CHAPTER 13 - CLEANSING TECHNIQUES
Hatha Yoga and Ayurveda gives great importance to cleansing processes. Regular cleansing enables you to obtain the maximum benefits from your practice. This cleansing purifies the body, so that it becomes ready for the higher practices of yoga. The first step in the practice of yoga is to have a healthy body. Only when the body is healthy, can the mind then function to its peak capacity.
Inside-out yogic cleanses
Before practicing asanas, pranayamas or kriyas, the first step in Hatha Yoga is the purification of the physical body through basic techniques called shatkarmas. "Shat" means six in Sanskrit and "Karma" means "action", or "six actions". These include:
- Neti (Nasal passage cleansing)
- Dhauti (Stomach cleansing)
- Nauli (Abdominal massage)
- Basti (Colon cleansing)
- Kapalbhati (breathing technique to purify and activate the frontal lobes)
- Trataka (blinkless gazing to purify the eyes)
Pancha Kriyas in Nithya Yoga - 5 purifying techniques for the modern man
Pancha Kriyas are cleansing techniques which were introduced by THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM. They are the modern day version of the traditional shatkarmas (yogic cleansing practices). Although some of the techniques have been adapted for modern lifestyle, their purpose is the same. They offer similar benefits to the shatkarmas, that is, a complete physical cleanse of the respiratory, nervous and digestive systems, resulting in clear vision and mind. Pancha Kriyas are the first essential step into the experience of yoga. Ideally, they are to be practised in the morning before asana practice. The pancha kriyas are:
- Eye wash (Netra shuddhi)
- Jala Neti (nasal passage cleansing with water)
- Sutra Neti (nasal passage cleansing technique with small rubber tubes for advanced practitioners. Do under professional guidance only)
- Haritaki or Kadukkai powder (digestive tract cleansing and dosha balancing)
- Enema or colonic cleansing-m jala bhasti
Eye wash (Netra Shuddhi)
The eyes easily become overused and tired from being constantly subjected to external stimuli like bright lights from the computer and TV screen, poor indoor lighting and the irritants of air pollution like smoke, dust and fire. Tired and irritated eyes reduce acuity of vision and impact health and quality of life. They often lead to headaches, migraines, general fatigue, irritability, squinting, and eye strain.
Benefits
Eye cleansing is a very simple, effective technique to support eye health. A twice daily cleansing routine (morning and evening) is recommended.
Cleansing removes the accumulated dust particles, eye secretions and body heat that irritate the eyes. It reduces itching, eye strain, redness and burning sensation.
Cleansing cools the eyes, making them feel fresh.
It reduces puffiness around the eyes and even helps in the prevention of conditions such as cataracts.
It has a relaxing effect on an anxious mind.
For Niraharis (people living the food-free lifestyle), eye cleansing cools the body very powerfully, energizes the eyes, and improves vision.
Technique
Fill clean eye-cup with pure cool water.
Bend forward and bring cup to eye. Eyeball is now in the water. Rotate eyeball and blink several times. Alternatively, after making sure the eye cup fits eye socket snugly, lift the chin. Open the eye and rotate eyeball, blinking several times for 20-30 seconds. If there is a slight burning sensation, stop the cleansing. Bring head forward and remove cup from eye.
Repeat the same with other eye. Change out the water between eyes. Repeat 2-3 times for each eye as needed.
Contraindications:
Do not do this kriya if you have had recent eye surgery. Please seek advice and medical clearance from a professional health practitioner before attempting kriya.
Jala Neti (nasal cleansing with neti pot)
The nose protects the lungs and body by filtering and purifying the air we breathe. Mucous and hair in the nasal passage trap and filter out pollen, bacteria, and dust particles from the inhaled air, move them to the throat and eventually to the stomach where the acid in the stomach eliminates the impurities. Cold air is warmed and dry air humidified before it goes into the lungs. The nose is responsible for our sense of smell and helps project the sound of our voice.
