What are Kriyas?
Kriyas, also called Shath Kriyas, Shuddhi Kriyas or Shath karmas are a cleansing techniques which are used to clean the internal organs of the body. It was developed by yogis with the main aim of removing blockages that prevent pranic absorption in the body. It implies internal action and there are different Kriyas for the different organs of the body.
What are the benefits of Yogic Kriyas?
The benefits of Yogic Kriyas are:
- Helps in calming the mind and gaining full control.
- Activates all the internal organs of the body.
- Helps to dedicate oneself towards positivity.
What are the types of Yogic Kriyas?
There are 6 types of Kriyas (Shath Kriyas). They are:
- Trataka (eyesight) - This process involves gazing at a particular sight until the eyes water.
- Neti - This is for the upper nasal tract, from nose to throat or vice versa. It involves taking in water (Jal Neti) or an oiled thread (Sutra Neti) from your nose and taking it out from the throat or vice versa.
- Kapalabhati - This is done for the lower respiratory tract, from the nose to the lungs. It involves exhaling air forcefully.
- Dhouti - This is done from the upper gastro intestinal tract upto the stomach. It can be done with water (Jal Dhouti) or a long cloth (vastra dhouti). 1 or 1.5 litres of saline water is taken in during the process of Jal Dhouti. This cannot be done regularly and should have a gap of 15 days. The person should have a light meal the day before and very less spices. It should be done in the morning on empty stomach.
- Nauli - This is done for the abdominal viscera. It involves rotating the belly muscles left and right and helps in massaging the abdominal muscles.
- Basti/ Vasti - This is done for the lower gastro intestinal tract especially for the rectum. Water is contracted in from the rectum into the gut. It helps people who have piles, constipation, etc. It can be done by anyone.
All the Kriyas can be done regularly except dhouti (15 days gap).
What are Bandha’s?
Bandha’s are large body locks used for muscle contraction in any area of the body. Smaller body locks such as mudras are used for changes in limbs and organs such as the fingers, eyes and tongue. For e.g. Uddiyana Bandhana involves contracting the abdomen into the rectum, Jalandhara Bandhana involves tucking the chin close to the chest and Samadhi involves a super conscious state.
