Sankha-prakshalana
Sankha Prakshalana, also known as the Complete Yogic Colon Cleanse, is a yogic technique aimed at thoroughly cleansing the entire gastrointestinal tract, particularly the colon. It involves a series of specific yoga poses and the consumption of a saline solution to flush the digestive system. Here’s a detailed overview:
- Technique (Sankha Prakshalana):
- Preparation: Start on an empty stomach in the morning. Prepare a saline solution by dissolving about two teaspoons of non-iodized salt in warm water (around one liter or 34 ounces). The saline solution should have a similar salinity to body fluids to avoid water absorption or irritation.
- Drinking the Saline Solution: Drink the prepared saline solution, ensuring to consume it gradually and in a relaxed manner. It’s usually taken in parts, interspersed with specific yoga poses.
- Yoga Poses (Asanas): After drinking a portion of the saline solution, a series of yoga poses are performed. These include Tadasana (Mountain Pose), Tiryaka Tadasana (Swaying Palm Tree Pose), Kati Chakrasana (Standing Spinal Twist), Tiryaka Bhujangasana (Twisting Cobra Pose), and Udarakarshanasana (Twisting Pose).
- Repeating the Process: The process of drinking the saline solution and performing the yoga poses is repeated until clear water is expelled during bowel movements.
- Hydration and Rest: After completing the cleansing, it’s essential to drink plenty of warm water and rest for some time.
- Salient Features:
- Thorough Cleansing: Sankha Prakshalana aims at a complete and thorough cleansing of the digestive tract, including the colon.
- Natural and Gentle: It’s considered a gentle and natural way to cleanse the gastrointestinal system using yoga poses and a saline solution.
- Benefits:
- Colon Cleansing: Helps in cleansing the entire gastrointestinal tract, particularly the colon, removing accumulated toxins and impurities.
- Digestive Health: Can aid in improving digestion and promoting a healthier digestive system.
- Detoxification: Supports detoxification of the body by flushing out toxins and waste materials.
- Stimulates Digestive Fire (Agni): This practice is believed to stimulate Agni, the digestive fire, leading to better digestion and assimilation of food.
- Balances Doshas: Sankha Prakshalana is said to help in balancing the doshas (bioenergies) related to digestion.
- Promotes Clarity of Mind: Practitioners often report a sense of mental clarity and lightness after performing Sankha Prakshalana.
Sankha Prakshalana is a comprehensive cleansing technique and should be practiced with caution and under proper guidance, especially for individuals with specific health conditions or medical concerns. It’s advisable to learn this technique from an experienced yoga instructor to ensure safe and effective practice.