DHAUTI KRIYA: A TRADITIONAL YOGIC PURIFICATION TECHNIQUE

In today’s times, our lifestyles are imbued with stress. Diets are synthetic, work is filled with unhealthy competition, relationships are inauthentic, human values have eroded, and religious and spiritual vision has been disillusioned. Hence, despite all material successes, the quality of human life has deteriorated. One has lost connection with one’s inner world. Due to this disconnection, there is a buildup of chronic stress at the level of the body and mind. And stress further leads to the accumulation of toxins which, if not regularly cleansed, lead to inflammation and diseases.

“Are you ready to embrace a healthier, cleaner version of yourself? In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the ancient yogic cleansing technique known as Dhauti Kriya. Learn about the different types of Dhauti, understand its powerful benefits for the body and mind, and follow our detailed, step-by-step instructions to practice it safely and effectively. Begin your journey to inner purification and enhanced well-being with Dhauti Kriya.”

This is where Yoga solves human misery at all levels – physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. Yoga is a spiritual discipline that aims at bringing back the connection to oneself. It helps in aligning human life with the principles of nature so that one naturally progresses toward the goal of liberation and self-realization.

The Yoga is a path of integrated health and well-being. Yoga facilitates a complete blossoming of the personality including physical, emotional, moral, intellectual, and spiritual. The process of Yoga starts with purification at the physical and mental level. There are many purificatory processes in yoga. These purificatory activities in Yoga are known as Shat kriyas. Dhauti is one of the Shat Kriyas. It means washing. This Kriya is a powerful technique of cleansing not just at the gross level but at the subtle level. Research says that all diseases begin in the gut. Dhauti Kriya removes toxins from the digestive tract. Dhauti Kriya helps in removing physical as well as emotional toxins. Once the toxins are removed from the body, the practitioner will feel light, healthy, and more attuned to one’s body and mind.

We will now understand the various types of Dhauti, the potential benefits of each type, and step by step procedure of Dhauti kriya.

Let us embark on this journey of detoxification or inner cleansing of the alimentary canal towards a healthy, resilient, and pure inner and outer being.

ALL DISEASES BEGIN IN THE GUT & HEALING ALSO BEGINS FROM THE GUT

DHAUTI FOR DIGESTIVE WELLNESS!!

Dhauti Kriya focuses on the cleansing of the digestive organs. The digestive system plays a pivotal role in health as food is transformed into energy in the stomach area. Now if the stomach area is not purified, there will be obstructions in metabolism and hence circulation of energy throughout the body. And that is the reason for low energy levels, inflammation, auto-immune disorders, mental health disorders, and so on. Stomach is the source of all energy as well as disease. Dhauti Kriya helps in removing deep-rooted toxins from the stomach area. The digestive system is designed to cleanse itself, however, sometimes toxins keep building up and hence it requires additional efforts to cleanse the stomach area. This is where Dhauti Kriya helps.

There are six purification practices known as Shatkarma or Shatkriya as mentioned in the Yogic scriptures like Hath Yoga Pradipika and Gheranda Samhita.

Dhauti Kriya is one of these Shatkriyas.

6 PURIFICATORY PROCESSES –SHATKRIYAS

• Neti – Nasal cleansing
• Dhauti –Digestive tract cleansing
• Nauli –Massage of the abdominal muscles
• Basti –Large intestine cleansing
• Kapalbhati – Skull shinning technique
• Trataka – Eyes strengthening and focusing technique

All these practices aim at detoxification of the internal organs. Dhauti Kriya focuses on cleansing the digestive tract starting from mouth to anus. The benefits of Dhauti Kriya are not just limited to a clean gut but it also enhances respiratory function and cognitive abilities by boosting frontal brain efficiency. Also, at the subtle level, it clears all the emotional blockages stored in the stomach area. It positively affects the solar plexus or the Manipura Chakra. All power lies in the navel area, hence if there are disturbances in the digestive tract, it will manifest as problems in the form of low self-worth, issues with unhealthy power dynamics, self-esteem, and so on.

Hence, Dhauti kriya cleanses the digestive tract not just at the gross level but also at the subtle level by clearing the blocked energies in that area.