Extraordinary benefits are gained by doing nose cleansing. Jala neti is a common practice to clear and cleanse the nasal passages using slightly salty luke warm water. It promotes good health in the entire respiratory system. Deep inhalation and exhalation takes place with ease enabling the body to receive more prana and oxygen.
Physical Benefits
Removes the dirt and bacteria-filled mucus from within the nasal passage.
Helps to drain the sinus cavities. This in turn helps to reprogram the body's natural mechanisms against nasal infections such as hay fever, allergies, sinusitis and other upper respiratory complaints like sore throats and coughs, post-nasal drip, inflammation of tonsils and adenoids.
Beneficial for illnesses such as asthma and bronchitis as it reduces the tendency for mouth breathing by freeing the nostrils of mucus.
Helps flush the tear ducts, encouraging clearer vision and gives a sparkle to the eyes.
It can be beneficial for certain types of ear disorders such as middle ear infections, glue ear, tinnitus (ear ringing) conditions.
Mental benefits
Has a cooling and soothing effect on the brain by drawing out excessive heat, and is therefore beneficial for headaches, migraine, epilepsy, temper tantrums, hysteria, depression and general mental tension.
Excellent for overcoming addictions such as smoking. It reduces the tendency for mouth breathing, and re-sensitizes the nose to the actual pollution of ingesting smoke, thereby reprogramming the brain.
Improves sensitivity of the olfactory nerves, helping to restore the lost sense of smell, creating more awareness to smells and providing a deeper sense of fulfilment, whether during eating or enjoying the subtle fragrance of a flower and other smells around.
Instructions
Recommended to do daily, 1 - 2X a day – morning and evening. .
Fill neti pot with warm drinking water and pinch of salt. Water to be a little warmer than normal body temperature. Stir till salt is dissolved.
Bend slightly forward over wash basin and tilt head slightly to one side. Keep forehead higher than chin. Open mouth and breathe through mouth. Insert spout of neti pot into upper nostril forming a seal. Tilt head slightly to one side. Adjust height of pot to allow water to flow out in a stream from bottom nostril. When finished, expel air and water by breathing out forcefully.
Add more water and repeat process with other side. If nose is blocked, water will not flow.
Sutra Neti
Sutra Neti is and advance technique to clear the nasal passage using small rubber tubes. It yields similar benefits to that of jala neti, clearing the nasal passage and throat even more deeply.
Benefits
The benefits are similar to Jala neti
Improves the overall efficiency of nose breathing.
Maintains nasal hygiene by removing the dirt and bacteria trapped along with the mucus in the nostrils.
Desensitizes the sensitive tissues inside the nose, which can alleviate rhinitis, allergies and some types of asthma.
Alleviates symptoms of sinusitis, migraine and headaches,
Instructions
Practice sutra neti only under professional guidance. You will need two thin rubber tubes.
Join both tubes together, by inserting the closed end into the open end. Lubricate with water.
Insert the closed end of the joined tube into the left nostril. Go slowly. You may sneeze in the process, especially at the beginning. This is normal. Continue inserting the tube.
When the tube reaches the junction with the throat, start the swallowing action to allow the tube to enter the throat.
Continue to insert the tube until the junction of the tubes comes close to the nostril. Hold the tubes junction with the thumb and index and middle finger of the left hand.
With the right hand, slowly insert the other end of the tube into the right nostril and allow it to come down through the throat.
With clean fingers and trimmed nails, reach into the back of the throat with the middle and index fingers and take out the tubes from the back of the throat. Join the ends.
Gently pull downwards on the joined tubes, alternating left and right side.
After repeating a few times, gently pull on the end coming out of the nose until the tubes re-enter the mouth and reach the upper throat at the junction with the nasal passage.
Pull on one side of the tubes coming out of the nostrils, and rotate the loop until both junctions of the tubes are outside completely.
Disconnect the tube that is now outside.
Alternately pull on both ends of the tubes that are coming out of the left and right nostrils using both hands.
After few times, pull completely on one end of the tube and allow the tube to come out of the nostril.
