Returning from a long trip, or after a few days of festivities often leaves the body feeling drained, heavy and the mind scaterred, taking mental and physical effort to get back our daily routines.
As a yoga practitioner, I rely on a series of yogic cleansing techniques, known as kriyas, to restore my body’s equilibrium and bring mental clarity. You could even call it a quick hack! These practices help detoxify the system, enhance energy flow, and prepare the body for deeper yogic practices.
Introduction
The root cause of many diseases is the accumulation of toxins and impurities in the body. In Ayurveda, this is referred to as Ama, a harmful substance that can disrupt the body's natural balance. Toxins enter our system through the air we breathe, the food and beverages we consume, and impurities in our blood. These substances often settle in the sinuses, lungs, digestive tract, and colon, leading to a range of health issues.
Impure blood, for example, is often the result of impaired digestion. Digestion can become compromised due to various factors such as toxins in food, consuming the wrong types of foods for one's body type, overeating, or eating improperly cooked meals. While some of these factors can be managed, others are beyond our control, especially when traveling.
As a Health Coach, the most common concern I hear is: “So, I can’t do anything while traveling?” or “I’ll start working with you once I’m back from my trip.” People often feel that their busy travel schedules prevent them from maintaining a healthy lifestyle. However, it's important to recognize that life, festivals, holidays, and travel are not the times to be on strict diets. Instead, we can incorporate simple habits to keep our systems clear of toxins and prevent the formation of diseases, even while on the go.
To help reset, reboot, and maintain my healthiest self, I practice these 5 Yogic Kriyas every time I return from a trip and right after festivals or holidays. Here’s how I use these kriyas to stay rejuvenated and healthy after traveling:
Jalneti
Jalneti, a nasal cleansing technique, involves using lukewarm saline water to clear the nasal passages. This kriya helps remove dust, allergens, and mucus accumulated during travel, which can clog the sinuses. Regular practice of Jalneti improves breathing, supports the immune system, and enhances concentration. It’s especially beneficial for those prone to sinus infections or respiratory issues, like I have struggled with throughout my life.
Kapalbhati
Often confused and practised as a pranyama, Kapalbhati is actually a Kriya, that focuses on rapid inhalation and exhalations to expel toxins from the sinuses, nasal passages and the lungs. It is considered a form of internal purification that works on the respiratory system. Practicing Kapalbhati helps release stagnant air, revitalizes the nervous system by increasing oxygenation, and sharpens mental focus. Diseases that don't start in the gut start in the respiratory organs due to exposure to toxins, bacterias, viruses in the air we breathe. Kapalbhati is an effective way to cleanse the body of impurities and regain a sense of calm and clarity lost during travel.
Vaman Dhauti (Kunjal Kriya, Gajakarni)
All the heavy, fried, bready food still feels like it is sitting in your system? Here's the most improtant Kriya - Vaman Dhauti, also known as Kunjal Kriya or Gajakarni. It is a cleansing practice that involves drinking lukewarm saline water and then inducing vomiting to cleanse the stomach. This kriya is beneficial for flushing out toxins, undigested food, relieving acidity, and clearing the digestive tract. After a period of irregular eating habits or exposure to different cuisines, Vaman Dhauti helps reset the digestive system, making it an ideal practice post-travel/ festivals/ partying etc.
Hip Bath with Ashvini Mudra, or simplified Vajroli
A hip bath, combined with the practice of Ashvini Mudra and Vajroli Mudra, is an effective way to stimulate the pelvic region and support the cleansing of the excretory organs. The hip bath involves sitting in boiled and then cooled down water to improve circulation and promote relaxation in the lower body. I prefer adding a mild alkaline antiseptic to disinfect considering all the public toilets we have to use when traveling. Ashvini Mudra, which involves contracting and relaxing the anal muscles, and Vajroli Mudra, focusing on drawing up the pelvic floor, further enhance the cleansing effects. Together, these techniques improve digestive health, stimulate the nervous system, and aid in releasing tension accumulated during travel.
Jihvamula Shodhanam, Kapalrandhra Dhauti, and Karna Randhra Dhauti
These three cleansing techniques target specific areas of the head, mouth, throat and neck.
Jihvamula Shodhanam: This involves cleaning the root of the tongue to remove toxins and impurities that build up, especially after irregular eating.
Kapalrandhra Dhauti: A forehead cleansing technique that involves massaging the area between the eyebrows to release tension and improve mental clarity.
Karna Randhra Dhauti: Involves gently cleaning the ear canals, which helps balance the body's pressure systems and enhances sensory perception.
Incorporating these ancient cleansing practices purifies the body and strengthens resilience against disease, allowing us to thrive physically and mentally, and enjoy life guilt-free. By investing a little time in these rituals, we can rejuvenate ourselves and remain energized to pursue our goals and passions, and feel our best everyday.
If you’re interested in learning these techniques or looking for guidance on integrating holistic wellness practices into your life, I invite you to practice yoga with me or seek personalized health coaching. To learn about my programs, click here.
PS: Please practice under a trained and certified practitioner, at least for the first few times till you have learnt them properly. Do not attempt without guidance.
Comments