Exploring Insight of Shankhaprakshalana
Transcription
Exploring Insight of Shankhaprakshalana
<=>??@A8734BC7874B6C 1234567879:;4 D=>??@E 22]^_212`2a2bccde212f2a2g^h2iej212klmn !!"#$$"%!&'"(")))*+,--.*/ 0 01332 456785964 59 859 9879 9 6785964 7 74 4 57 FGHIJKLMNOPQRRSPTRUGRVRWPXKWRYRWPXKLRSKZLGJKZNP[J\SKZN VOL 3 ISSUE 6 (2015) INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF AYURVEDA & ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE eISSN-2348-0173 pISSN-2395-3985 REVIEW ARTICLE Impact Factor (2014) – 0.815 by International Scientific Indexing (ISI) UAE EXPLORING INSIGHT OF SHANKHAPRAKSHALANA Sneha Borkar 1*, Prachi Dalvi 2, Sachin Uplenchwar3 1. PG Scholar, Dept. of Swasthavritta, R. A. Podar Medical College (Ayu.), Worli, Mumbai, Contact No.+919975405822, Email – [email protected] 2. Associate Professor, Dept. of Swasthavritta, R. A. Podar Medical College (Ayu.), Worli, Mumbai, Contact No. +919987155771, Email – [email protected] 3. Assistant Professor, Dept. of Swasthavritta, R. A. Podar Medical College (Ayu.), Worli, Mumbai, Contact No. +919604303672, Email – [email protected] Article Received on - 25th Oct 2015 - 5th Dec 2015 Article Revised on Article Accepted on - 16th Dec 2015 Page (Full Text Available @ www.ijaam.org) 285 All articles published in IJAAM are peer-reviewed and can be downloaded, printed and distributed freely for non commercial purpose (see copyright notice below). © 2013 IJAAM This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/deed.en_US), which permits unrestricted non commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Sneha Borkar et.al., Exploring Insight of Shankhaprakshalana, Int. J. Ayu. Alt. Med., 2015; 3(6):285-289 VOL 3 ISSUE 6 (2015) INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF AYURVEDA & ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE eISSN-2348-0173 pISSN-2395-3985 REVIEW ARTICLE EXPLORING INSIGHT OF SHANKHAPRAKSHALANA *Corresponding Author Sneha Borkar PG Scholar, Dept. of Swasthavritta, R. A. Podar Medical College (Ayu.), Worli, Mumbai, Contact No.+919975405822, Email – [email protected] QR Code IJAAM ABSTRACT: Shankhaprakshalana is one of the major Hatha Yoga practice described under the heading of Dhauti Kriya. According to Sage Gheranda, one who practices this Kriya, purifies the impurities of the body, removes all the toxins and gets a luminous body. It is the technique of cleaning entire gastrointestinal tract with salt water. Salt water is prepared by adding 2 teaspoon of salt in one liter of water so that it becomes an isotonic solution. Being an isotonic solution it does not absorbed by the gut and with the help of different Kriyas it gets evacuated by the intestines. This practice expels all impurities from the digestive tract and thereby helps to purify the system. In this paper the efforts has been made to explore the probable action of the Shankhaprakshalana Kriya on gastrointestinal tract so that the water can be evacuated out by cleaning the entire passage. Key Words: Yoga, Kriya, Shankhaprakshalana, Isotonic solution www.ijaam.org DIDS: 02.2016-94428668 ‘Dhauti’ means to wash, clean or purify. It is internal cleansing technique which is divided into many kinds and one of them is Varisara Dhauti which is also known as Shankhaprakshalana.[6] It is one of the major Hatha Yoga practices which is an effective technique for cleansing the gastrointestinal tract with salt water, thereby removing all the auto intoxicants present in it. The MATERIAL AND METHOD References have been collected from all available yoga literatures, websites, published articles, and also from modern books to support the Shankhaprakshalana Kriya. To conclude the study all available literatures and published articles referred and a humble attempt has been made to draw conclusion. ShankhaprakshalanaThe word Shankhaprakshalana comes from two words, Shankha meaning 'Conch' and Prakshalana meaning 'to wash completely'. It is also known as Varisara, cleans most of the internal parts of the body with water. The word Varisara comes from two words, Vari meaning 'water', and Sara meaning 'essence'. In this Kriya water moves from mouth, throat, stomach, small and large intestine and finally comes out of the anus. This looks like the cleaning of Shankha. Hence this cleaning Kriya (Varisara) is called by the name body cleaning Shankhaprakshalana. It has been placed at the top of all the cleansing processes. It is said that, one, who practices this Kriya, purifies the impurities of Sneha Borkar et.al., Exploring Insight of Shankhaprakshalana, Int. J. Ayu. Alt. Med., 2015; 3(6):285-289 286 The word 'Kriya' or 'Karma' is used in Hatha Yoga regarding the techniques of cleaning. When fat or mucus is excessive, the Shatkarmas or six cleansing techniques should be practiced before Pranayama. Others, in