Remember to do this practice under professional guidance only.
Haritaki – The Wonder Medicine for the Brain
Haritaki or Kadukkai is the drink of the Gods. Ancient scriptures say that Haritaki came to life when a nectar drop fell from the cup of Indra, the King of heaven.
It is known as Sarva Roga Nivarani (that which heals all diseases). Haritaki is used in Ayurveda to balance the doshas (especially good for balancing vata, the air element). For centuries, haritaki had been called the 'king of medicines'. Ayurvedic practitioners believe it destroys all diseases, eliminates waste products from the body, and promotes tissue growth and health. "'Roga' applies not just to physical diseases, but also to all sufferings that make us feel powerless – physically and mentally.
THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM has announced haritaki as the wonder medicine for the brain. He declared haritaki as a prasada, a sacred offering from the divine, to be shared with all. It is served at all ashrams, temples, and centers as a blessing from the divine and recommended it be taken routinely in spiritual practice. Kadukkai powder practice is a gift from the Madurai Aadheenam lineage of which THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM is the 293rd pontiff. The Madurai lineage goes back to 'Sundareswarar and Meenakshi', the incarnation of Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati.
Benefits of taking Haritaki
A Cure all herb
Haritaki removes the body's toxins in a natural way and makes one more energetic.
Purifies the blood, removes fat residues from the arteries and veins.
Aids to expel urine, stool and other waste material from the body, rejuvenating the body.
Improves digestion, promotes the absorption of nutrients
Heals diabetes, hypertension and heart problems.
Helps vision to become sharp.
Gargles with the decoction of Haritaki Powder soothes the throat.
It is very beneficial for the gums.
Helps in the pulmonary system of the body.
Brain Food
Enhances the build-up of prana, a subtle energy which awakens the non-mechanical parts of the brain. When the non-mechanical parts of the brain are awakened, one becomes more sensitive, creative, intelligent, efficient, energized.
Makes the mind and body feel fresh and alive.
Works in a subtle way on the mind, wiping away all the negative mental patterns.
Instructions for Use
Haritaki powder can be taken daily in the powder or capsule form.
Take 1 teaspoon Haritaki powder daily before bedtime.
Place the raw powder on the tongue. Then, simply drink water taking care not to choke on the powder. Another way is to mix the powder with a little water into a liquid paste and drink. Within few minutes, you will enjoy the nectarine sweet flavor.
Niraharis should never miss Haritaki powder.
Can repeat intake in morning, or anytime during the day to regulate body heat, and clean up the stomach.
Enema - Jala Basti
Good health begins in the digestive tract or gut. When waste material travels too slowly through the intestines or you become constipated, decomposition starts and results in the formation of foul-smelling products and toxins. Constipation is damaging to every cell and organ in the body. The digestive tract l absorb whatever is in it -- good or bad, including toxins. Over the years, the colon walls can become encrusted with old stools and other wastes, making it sluggish and inefficient in its function.
An enema induces bowel movements and cleans out the colon. It leaves you feeling cleaner, lighter and healthier almost immediately.
In yogic practice, enemas -
Cleanse the lower gastrointestinal tract
Remove excess body heat
Remove old stool, gas and layers of toxins from colon
Purify the body to become a clear receptacle for deeper truths
Stimulate pranic energy, making you feel active and alive
Lead to a clear mind and healthy light body
Enlargement of the glands and spleen, and all diseases arising from excess mind, bile and mucus are eliminated from the body through the practice of basti. (Hatha Yoga Pradipika 2:27)
By practicing jala basti the appetite increases, the body glows, excess doshas are destroyed and the dhatu, senses and mind are purified (Hatha Yoga Pradipika 2:28)
Instructions
** Contraindications: avoid if pregnant or nursing unless instructed by physician.
This process should be done only under guidance. It is contraindicated for certain medical conditions as well as in the early months of pregnancy. The frequency of enemas and its contents should be administered according to your physician's advice.
