Shankhaprakshalana

Shankha Prakshalana is a potent yogic detoxification technique designed to cleanse and rejuvenate the digestive system. This practice involves a thorough evacuation of the intestines and digestive tract, from mouth to anus, through a combination of specific asanas and a saltwater flush.

Procedure:

1. Preparation:
   • Drink 3/4 glass of lukewarm salt water quickly.
   • Perform each of the five designated asanas dynamically, repeating each eight times.
   • Consume an additional 2 glasses of lukewarm salt water.
   • Repeat the asanas.
   • After the second round, observe bowel movements. Continue with 2 more glasses of water and repeat the asanas.
   • After the third or fourth cycle, you should begin to experience bowel movements. The stool will initially be dark brown and gradually turn clearer until it resembles water.
   • Conclude the practice with a 45-minute Shavasana.
   • Follow with a special meal of Khichari.

Khichari Preparation:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup Basmati rice
  • 1 cup ground mung dal
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • Salt to taste
  • 100 ml ghee
• Method:
  • Combine rice, mung dal, turmeric, cumin seeds, and salt in a rice cooker.
  • Add three times the amount of water, more than usual to achieve a semi-liquid consistency.
  • Stir in ghee and cook for approximately 30 minutes.
  • Serve hot.

1. Dietary Guidelines:
   • Consume adequate Khichari, even if not hungry.
   • Delay your next meal for six hours after eating Khichari.
   • Avoid any other food or water throughout the day.
   • Refrain from chemically processed foods, synthetic items, non-vegetarian foods, hot spices, and carbonated drinks.
   • Maintain a diet of easily digestible foods.
   • Include pure ghee to lubricate the intestines.
2. Post-Practice Care:
   • Rest adequately in a warm environment.
   • Avoid talking and strenuous activities; maintain silence.
   • Practice Agnisara Kriya or Nauli daily for a week to stimulate peristalsis.
   • It is normal to have no bowel movement for a few days after the practice.
   • Perform Shankha Prakshalana at least twice a year, or ideally four times a year with three-month intervals.
   • Ensure proficiency in the asanas before beginning the practice.
   • Conduct the practice on an empty stomach in the early morning and avoid adverse weather conditions.
3. How It Works:
   • Shankha Prakshalana cleanses five key valves in the digestive tract through specific asanas.
   • Salt in the water balances stomach acids and enzymes, dissolves mucus, and soothes inflammation.

Benefits:

• Tones the digestive system, liver, kidneys, and associated organs.
• Strengthens the immune system and purifies the blood.
• Calms both the body and mind.
• Alleviates digestive issues such as indigestion, gases, acidity, and constipation.
• Assists in eliminating allergies and skin conditions.
• Prevents urinary infections and the formation of stones.
• Recharges the pranic body, enhancing strength and stamina.
• Aids in weight control and removes excess mucus and toxins from the digestive tract.

Contraindications:

• Not suitable for individuals with high blood pressure, heart disease, pregnancy, menstruation, strokes, stomach ulcers, colitis, significant health issues, or those under 16 or over 60.
• Avoid if you have weak kidneys, large gallstones, chronic diabetes, hernia, or similar conditions.

Note: Shankha Prakshalana should be done at least twice a year. Ideally, you can do it four times a year, once every three months.

Five Asana 

The asanas used in Shankha Prakshalana are specifically designed to aid in the cleansing of the digestive system. Here are the asanas typically performed during this practice:

Tadasana (Mountain Pose):

• Stand upright with feet together and arms raised overhead. This pose helps improve posture and stretches the entire body.

Tiryak Tadasana (Side Stretch Pose):

• From Tadasana, extend your arms overhead and lean to the right and left, stretching the sides of your body. This pose enhances flexibility in the sides and improves overall balance.

Katichakrasana (Waist Rotation Pose):

• Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and arms extended sideways. Rotate your torso to the right and then to the left, engaging your core. This pose aids in massaging the abdominal organs and promoting digestion.

Tiryak Bhujangasana (Side Cobra Pose):

• From the Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana), twist your torso to look towards your right heel and then to your left heel. This variation adds a side stretch and helps in detoxifying and energizing the internal organs.

Udarakarasana (Abdominal Pressure Pose):

• Sit or lie on your back, then apply gentle twisting pressure to the abdomen. This pose helps stimulate the digestive system and improve overall digestive health.