Dhauti Kriya in Traditional Science: Types, Procedure, Benefits and Contradictions

To remove toxins from the internal body environment, Dhauti Kriya is extremely beneficial. When it is done with clothes, it is known as Vastra Dhauti. This method of cleansing is famous from ancient times. It helps in cleaning mucus, undigested food or toxins that can’t pass through any passage of the body. It is an integrated part of yoga, but not any yogic procedure.

There are 4 types of dhauti kriya, which we can say are different methods of cleansing the body. The real meaning of the word “Dhauti” is to wash or to cleanse; it is a Hindi word. It is better to perform this kriya under the supervision of a master. Other wise it will have side effects or may not be handled properly in the beginning.

What is Dhauti Kriya? 4 Simple Types

Dhauti Kriya prepare any practitioner for higher yogic practices like poses and Pranayama. Dhauti kriya is known as a cleaning procedure in traditional times. It helps remove toxins and clear the gut of a person for higher practice. There are four types of Dhauti Kriya:

1. Vaman Dhauti

It is a simple procedure in which a person drinks lukewarm water or saline water to clean the gut. It is also known as Kunjal Kriya in Ayurveda.

2. Danda Dhauti Kriya

It is used to clean the oesophagus or upper digestive tract, or the body. A rubber catheter or soft stick is inserted in this procedure.

3. Vastra Dhauti

With the name, we can already guess that there is a use of cloth in this method. Vastra Dhauti is a procedure in which we have to insert the cloth and remove that suddenly from the gut.

4. Agnisara Dhauti 

These are rapid abdominal movement that helps stimulate the digestive fire or acid in the body. Any person can practice this by holding their breath and practising rapid movement. During the procedure, digestive fire is stimulated and cleanses other organs of the body.

How to Perform Dhauti Kriya? 

It should be practised on an empty stomach and after clearing the bowels in the morning. It also depends on which kind of dhauti practice you are doing. Here are some steps of the Dhauti kriya:

1. Take lukewarm water and make a mild saline solution of this water.
2. Sit in a squatting position with calm breath.
3. Now drink 5 to 7 glasses of water till your stomach is full.
4. Now bend forward slightly and keep two fingers at the back of your tongue.
5. Try to vomit and expel all water intake.
6. Don’t retch and lie in the Savasana position till you become normal.

Dhauti Kriya Benefits- What are the Benefits of Dhauti Kriya?

 Dhauti kriya is beneficial for both physical and mental health. It gives clarity to the mind and is beneficial in diseases like sinus, and cleans the nasal passage too. Toxins can imbalance the inner body, and Dhauti helps in restoring the body's balance. You will feel light after the practice of Dhauti kriya. Here are some benefits of Dhauti Kriya: 

• Clean the digestive system.
• Enhance the secretion of enzymes for better digestion.
• Improves metabolic functions of the body.
• Helps in the absorption of nutrients and essential amino acids.
• Kunjal kriya helps in clearing the respiratory ducts of the body.
• Stimulate the digestive fire of the body by reducing sluggishness of the body.
• Strengthens abdominal muscles by making voluntary control of them.
• Cures hormonal imbalance in the body.

Contraindications of Dhauti Kriya

Some conditions make kunjal kriya unsafe for the practitioners. Also, it is an advanced practice already. It is an excellent method of cleansing, but should be accessed with caution. Here are some conditions that act as contraindications:

• A gastric ulcer is a chronic condition, in which any yogi must avoid Dhauti Shatkarma.
• Gastritis and conditions like GERD are acidic reflux problems; in these conditions, Dhauti should not be practised.
• Other diseases like Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) are some conditions in which practising Dhauti Kriya is not safe.
• Heart patients or patients of blood pressure should avoid this practice.
• It is not safe for pregnant or menstruating females. 
• In severe brain-related issues like psychosis, it should not be practised.
• Malnutrition and epilepsy are other conditions in which it is not safe to practice Dhauti Kriya.

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Conclusion

Dhauti kriya is an exclusive procedure to clean the whole digestive system. There are four types of dhuati kriya. Vaman Dhauti is very similar to the kunjal kriya procedure and cures diseases like sinus and acidity. It is one of the shatkarmas helpful in preparing the body for the next higher level of poses or pranayama.