Introduction: The Power of Dhauti kriya
Yoga involves the holistic development of a person’s body, mind, and spirit. It is more than just physical postures. Deep cleansing of the body parts associated with the digestive tract is called Dhauti kriya, which is arguably the purest form of yoga. Like other forms of yoga, the practice of dhauti Kriya enhances overall health, aids in bodily digestion, and promotes detoxification.
This article provides an overview of Dhauti Kriya, including its key features, importance, types, advantages, and precautions.
“In this article, we will explore the ancient yogic cleansing practice of Dhauti Kriya—its meaning, types, step-by-step process, benefits, and precautions—guiding you toward inner purification, stronger health, and a deeper yogic journey.”
What is Dhauti—Understanding Dhauti Kriya:
Dhauti is one of the six Shatkarma Kriya cleansing techniques that are foundational basics in Hatha Yoga. Cleansing one’s body is crucial for maintaining good health; thus, Dhauti Kriya is essential for cleansing the digestive system.
The ayuda technique, most directly responsible for cleaning out the stomach and oesophagus, is similar to how an elephant clears its throat when it is bothered. It consists of the self-cleansing that certain yogic disciplines provide.
The Dhauti Kriya involves different practices such as ‘Kunjal kriya’, In which you first have to drink warm salted water then vomit it out from the mouth which will help in cleaning digestive track and ‘Vastra Dhauti Kriya’, In which you have to swallow one end of a long piece of moist cotton cloth than pull it out from the other end which will clean upper digestive track. These exercises serve to detox the body, enhance digestion, and prepare the body for more advanced stages of yoga. Moreover, dhauti kriya is claimed to also cleanse the emotions, sharpen the intellect, balance mental energy, and harmonise the mind.
If one experiences illness affecting the bronchi, accompanied by low metabolism or excessive mucus formation, then practising Dhauti kriya is advisable. It also helps bronchial asthma caused by food allergies.
Anatomical Implications:
The health benefits of Dhauti Kriya are accepted in the field of yoga and science. Understanding the role of the isotonic solution in the procedure before practice is essential. This solution enables toxin removal and cleanses the intestines, hence enhancing systemic digestion.
Regular practice of Dhauti Kriya can improve nutrient absorption, enhance intestinal health, boost metabolism, and facilitate the body’s natural detoxification process.
Types of Dhauti Kriya:
1. Antar Dhauti (focus on cleaning the inner stomach and intestinal tract)
1 – Varisara Dhauti, this practice involves drinking a large amount of warm salted water, then vomiting it out through the mouth,
2 – Agni sara Dhauti, or Agnisaara Kriya, involves rapid and forceful contraction of the abdominal muscle, which would help in strengthening abdominal muscles and internal organs.
3 – Vatasara Dhauti, which involves inhaling a large amount of air and holding it for a short time before releasing it through the anus,
etc.
2. Danta Dhauti (focus on cleaning the mouth, ear, nose, and forehead)
1 – Dantamula Dhauti, this practice involves the use of a homemade brush of either neem, babool, or bakula, which is used to rub inside the mouth daily for deep cleaning of the mouth.
2 – Karna Dhauti, This Kriya involves rubbing and massaging the external ear canal with a finger or a portion of a finger to remove impurities.
3 – Kapala Randhra Dhauti involves the use of the middle and index fingers to gently massage the side of the eye near the nose, temple, and the forehead. It relieves stress and calms the mind,
etc.
3. Hrid Dhauti (focus on cleaning the upper digestive track)
1 – Vastra Dhauti, In this practice, we swallow one end of a piece of moist cotton cloth, then pull it out slowly from the other end, which would deep clean the upper digestive track.
2 – Danda Dhauti, It is a very advanced form of Dhauti Kriya, in which a long stick of banana or lotus stem is traditionally swallowed down and very carefully pulled out. Modern methods include the use of a rubber or a plastic tube about 3 feet long.
Precautions when performing these Kriyas:
Although Dhauti Kriya is extremely beneficial, practising without caution can create discomfort.
Precautions to keep in mind when performing Dhauti Kriya:
Seek Guidance: Always practice under the guidance of a yoga instructor to ensure the safety of correct technique for a smooth experience.