What is Dhauti kriya?

As per ancient Yogic wisdom, Dhauti kriya is a practice for deep cleansing of the gastrointestinal tract. The detox journey begins from the top of the alimentary canal, i.e. mouth, and traverses down to the colon.

The term ‘Dhauti’ is derived from the root “Dho” meaning “washing” or “cleansing.” We can imagine what happens to our state of hygiene and mental health if we miss to cleanse our bodies at an external level for a day or so. Hence, the way we cleanse our external bodies through bathing, our inner body also requires regular cleansing to function effectively and remain in a state of optimal health. Once the toxins are cleared from the inner body at a gross level, all the emotional baggage, unwholesome memories, and impressions are also cleared, thereby leading to lightness and overall, a better state of being.

Dhauti has a deeper impact not limited only to the gross body. It clears the deep-rooted memories, emotions, and unhealed trauma from the subtle body. Dhauti also enhances respiratory function and improves overall vitality. It improves cognitive capacity by improving frontal brain efficiency.

Dhauti as a healing technique works both at the gross as well subtle level for the removal of deep-rooted toxins from the system. Also, regular practice of Dhauti helps in strengthening as well.

Dhauti kriya is always done before doing asanas /physical postures.

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Types of Dhauti

Dhauti Kriya is a technique for cleansing the gastrointestinal tract. Now GI tract is quite lengthy. Hence, to cleanse the different parts of the alimentary canal, Dhauti kriya is divided into four parts. Each Dhauti Kriya serves a specific purpose and requires a different technique and level of expertise.

Dhauti is divided into 4 types:

1. Danta Dhauti
2. Antar Dhauti
3. Hrid Dhauti
4. Moola Shodhana Dhauti

A. Danta Dhauti (Head)

• Danta Mula Dhauti (TEETH): This dhauti provides deep cleaning & strengthening to the teeth. Regular practice also enhances the longevity of the teeth.
• Jhiva Dhauti(TONGUE): Jhiva dhauti also called Jhiva Shodhana is done for cleansing the tongue. Jhiva dhauti kriya adds to vitality and health.
• Karna Dhauti (EARS): Karna Dhauti enhances the hearing function by cleansing the ear apertures.
• Kapala Randhra Dhauti (FRONTAL SINUSES): Kapala Randhra Dhauti focuses on massaging the front head with the thumb. Regular practice helps to calm the nervous system and activate relaxation responses. It also has a positive impact on the eyes.

B. Antar Dhauti (Internal)

• Vatsara Dhauti (AIR): In this dhauti, cleansing is done through an air element. It is done by swallowing air and then releasing it through the anus.
• Varisara Dhauti (WATER): In Varisara dhauti which is also known as Shankhaprakshalana Dhauti, water is used as the medium through which the entire digestive tract is cleansed.
• Agnisara Dhauti (FIRE): In dhauti kriya, heat or fire is used as the cleansing medium. Agnisara dhauti activates heat in the navel area through rapid abdominal contractions.
• Bahiskrita Dhauti (AIR): This method uses the retention of air as the medium for cleansing. Bahiskrita dhauti cleanses the intestines by retention of air.

C. Hrid Dhauti (Heart region dhauti)

• Danda Dhauti (STICK): Danda means stick. In this method, a soft stick-like matter is used like a banana tree stem or a turmeric root to remove phlegm and bile from the esophagus.
• Vastra Dhauti (CLOTH ): This method uses a cloth to clear excess mucus from the upper stomach.
• Vamana Dhauti (EMESIS): This method induces vomiting after drinking water, expelling undigested food particles and phlegm.

D. Moola Shodhana Dhauti (Anal cleansing)

• This dhauti kriya focuses on cleansing the anus by using a soft stick like turmeric root or the middle finger. The purpose of this dhauti is to clear extra feces.
• This dhauti is generally performed in the Utkatasana pose for better results.

We have now understood the various types of dhauti. Let us now explore the benefits of dhauti as well as the techniques of its application.

DHAUTI KRIYA OPTIMISES PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH?

