their meal after a few hours of consuming it, the Vaman Dhauti performs vomiting to eliminate any food particles that haven’t been digested. Other names for Vaman Dhauti include “Jala Dhauti” and “Gaja Karni Kirya.”
The timing and goal of each kriya change, despite the fact that the process is the same for each. Vaman Dhauti is performed three to four hours after eating, but Kunjal kriya is a morning exercise that should be done on an empty stomach.
Vaman is also a component of the well-known Ayurvedic panchakarma therapy. In this instance, the vomiting is induced using some ayurvedic medicine. It gets rid of the excess Kapha dosha, which increases mucus and causes lung congestion, bronchitis, colds, and coughs. I am Vaman Dhauti.
Contraindications
Kunjal kriya shouldn’t be used in certain physical situations where it could injure you. It is typically not advised in cases of pregnancy, menstruation, stomach hernia, heart illness, hematemesis (blood vomiting), and abdominal tumor.
1. Prepare a bottle of lukewarm saline water
1.5 to 2 liters of pure drinking water should be heated until it reaches body temperature (about 37.2°C). Mix water and 1 teaspoon of salt thoroughly. To induce nausea, a beginner can use a small amount of salt (about 2 teaspoons). Set glass aside to consume quickly.
2. Drink water in a sitting position
Squat on the ground and hold the position. To prevent the stomach from rubbing against the thighs, spread the knees apart.
Now, fill a glass or saucepan with water, and quickly consume 1 liter of it. Before drinking a liter of water, nothing is felt. Take a moment to unwind and quickly consume the remaining water.
Now, you must experience sickness in the stomach when you are fully satiated or intoxicated. It represents a successful purging. Once you’ve drank all the water, you should now stand up straight.
3. Perform abdominal moments
Exercise your abdominals to help the water enter your stomach easily for more efficient cleansing.
Extend and contract your abdominal muscles quickly a few times, as though you were doing the Uddiyana Bandha. Now that the weight of the water in your stomach is beginning to strain you, you’re prepared to throw it out.
4. Induce throat to vomit out water
Maintaining a 1- to a 1.5-foot gap between your feet while bending your trunk forward at a 90° angle.
Now, maintain the same bending position while pressing your “stomach in” with an exhalation. Put your right hand’s middle and index fingers deep within the throat at the same moment.
In most cases, applying light pressure with a finger on the tongue’s tip is sufficient to cause nausea.
Inducing may cause the water to gush out in large amounts, but it may also start out slowly. After a few gushes, the water emerges with a comparable bitter taste but is first tasteless and yellowish in color. This demonstrates that any remaining undigested material has been totally removed.
Drink one glass of water for final purification after finishing the Kunjal Kriya.
5. Relax in Shavasana
After you’ve finished drinking, wash your face and mouth with fresh water. Spend 10 to 15 minutes in Shavasana to unwind your body. Following that, you can carry on with your regular tasks or asana practice.
After performing the Kunjal kriya, one should eat something at least an hour later. Eat rice pudding or drink sweet milk to restore the function of your abdominal organs.
Benefits
After doing Kunjal kriya or Vaman Dhauti, you could feel as though your stomach is empty. It is a symbol of purification.
the following advantages of Vaman Dhauti and Kunjal kriya;
- Improves digestion – Kunjal kriya temporarily lightens the stress on the digestive system. It improves digestion, boosts appetite, and provides relief from constipation and stomach issues.
- Strengthens respiratory system – Induced vomiting in Kunjal kriya enhances the endurance of the respiratory muscles and decreases airway resistance. It’s helpful in the management of pulmonary disorders like bronchitis and bronchial asthma.
- Clears skin – Kunjal kriya or Vaman Dhauti is an effective remedy in curing various skin diseases, acne vulgaris, and itching. Yogis have observed, consistent practice of this kriya brings a glow to the skin and slows down the aging process
- For those with issues like weight gain, fluid retention, allergies, lethargy, depression, and sleeplessness, Kunjal kriya and Vaman Dhauti are the most helpful. These issues are all brought on by an imbalance in the Kapha dosha (and associated pitta dosha). The Kunjal Kriya cleanses the stomach lining of phlegm, mucus, and harmful microorganisms while balancing the overabundance of Kapha dosha.
- Kunjal kriya and Vaman Dhauti neutralize the stomach’s acid balance, aiding in weight loss by squelching the digestive fire. This lessens the excessive hunger and thirst that accompany obesity. Additionally, abdominal muscles become toned as a result of Kunjal Kriya’s intense stomach wall contractions.
Precautions
- Check the lukewarm temperature; make sure it’s neither too hot nor cold.
- People suffering from high or low blood pressure, respiration, or ulcer problems should avoid this kriya.
- Make sure your fingernails are cut before you insert them into the throat, otherwise it can harm you.
- Try to throw out complete water in vomit as much as you had drunk otherwise you may feel acidity.
Kunjal Kriya FAQs
Q1. Can Kunjal kriya be done every day?
It’s not recommended to practice Kunjal kriya daily, however, if you’re feeling acidity, indigestion, or a burning sensation continuously, it can be done on consecutive days. A healthy person should keep the frequency of Kunjal kriya once a week.
Q2. What if blood comes from Kunjal kriya’s vomit?
Blood in Kunjal kriya’s vomit could have several reasons. It happens sometimes due to nail scratches in the throat (especially in the case of a small child who has delicate skin) or excess pitta (bile) in the stomach. If both aren’t the case; a stomach ulcer could be the reason for it.
Q3. Does Kunjal kriya have any disadvantages or risks?
However, there isn’t any health risk associated with Kunjal kriya but sometimes it can lead to dental erosion. The toxins from the stomach can eradicate the outer layer of teeth which leads to dental erosion. But it may only happen by daily practice, this is why Kunjal kriya is not recommended daily.
Kunjal Kriya Dos and Don’ts
Kunjal Kriya is an instantaneous procedure. Do consider the following precautions if you are thinking of practicing them.
1. This Kriya has to be done first thing in the morning empty stomach.
2. Water shouldn’t be too cold or too hot.
3. Don’t drink water while standing.
4. Do this procedure for 3-5 minutes only. Don’t be harsh on yourself.
5. Eat your food only after two hours. Avoid eating junk food.
6. Don’t take coffee or tea immediately.
7. Take a bath before the procedure or after two hours.
8. You can practice it once a week or twice a month.
Who cannot perform Kunjal Kriya?
Kunjal Kriya is strictly prohibited in a few cases.
1. Pregnant ladies should not do this exercise. It might cause miscarriage.
2. People who have gone through any recent abdominal surgery.
3. If you had a heart attack in the past or had stunts.
4. Not recommended for kids below 16 years.
5. If you have any medical condition or you are too weak.
6. Females should avoid it during mensuration.
