Jala Neti, Kapalbhati: Yogic kriyas to remove toxins, cleanse the body and mind
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The increased flow of oxygen during Kapalbhati stimulates and energises the brain.
Highlights
Yogic kriyas introduced at the early phase of practice are considered as the pillars to complex lessons of yoga.
Jala Neti, Kunjal Kriya and Kapalbhati aid in day-to-day detox.
The ancient Indian science of Yoga combined with a naturopathic approach is the key to cleanse the body and mind.
Practising these yogic kriyas daily can cleanse the body of regularly accumulated toxins.
Mr. Pratap Dash
Detox is a word that has garnered much attention in our modern lives laden with stress, environmental pollution, and unhealthy lifestyles. Our bodies and minds are constantly processing a series of unhealthy elements including unwholesome food and negative emotions. High levels of stress, lack of sufficient sleep and disturbed biological clocks also put our hormonal balance in disarray, leading to oxidative stress and production of toxins and free radicals. Eventually, this imbalance and accumulation of toxins manifest itself in the form of lifestyle diseases.
To combat this constant turmoil afflicted upon the body and mind, a holistic approach is required. While modern medicine has made huge strides in treating lifestyle diseases and managing chronic symptoms, it lacks a comprehensive approach to prevention. The ancient Indian science of Yoga combined with a naturopathic approach is the key to cleanse the body and mind and restore its lost balance.
Yogic kriyas which are introduced at the early phase of practice are often considered as the pillars to complex lessons of yoga. They (kriyas) are a chain of techniques that aid in cleansing the mind and body, via clearing excess phlegm, bile and undigested food particles from the body. This clears associated energy blockages from the various channels of the astral body while preparing the yogi to gain superior benefit from the practices to follow.
Jala Neti works wonders in preventing colds, sinus infections, and allergies.
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This yogic kriya helps you to maintain your nasal hygiene. It clears out dirt and bacteria from the nasal passage so that clean air can enter your lungs. To practice Jala Neti, you need to use a Neti pot (a pot which has a long spout so that it can be inserted into the nostrils) filled with lukewarm water mixed with a pinch of salt.
Put the spout inside one of your nostrils so that the saline water in the pot passes through the nasal cavity and comes out from the other nostril, while keeping your mouth open. This works wonders in preventing colds, sinus infections and allergies while enabling greater flow of life-force energy to all channels of the body.
Kunjal Kriya This kriya, usually performed first thing in the morning and on an empty stomach, helps improve the digestive system. It also gives relief to those suffering from asthma, acidity, indigestion, headache.
For this kriya, one needs to quickly drink four to six glasses of a mixture of lukewarm water and saunf (fennel seeds) while in kagasana posture. Then one must immediately stand up, lean forward and vomit, which is typically automatically induced. One may also prompt a 'gag reflex' by gently putting one's fingers down the back of one's throat. Induced vomiting must stop once all the water from the stomach is dispelled, and the stomach is empty.
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Kunjal kriya's effects are felt through the entire body, making it a very effective cleansing technique.
Kapalbhati
Kapalbhati is not only refreshing but also rejuvenating for the mind. Kapalbhati is a technique that involves repeated forceful exhalation. One needs to sit in a comfortable meditative pose and keep the spine, neck, and head straight. Close the eyes and keep the palms on the knees in chin mudra. Inhalation should be passive and silent, while exhalation should be forceful, brief and audible.
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Exhale out the air in rapid bursts so that the diaphragm is drawn gently down and air comes back in. Gradually increase the speed of the pumping action. Return to normal position slowly. This exercise is not only refreshing but also rejuvenating for the mind.
The increased flow of oxygen stimulates and energises the brain while preparing it for meditation and work that require high focus. It also cleanses the lungs, sinuses, and respiratory system.
Practising these yogic kriyas daily can cleanse the body of regularly accumulated toxins and help in restoring internal health by improving the resistance to disease. They also help in purifying the blood, improving its circulation and strengthening the organs of the body.