whom the Tridoshas (i.e. phlegm, wind and bile) are balanced, need not do them. [5, 16] With regular cleaning of the system one can get maximum benefit from Yoga practices. various metabolic acids and chemical wastes causing stiffness, lethargy and heaviness are washed away by this technique. It also creates a repair action which affects the lungs, nervous system, skin, sinus area and hence helps to maintain the total health of body. By removing the impurities of the Nadis, the air can be controlled according to one’s wish, the appetite is increased, the divine sound is awakened, and the body becomes healthy. Page INTRODUCTION: Yoga is an ancient science. Acharya Patanjali has stated that Yoga is to gain control over modifications of mind or Chittavritti [1] which can be achieved by having control over breath or Prana. [2] In the Pranayama technique, pressure is created in thoracic and abdominal regions in controlled and rhythmic manner. But it can be achieved only when above passage is cleaned. When the whole system of Nadis which is full of impurities is cleaned, then the Yogi becomes able to conserve the Prana. [3, 15] Hence it is necessary to keep the large cavity between mouth and anus healthy, clean and functional. To acquire this, there are six kinds of Kriyas known as Shatkarma mentioned in Hatha yoga pradipika viz. Dhauti, Basti, Neti, Trataka, Nauli and Kapalabhati [4]. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF AYURVEDA & ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE Technique: Shankha Prakshalana should be performed on an empty stomach putting on light, comfortable clothing. Bed tea or coffee should also be avoided. It is advisable to take a light, semi-liquid meal the night before undertaking this practice. On the day of kriya, the solution of salt and water is used in which non iodized sea salt 2 teaspoon is added in 1 liter lukewarm water of body temperature (360C) so that it will become nearly equal to isotonic solution. [8] Likewise near about 10 liter solution should be prepared. 1. Initially two glasses of warm water should be taken quickly. 2. Thereafter without wasting any time the following Kriyas should be performed dynamically, eight times each in the correct sequence; Tadakriya, Tiryak Tadakriya, Katichakrakriya, Tiryak Bhujangakriya, Udarakarshana kriya. 3. After this if there is any movement in the bowels then it should be evacuated and if not, again two glasses of water should be taken and the Kriyas should be performed in same order and number. 4. Straining should be avoided during defecation. 5. This process of drinking water, performing the Kriyas and going to the toilet when the pressure builds up is continued till the clear water is evacuated through rectum. Sixteen glasses are generally required before perfectly clean water is evacuated, but it varies from person to person. The speed at which one completes the practice should not be compared with that of others. This stage of the practice should be performed in a relaxed way at one's own speed. Rest: After the entire procedure is over, it is advisable to take rest for 45 minutes preferably in Shavasan in silence. Sleeping should be avoided in order to avoid complete cessation of intestinal activity. Complete rest should be taken on the day of Kriya and also the following day. . Diet: Exactly 45 minutes after completing Shankhaprakshalana the Khichari with Ghee must be taken. Afterwards further rest is necessary. FREQUENCY: This practice can be performed twice or thrice a year preferably in Ritusandhis (inter-seasonal period). Place of practice: The best place to practice Shankhaprakshalana is in the garden or in an open area where there is plenty of fresh air. The atmosphere should be relaxed and lighthearted, with no apprehension concerning the practice as this can create tension and prevent free bowel movement. Importance of procedure: Non iodized sea salt is preferred in this procedure as the components present in it dislodge the waste particles sticking to the colon and helps to kill all the harmful parasites present in it. The solution of salt water exerts a softening and loosening influence on the mucus to make it easier to wash out and clear the intestinal passages. The concentration of salt water is nearly equal to isotonic solution because it has the specific gravity nearly equal to that of the blood, hence the kidneys cannot pick up the water and the blood cannot pick up the salt, so will not lead to rise in blood pressure and water is thrown out through the anal passage [9, 18 - 20]. When large amount of salt water solution enters in stomach, it stretches the smooth muscles of stomach and stimulates the Myenteric plexus which contracts the muscles and sets up the peristaltic waves that helps to open the pyloric valve and