Slow It Down: Start with gentle cleanses before progressing to more advanced methods, allowing your body to adjust gradually.
Stay Hydrated: Since Dhauti Kriya involves keeping toxins from the body, make sure you stay hydrated before and after practice.
Clean Setting: Perform Dhauti Kriya in a clean, peaceful space free of distractions.
Trust Your Instincts: If discomfort, dizziness, or any adverse effect occurs, end the practice and seek guidance.
Contradiction to Dhauti Kriyas below:
During Pregnancy and the menstrual cycle, some Dhauti Kriya techniques might stress the reproductive organs, which would be unsuitable for pregnant women or menstruating women.
Post Surgery: Individuals who have had an abdominal operation should not perform Dhauti Kriya because it may interfere with the recovery and healing.
Chronic illness: Any person with heart disease, high blood pressure, hernia, epilepsy, or other medically induced medical issues should not perform Dhauti Kriya unless cleared by a medical professional
Digestive issues: Individuals with digestive disorders such as Crohn’s disease or severe acid reflux should not undergo deep intestinal cleansing methods.
Benefits of Dhauti Kriya:
Dhauti Kriya has been praised for its removal of toxins, improvement of digestion, and enhancement of breath (respiratory capacity, efficiency).
Practice of Dhauti Kriya helps in :
Clearing Mucus & Toxins: Aids in the removal of excess mucus that can block airways, assisting asthma and respiratory allergy patients.
Improving Oral Hygiene: Some Dhauti processes cleanse the teeth and tongue, reducing bacteria and improving oral hygiene.
Reducing Inflammation: Reduce allergies and improve overall health by balancing the body’s pH levels and reducing inflammation.
Enhances Digestion: Supports better digestion and nutrient absorption, helping to alleviate issues such as constipation and bloating.
Step-by-step guide to Dhauti Kriya:
1. Preparations Before Dhauti Kriya
Choose an early morning time and practice on an empty stomach.
Consume lukewarm saline water to aid in detoxifying the body.
Before starting Dhauti Kriya, do some deep breathing.
2. Dhauti Kriya Types and Procedures
Antar Dhauti (Internal Cleansing)
Warm saline water should be consumed, and vomiting should be induced to eliminate undigested food particles.
Alternatively, use a clean cotton cloth to wash the stomach lining.
Danta Dhauti (Teeth & Oral Cleaning)
Brush your teeth with your fingers or herbal twigs to remove any bacterial accumulation.
Clean your tongue thoroughly to prevent bad breath and to improve digestion.
Cleaning of the Oesophagus and Chest (Hrid Dhauti)
To clean the chest area, swallow a small amount of water and then release it.
More seasoned practitioners may use a device that resembles a catheter for deeper purification.
3. After Practice Care
After practising the Dhauti Kriya, rest for at least 30 minutes.
Consume only light yogic foods (khichdi, steamed vegetables) to support digestion.
If you have a chronic illness or digestive discomfort, refrain from practising.
For optimal long-term benefits and to ensure complete purification, it is essential that you perform Dhauti Kriya correctly.
Benefits of Dhauti Kriya—Why This Yogic Practice is Important For Detoxification
Dhauti Kriya is one of the six Shatkarma cleansing practices in yoga that can help prepare your body for advanced spiritual practices. benefits of Dhauti Kriya:
1. Aids Digestive Health
Eliminates toxins, undigested food, and excess mucus from your digestive system, helping to relieve symptoms of acidity, bloating, and indigestion.
2. Detoxifies the Respiratory System,
Improves lung function and airflow by reducing mucus.
Helps individuals who suffer from respiratory congestion and asthma.
3. Increases Energy & Vitality
Helps increase your energy levels by enhancing nutrient absorption.
Skyrockets overall health by promoting a stronger metabolism..
Deepen Your Yoga Practice with Mira Yogashala in Rishikesh
Mira Yogashala is a Yoga TTC in Rishikesh for those seeking to learn yoga. As one of the premier yoga schools in Rishikesh, we are dedicated to offering comprehensive yoga education within a serene and spiritual environment. We offer organised teacher training programs to practitioners of all backgrounds and abilities, and we aim to facilitate personal progress along the yogic path.