These yogic practices are to be learned in a gradual manner under the supervision of a yoga expert. A conscious effort to eradicate accumulated toxins can make a difference to one's physical and spiritual health, helping the body and mind reach the peak of their performance.
*The author is a Sr. Yoga Teacher at the Jindal Naturecure Institute.
Aerial, Acrobatic, Aqua: 5 Types Of Yoga That Are Becoming A Fitness Trend
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Yoga is more than a form of workout. It helps you relax, improves mental health, and pushes you towards a healthier lifestyle. The ancient Indian form of workout has gained immense popularity all over the world.
People are opening up to the idea of experimenting with their fitness routine, and yoga with a twist is the new rage amongst health enthusiasts. Combining yoga with acrobatics and Pilates works wonders for people who are looking to add flexibility and mental-well-being to the mix.
On International Yoga Day, here's a round-up of five types of yoga that taking over the fitness world.
Yoga is more than a form of workout. It helps you relax, improves mental health, and pushes you towards a healthier lifestyle. The ancient Indian form of workout has gained immense popularity all o..
Read More
Aerial Yoga, as its name suggests, is a gravity-defying technique inspired by Pilates. Poses in this form require a nylon or silk hammock hanging from the ceiling.
Bringing Pilates, yoga and cardio under one form, it is touted as one of the best ab exercises of all time. This form of workout focuses on stretching body muscles, strengthening upper back and the spine.
Aerial Yoga, as its name suggests, is a gravity-defying technique inspired by Pilates. Poses in this form require a nylon or silk hammock hanging from the ceiling.Bringing Pilates, yoga and cardio un..
Read More
One of the most interesting and old forms, this one combines acrobatics, yoga, Thai massage and healing arts in one form. Deemed as one of the most vigorous and risky forms of the ancient Indian workout, this one requires strength, flexibility and technique training.
In order to practice acro-yoga, one must have a partner. Over time, it helps one get a stronger core, muscles, arms, chest and may also improve relationships over time.
One of the most interesting and old forms, this one combines acrobatics, yoga, Thai massage and healing arts in one form. Deemed as one of the most vigorous and risky forms of the ancient Indian work..
Read More
Going by its name, aqua yoga requires people to practice poses inside water. While one can opt for a warm water pool, open water sources are better options for this form of yoga.
Using the principles of basic yoga like breathing and mindfulness, it has a soothes impact on people and strengthens the whole body, and facilitates pain-free movement. Given its mental well-being benefits, aqua yoga is believed to be a healing activity.
Going by its name, aqua yoga requires people to practice poses inside water. While one can opt for a warm water pool, open water sources are better options for this form of yoga.Using the principles ..
Read More
Props are add more value and fun to the yoga poses. Wheel yoga is performed using a rubber and fibre-based wheel that pushes the stretches and the fitness routine. used to deepen yoga practise and taking it to a new level.
One of the biggest benefits of this form is that it makes back-bends and inversions easier. Other benefits of this form includes improved flexibility, better breathing and lower risk of injuries.
Props are add more value and fun to the yoga poses. Wheel yoga is performed using a rubber and fibre-based wheel that pushes the stretches and the fitness routine. used to deepen yoga practise and ta..
Read More
Laughter yoga, first spoken about in Madan Kataria's 2002 book named 'Laugh For No Reason', involves prolonged voluntary laughter. It works on the principle that voluntary laughter has the same effect on mental well-being as spontaneous laughter. This form is practised in groups through eye contact and jokes.
Besides lowering stress, laughter yoga is known to strengthen the immune system and reduce pain. Combined with yogic breathing, laughter yoga becomes effective for overall well-being.
Laughter yoga, first spoken about in Madan Kataria's 2002 book named 'Laugh For No Reason', involves prolonged voluntary laughter. It works on the principle that voluntary laughter has the same effec..
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this column are that of the writer. The facts and opinions expressed here do not reflect the views of www.economictimes.com.)