Wash and fill enema container with pure drinking water (300-600 cc). Run water through tubing to remove trapped air. Ensure there are no leaks. Close nozzle with finger.
Lubricate the nozzle with a few drops of coconut or olive oil. Set or hang enema can at head level in bathroom.
Positioning -- Bend forward. As you breathe out, relax the anus and gently insert nozzle 1 – 2 inches into anus slowly and smoothly with a gentle side to side twisting motion.
You may feel a slight resistance as you encounter the anal sphincter muscle. The nozzle should slide past this sphincter easily.
You can feel the water entering the colon. It will be a cooling feeling. If water is not flowing, change the angle of the nozzle by gently rotating it.
Adjust the speed of the flow of water as needed by lowering the height of the container. Too rapid flow may cause cramping.
When desired volume of water has infused, gently slide nozzle out. Keep the water inside for up to 5 minutes or at least 2 minutes if you can.
An easy way to retain the water is to lie down on your back and bring your knees up.
When passing the water out, it is useful to note the color of the water, quantity of water, quantity of stools and size, smell.
Wash enema kit with soap and hot water after each use. Allow to air dry.
Additional cleansing practices for optimal health
Neem Juice - the yogi's elixir
The Neem tree is native to Bharat. It is a medicinal tree widely used in Ayurveda for thousands of years. Every part of the neem tree is said to have medicinal properties; from the roots to the leaves, flowers, fruit, and bark. With its ability to cure many different diseases, the neem tree has played a significant role in traditional Hindu medicine. This is the reason why the neem tree is worshipped in Bharat. In Swahili, it is called Muarubaini which literally means 'Tree of 40' because it is said to cure forty different diseases. In Sanskrit, it is called Sarva Roga Nivarini, the curer of all diseases.
Medicinal Properties
The scientific name for the neem tree is Azadirachta indica. This tree contains numerous medicinal compounds like gedunin, nimbin, nimbinin, and nimbidin. Modern science is still analyzing neem to uncover its properties and how it works. More than 135 compounds have been isolated from different parts of neem so far, and are being studied. Some of the demonstrated therapeutic properties of these compounds are : anti- bacterial, anti-fungal, potent anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic, heals gastric ulcers, hypoglycemic (lowers blood sugar), antipyretic (reduces fever), diuretic, anti-malarial, immunomodulatory and antitumor. It heals multiple organs like liver, stomach, intestines, and kidneys. It improves eyesight, cures allergies, skin problems and other disorders which are a result of the modern lifestyle.
Neem Juice – A Nirahari's Morning Drink
One simple way to realize the benefits of neem in our daily lives is to use a decoction made from the bark. The bark is available in powdered form in most Ayurvedic dispensaries. Niraharis begin their day with the Neem bark juice drink after the pancha kriya. It is best to drink Neem juice before starting Yoga.
Method to prepare the decoction
Take 200 ml of water and boil it.
Once the water reaches its boiling temperature, add the neem bark powder (10 gms) to it.
Let it boil till it reduces to 100 ml, for about 10-15 mins.
Filter the liquid and let it cool before drinking.
It is recommended to have the neem juice early in the morning on an empty stomach. It is a panacea - it rejuvenates the body completely if taken daily. It detoxifies the body.
Neem in Siddha Tradition
In the Siddha tradition, the Neem tree is used in curing the "whole air". For example if a Siddha (ancient enlightened mystics with yogic powers) wanted to cure a particular disease in an entire village, he would plant a hundred neem trees around in a particular way and breathe energy into it. All those neem trees would catch his energy, radiate it. In ten days, the disease in the entire village would disappear! The Neem tree used as a healing battery center can cures any disease if you just program it.
Thaila Kriya - Oil Pulling
Thaila Kriya is an ancient Ayurvedic practice used by Yogis and sages for detoxification, healing, and rejuvenation of body. It is considered a very simple and safe healing therapy. This therapy is mentioned in the Ayurvedic text Charaka Samhita, where it is called Kavala Gandoosha or Kavala Graha. It works deeply on your body, and causes significant healing effects from your skin to cells. It pulls out impurities and throws them out. The oil pulls all mucous, bacteria and toxins from your body through your saliva. According to Ayurvedic medicine, mucous is a poison that must be removed.
THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM says that there is a direct connection between Thaila Kriya and the cleansing of the manipura chakra. All thoughts originate from the manipura chakra; so, when it is clean, the thoughts undergo a radical change from being heavy and depressive to becoming light and positive.
All the physical and mental toxins are flushed out with this simple technique. So, we start the day in a very light and vibrant state.
Benefits Improves the teeth - they become white, firm, and fresh. Removes dark pouches below the eyes Gives new appetite and energy Improves memory Promotes deep sleep. Eliminates ulcers, gum problems Eliminates skin problems Cools the body.
Instructions
When to do – Daily, in early morning, right after you wake-up, and on an empty stomach.
Do once a day in early morning to take remove the toxins from the detox which happened at night.
Put 1 tablespoon of either sesame or sunflower oil in your mouth.
Tilt your chin up and slowly swish, suck, chomp and pull through the teeth continuously.
Do this for at least 10 minutes. 15 – 20 minutes is better. You want the oil to become a thin, white foam when you finally spit it out. If it's still yellow, you haven't done it long enough.
Spit it out when your mouth is full and rinse your mouth out well.
Do not swallow the oil. It now contains parasites and bacteria. Do not gargle in the throat.
Tongue Scraping
In Ayurveda, digestion is an essential aspect of good health. Food that is not properly digested can turn toxic and produce negative symptoms such as bad breath, mental confusion, weakness, lethargy, bloating. Tongue scraping is an ancient Ayurvedic practice which benefits oral hygiene, digestion and the health of some internal organs.
Tongue scraping removes the coating which covers the taste buds. When the taste buds are covered, we cannot properly taste the foods we eat, and the brain may send the wrong signals to the digestive system about what we are eating.
The tongue is used as a diagnostic tool in Ayurveda practice. Different areas of the tongue are associated with the different organs of the body. The center front of the tongue is associated with the neck, chest, and heart, the right front with the right lung, and left front with the left lung. The mid-center of the tongue relates to the stomach and pancreas, the left center the spleen, and right center the liver. The back of the tongue is connected to the intestines and colon (center); and the left and right kidney (left and right respectively).
By noting the coating, bumps, cracks, or discoloration on the tongue, the practitioner can understand the health of the organs A coating on the center of the tongue for example, could indicate accumulation of toxins in the stomach. By scraping the tongue, we stimulate areas of the tongue which gently massage and stimulate the corresponding organs.
Your digestive system works to detoxify itself at night while you are asleep. Toxins released then end up on the surface of the tongue, which you see as a coating in the morning. Scraping prevents these toxins from being reabsorbed back into the body. This is important, because some digestive and respiratory problems can be caused by reabsorption of these toxins. Thus you can see that it is best not to eat a heavy meal right before going to bed as it will interfere with the nightly detoxification and resting process of the digestive system.
Other benefits of tongue scraping are reduction of bad breath, and increased awareness of one's state of health. With daily tongue scraping, you will get to know your tongue's "norm" and will likely be able to notice any changes that may be pose a health warning or imbalance (red bumps, heavy coating, cracks).
The daily morning tongue scraping routine is an easy way to maintain good health and strong digestion.
Scrape your tongue on an empty stomach, before brushing teeth in the morning. Hold the two ends of the tongue scraper (stainless steel is recommended) in both hands. Stick out the tongue and place the tongue scraper towards the back of the tongue. Gently pull the scraper forward so that it removes the unwanted coating. Rinse out the scraper and repeat 7-10 times. Be gentle to avoid damaging the tissue. Avoid using a toothbrush to scrape your tongue as that will push bacteria and toxins back into the tongue.
Daily practice over time improves digestion, overall good health, oral hygiene and reduces toxins in the body.