Welcome to Our Yoga Teacher Training & Retreats
Mira Yogashala provides a variety of Yoga Teacher training courses in Rishikesh:
Come and embark on an amazing journey and be part of our global yoga community!
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is Dhauti Kriya, and why is it important?
Dhauti Kriya refers to an ancient yogic purification process that focuses primarily on cleansing the lungs and digestive system. This method is said to help eliminate toxins, improve gut health, and prepare the body for deeper yogic practices by enhancing the internal environment and overall bodily health.
What are the different types of Dhauti Kriya?
There are many different kinds of Dhauti Kriya, which all represent various forms of purification:
1. Antar Dhauti – Specifically cleans the inner stomach and intestinal tract.
Danta Dhauti – Cleanses the mouth, ears, nose, and forehead.
Hrid Dhauti – Looks primarily at the upper digestive tract, like the stomach.
Each has a purpose in maintaining internal health.
How to perform Dhauti Kriya safely?
The practice of Dhauti Kriya is recommended only under the guidance and supervision of a professional. Dhauti Kriya includes methods such as drinking saline water or performing the practice with a soft cloth (for cleansing purposes), or performing particular yogic postures, which make it a manageable undertaking. People interested in the practice should begin with simpler techniques and then progress to more advanced ones.
What are the benefits of Dhauti Kriya?
Dhauti Kriya provides a wealth of benefits, such as:
1. Better digestion and removal of impurities
2. More efficient lung function and overall respiratory health
3. Increased energy and productivity
4. Enhanced immunity and resistance to infection
By using these techniques regularly, you will have a more integrated and healthy body.
Are there any risks or contraindications of Dhauti Kriya?
Yes, some people should avoid practising Dhauti Kriya. These include:
1. Pregnant women must not do Dhauti Kriya
2. Individuals, specifically, with heart disease, ulcers, and high blood pressure
3. Those recovering from abdominal surgery
4. People with serious digestive diseases such as Crohn’s disease
It is always best to consult a yoga instructor before undertaking these cleansing processes.
How often should one practice Dhauti Kriya?
The number of practices will vary depending on the individual’s needs and level of experience:
Those first starting out should practice every two weeks under the guidance of an expert.
Intermediate practitioners usually practice every month for deeper detoxification.
Advanced yogis may practice every 15 days or as needed.
Overdoing the cleansing can upset the body’s natural balance, so moderation is necessary.
Is Dhauti Kriya safe for someone just beginning?
Definitely, new practitioners should try easier forms of Kriyas such as Danta Dhauti (oral cleansing) and Vaman Dhauti (water cleansing). Going slow and steady will keep you safe and successful.
How does Dhauti Kriya compare to the other Shatkarma techniques?
Dhauti Kriya is aimed at cleansing the alimentary canal, especially the oesophagus and stomach, through the use of such things as water or a cloth. Dhauti Kriya is different from the other Shatkarmas because it focuses on the upper digestive tract, whereas other Shatkarmas focus on cleansing other parts of the body: Neti cleans the nasal passages, Basti cleanses the colon, Nauli creates a massage-like effect in the abdomen, Trataka focuses the eyes, and Kapalbhati cleanses the lungs and frontal lobe of the brain.
Is Dhauti kriya beneficial for acidity and bloating?
Yes, Dhauti Kriya is very beneficial for reducing acidity, bloating, and indigestion. Dhauti Kriya aids in detox and removing accumulated excessive mucus, undigested food, and waste from our stomach(a) and intestines, all of which lead to constipation, thus promoting a healthier gut.
Where can I learn Dhauti Kriya in Rishikesh?
One of the Best Yoga schools in Rishikesh, India, such as Mira Yogashala, conducts classes on Traditional yogic cleansing methods, including Dhauti Kriya. All of their 100-hour, 200-hour, and 300-hour yoga teacher training programs offer these cleansing options, allowing students to become more aware of the yogic methods for self-purification.
Discover your Inner confidence with Mira Yogashala in Rishikesh. Join Yoga Alliance-accredited programs, Mira Yogashala, and the path to find the best in you as a teacher. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced practitioner, our teacher trainings provide the ideal setting to enrich your yogic path and find inner balance.