Dhauti Kriya cleanses toxins from the gastrointestinal tract and provides relief from constipation & hyper-acidity. When toxins are removed –physical and emotional, one experiences a reduction in stress levels and overall lightness. Dhauti Kriya improves oral health and adds longevity to teeth. Regular practice of dhauti kriya creates inner harmony and an overall feeling of lightness, clarity, and joy within.

1. Alleviates Kapha-related disorders by removing excess mucus: By eliminating mucus, Dhauti Kriya reduces the risk of respiratory issues like asthma and cough.
2. Helps relieve Vata symptoms by optimizing Digestion and metabolism: Enhances digestion by expelling food residues, easing constipation, messaging the abdominal muscles, and promoting better nutrient absorption.
3. Improves inner harmony by balancing all doshas: Dhauti Kriya brings a balance in Kapha, Pitta, and Vata doshas and promotes harmony within the body.
4. Boots Immunity: Dhauti kriyas expels harmful bacteria from the ­­­­­­-digestive tract and thereby reduces the risk of digestive infections. It also boosts immunity and prevents infections by strengthening the lining of the digestive tract. Thus, dhauti kriya can help in leaky gut issues. By shielding the gut from harmful toxins, dhauti also minimizes the chances of auto-immune diseases.
5. Relieves acidity and maintains PH balance: Our bodies thrive in alkaline environments. Too much acidity creates an unhealthy environment for organs to function optimally. Regular practice of dhauti helps in managing hyper-acidity and related discomfort. This has a deeper impact on the nervous system as well.
6. Improves complexion: Dhauti Kriya helps in improving complexion and contributes to beautiful and radiant skin. Dhauti kriya removes blemishes, and dark circles and enhances luster in the skin.
7. Boosts oral Health: Dhauti Kriya eliminates unhealthy bacteria in the oral region. It also optimizes the function of salivary glands.
8. Strengthens respiratory function: Dhauti Kriya improves respiratory function by clearing phlegm from the respiratory tract. This in turn helps in regulating breath to slow and rhythmic levels. Regular practice of dhauti kriya in the long term can help in diseases like bronchitis and asthma.
9. Strengthens Nervous system health: Vamana Dhauti provides deep relaxation to the nervous system. Dhauti Kriya promotes blood circulation in the head area by messaging. Also, by clearing the gut region, dhauti aids in mental health and prevention of headaches which are mostly due to unhealthy conditions in the gut. Dhauti Kriya also helps in the prevention of migraines by improving blood circulation in the head region.
10. Promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and improves vision: Kapala Randhra Dhauti Kriya acts as an effective relaxation technique. It also improves sleep quality. Kapala Randhra also helps in improving vision.
11. Improves Mental Clarity: By cleansing the body, the mind also gets cleared which results in increased concentration and clarity.
12. Increases sensory perception: Some dhauti kriyas focus on cleansing sensory organs which leads to heightened sensory awareness.
13. Enhances emotional stability: When dhauti cleanses the body, it clears the unhealthy emotions, & memories also from the system, thereby leading to emotional balance and stability.
14. Improves pranic flow: Due to the cleansing of toxins, prana can circulate freely and more efficiently to all organs.
15. Improves sensitivity and self-awareness: Dhauti kriya makes one more sensitive and self-aware of the subtle energies.

How dhauti kriya can provide maximum benefits & Precautions?

Dhauti kriya offers many benefits, however, it’s essential to know that it needs to be done under the guidance of an expert and with proper precautions. Here is a list of precautions to be followed for a safe and effective dhauti kriya:

1. Seek guidance from a Shatkarma expert or a Yoga Instructor: Dhauti is a process for internal cleansing. Hence, it requires utmost precaution and step by step method. For beginners, dhauti kriya should be done only under the guidance of a Shatkarma expert or certified Yoga teacher. It should be done as per the step-by-step instructions of the instructor.
2. Go slow: The practitioners of dhauti kriya should start with basic practices like Danta Dhauti or Vatsara Dhauti before starting the advanced types.
3. Avoid force –Be gentle and mindful: One should do dhauti kriya with mindfulness. One should not apply force or overexert oneself for performing dhauti kriya as it can lead to discomfort and injury.
4. Hydrate Sufficiently: One should drink sufficient water and be well hydrated before doing dhauti kriya to avoid dehydration during the practice.
5. Eat a Light & Balanced Diet: One should eat a light and balanced diet rich in fiber before starting dhauti kriya to support the cleansing process.
6. Listen to the body, and honor its limits: One should be attuned to the sensations in the body. If one experiences pain, discomfort or dizziness during the practice, it is advised to discontinue the dhauti kriya immediately.
7. Refrain during sickness: It is advised not to do dhauti kriya at all during sickness like fever, chills or any medical conditions.
8. Practice in a satvik environment –Close to nature: one should ensure that the place where you practice dhauti is clean, positive, and free of unnecessary distractions.
9. Practice with a positive mindset and awareness: One should approach dhauti kriya with self-awareness and a calm & focused mind to reap maximum benefits.

When should dhauti kriya be avoided? Contraindications.

1. Pregnancy and Menstruation: During pregnancy and menstruation, women should avoid certain forms of Dhauti Kriya as it may put an unnecessary burden on the reproductive system and overall on the female body.
2. Abdominal Surgery: Anyone who has gone through an abdominal surgery recently should avoid Dhauti Kriya as it might it interfere with the healing process and also cause complications.
3. Medical Conditions: Those suffering from certain health conditions such as hypertension, ulcers, hernia, heart disease, or epilepsy should avoid dhauti kriya. People with serious illnesses should do dhauti kriya only under expert supervision.
4. IBS -Bowel Disorders: People with inflammatory bowel conditions like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis should avoid aggressive forms of Dhauti Kriya, as it can worsen the condition.
5. Chronic health conditions: Individuals with any chronic health conditions should consult their healthcare provider first to check if dhauti kriya will be suitable for their condition.

If you have any health concerns, you should first consult thoroughly with your healthcare provider before starting any yoga practice including dhauti kriya.

Step-by-step method

Below is the step-by-step method of Dhauti Kriya to ensure a safe and effective practice. One should follow the below steps for an effective dhauti experience:

1. Prepare Your Body-Mind: Start the practice in the morning in a clean and peaceful environment to set the right environment for the mind. Prepare your body by evacuating your bowels and bladder to create a comfortable space for the practice.
2. Warm-Up: It is suggested to do light asanas and stretches to prepare your body for Dhauti Kriya. Stretching minimizes the chances of muscle spasms during dhauti kriya.
3. Choose the type of Dhauti: Select and commit to the specific type of Dhauti based on your experience and goals. For example, Beginners should do Danta Dhauti or Vatsara Dhauti.
4. Follow the physical posture required for dhauti: Follow the appropriate posture for the selected Dhauti type.
5. Breathe Deeply and slowly: Start with deep and slow breathing to calm the mind and prepare for the practice.
6. Start the dhauti Process: Execute the steps of the Dhauti type, whether it involves swallowing air, drinking water, or using specific materials like cloth or turmeric root.
7. Holding and Release: Depending on the Dhauti type, one has to hold the substance or air inside the stomach or digestive tract for the prescribed duration. This varies between Dhauti types.
8. Expel Waste: The expulsion of wastes will happen either through the mouth or anus. One has to follow the proper techniques of expulsion related to the specific dhauti.
9. Rest and practice awareness: After completing the Dhauti, come back to a comfortable posture to allow your body to rest. Also, practice self-awareness and observe how you feel any sensations within your body.
10. Rehydrate: Drink clean, lukewarm water to compensate for any fluid loss during the dhauti practice.
11. Practice Regularly: For any practice, consistency is important. Make Dhauti Kriya a regular part of your yoga routine for optimal benefits.
12. Seek Guidance: If you are not clear about any aspect of Dhauti Kriya, consult a qualified yoga instructor or practitioner for guidance and support.

One should always remember that dhauti Kriya is a slow and gradual practice requiring patience and commitment. Start with the basics, and as you gain experience, graduate to explore more advanced types. Each step will play its own role in your healing, overall well-being and internal purification.

Regular dhauti helps in maintaining ideal weight.

Dhauti Kriya can play an immense potential in your maintaining an ideal body weight. Being overweight and obese puts strain on other organs and leads to serious illnesses in the long run like cardiovascular, respiratory, thyroid, etc. Dhauti Kriya cleanses the gastrointestinal tract, improves digestive fire, and removes excess vata & kapha & bloating. At a subtle level, dhauti helps in calming the nervous system which helps you to stay regulated, mindful, and in tune with the organic sensations of the body. This helps in minimizing binge and emotional eating. Regular practice of dhauti helps in building a sense of discernment or body wisdom wherein you become more aware of your body’s needs and sensations.

In addition, Dhauti Kriya aids in the detoxification of your body, which improves nutrient absorption and waste elimination, thus promoting overall efficiency in energy utilization in the body. Dhauti kriya is a holistic healing approach. Dhauti kriya does not have side effects as it is based on optimizing the gut-brain connection by clearing all obstacles (toxins). Regular practice of dhauti creates a healthy inner environment for digestion, absorption, and assimilation of energy. Also, one has to be very cautious in terms of diet and exercise during dhauti kriya. Hence, weight loss by dhauti kriya is sustainable and does not lead to side effects.

Conclusion

Dhauti Kriya is a technique for the purification of both body and mind. Each type is focused on cleansing a specific part of the gastrointestinal tract. Dhauti kriya is a holistic healing approach. Its benefits include both at the physiological and psychological levels. The primary benefits include improved digestion, detoxification, respiration strengthening, and even potential weight management support.

Through dhauti kriya, individuals can start their healing journeys towards holistic health & well-being in alignment with the age-old principles of yoga. All dhauti kriyas help you to create a space in your body-mind to experience healing, health, and harmony. Dhauti is not merely a physical practice but a profound psycho-somatic tool for achieving overall balance and deeper well-being in modern stressful times.

Some clarifications- FAQs.

Q: Can dhauti kriya be done by beginners?

A: Yes, beginners can practice Dhauti Kriya but under the guidance of an experienced Shatkarma expert. Also, one should limit the practice only to basic kriyas like Danta Dhauti or Vatsara dhauti.

Q: Does Dhauti Kriya help in weight management?

A: Yes, Dhauti Kriya balances all doshas in the body. Hence, it helps not only in weight loss but also in maintaining of healthy weight by improving digestive fire and reducing excess kapha and vata from the stomach. Dhauti Kriya also helps in reducing bloating by balancing vata dosha.

Q: Can Dhauti Kriya go wrong? Are there side effects of dhauti kriya?

A: Dhauti Kriya is an international purification technique. Hence, when it is practiced in a proper way under the guidance of an expert, dhauti kriya normally does not have any side effects. However, it can also cause injury and discomfort if done incorrectly. Hence, it is always advised to practice under guidance.

Q: Can Dhauti Kriya be performed during pregnancy?

A: No, Dhauti Kriya should be avoided during pregnancy. If is advised to consult a healthcare expert to find alternative and safer practices during pregnancy.

Q: How often should one practice Dhauti Kriya?

A: It largely depends on the experience and goals of the practitioner. Beginners can keep the frequency to 1-2 times a week and advanced practitioners can safely make it a part of daily regime. However, at all points, one should listen to inner wisdom and follow as per the needs of one’s body.

Q: What is an ideal diet before and after Dhauti Kriya?

A: One can eat a light meal 2-3 hours before practice to ensure optimal energy levels however while performing dhauti kriya stomach should be empty. Hence, it requires a fasting of 2-3 hours for dhauti kriya. One should drink a sufficient quantity of water post-dhauti to enhance the cleansing process.

Q: What should be the typical duration of a Dhauti Kriya session?

A: The duration depends on two factors –1) the type of dhauti and 2) the experience of the practitioner. Normally, it ranges from 15 minutes to an hour. One should start slow and with less duration and gradually increase the timing.

Q: What to do if one experiences discomfort during Dhauti Kriya?

In such cases, it is advised to stop the practice immediately. Dhauti kriya should flow organically. If it causes pain or any sort of unease, one should consult a yoga instructor for guidance to ensure that the right technique and alignment are being followed.