in this way water moves downward [10]. After drinking water, five Kriyas should be performed. These Kriyas has to perform in the correct sequence so that they progressively lead to open the pyloric valve, the ileocaecal valve and finally the sphincter which are present in the anus. Tadakriya helps to exert pressure on stomach walls which may lead to open the pyloric valve by contraction of smooth muscle of stomach and allow the water to enter into small intestine. After this Tiryak tada kriya should be performed in which alternate quick sideward bending helps to contract the smooth muscles of small intestine which moves water further immediately through intestinal tract. In the third Katichakra kriya, twisting of the smooth muscles of stomach and intestine occurs which further pushes the water downwards. After this Tiryakbhujanga kriya should be performed. Its alternate twisting action may help in opening of iliocecal valve. Lastly Udarkarshkriya generates stretch in the smooth muscles of large intestine which may stimulate the recto-sphincteric reflex or the urge to defecate. In this way water is evacuated through anus. As salt water solution is isotonic, it evacuates faster through the stomach. These Kriyas help it to easily escape through intestine within 30 to 45 minutes. Sneha Borkar et.al., Exploring Insight of Shankhaprakshalana, Int. J. Ayu. Alt. Med., 2015; 3(6):285-289 287 the body, removes all the toxins and gets a luminous body. [7] eISSN-2348-0173 pISSN-2395-3985 Page VOL 3 ISSUE 6 (2015) INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF AYURVEDA & ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE Benefits: Shankhaprakshalana alleviates digestive problems such as indigestion, gas, acidity and constipation. It tones the liver, glands and other digestive organs. It has been used in the cure of diabetes mellitus, hypoglycemia, obesity, high blood cholesterol and high lipid levels. It strengthens the immune system, alleviating allergies and immunological problems. It helps to relieve the symptoms of arthritis and chronic inflammatory diseases. Excessive mucus is reduced thereby helps to relieve asthma, chronic colds and sinusitis. It purifies the blood and alleviates skin problems such as pimples, boils and eczema. Contraindications: High or low blood pressure, kidney disease, gastrointestinal ulcer, congestive heart failure or ischemic heart disease, pregnancy or menstruation, under the age of 18, fever, and recent surgical history. RESULT: Five Kriyas and warm saline water helps to open the sphincters and valves of intestine. The continuous movement of water through the stomach and intestines empties the abdomen from all faecal contents and strips off the mucus lining, which is usually covered with faeces. This unblocks the channels of flow for example, the sphincter of Oddi, where the liver joins the duodenum or the channels for the secretion of acids, enzymes, hormones and mucus which prevents the body from the digestive disorders. In this way the Nadis are cleaned and obstruction are removed. Hence these practices are used before Pranayama and other higher yoga practices in order to purify the body from toxins and to ensure safe and successful progression along the spiritual path. DISSCUSSION: A number of experiments conducted on Shankhaprakshalana revealed that either diseases can be cured or the patient’s condition vastly improved by regular practice. Study performed in IMS BHU by Dr. S. N. Singh et al on effect of Shankhaprakshalana (Gastrointestinal lavage) in Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Anxiety Neurosis and Chronic Renal Failure, shows satisfactory and encouraging results and it states that warm saline water solution along with different Kriyas is very much effective in stimulating peristalsis and opening the sphincter of alimentary canal thereby cleaning the intestinal tract [12]. Another important study in the same institute by Usha et al on chronic renal failure reveals Shankhaprakshalana was very effective in lowering the blood urea and blood [13]. pressure in the patients Swami Shankardevanda Sarasvati also reveals that Shankhaprakshalana Kriya helps in cleaning the inner lining of intestines which helps to open the channels for secretion of various components for digestion and maintain digestive health [14]. After referring all available classical texts and studies conducted in the field of yoga it can be stated that the regular practice of Shankhaprakshalana will help to purify the entire gastro-intestinal tract, and maintain perfect health. CONCLUSION: Good digestion is a key to radiant health but in today’s scenario factors such as stress, lack of sleep, use of antibiotics and poor diet choices is leading to an imbalance of digestive tract leading to digestion problems such as gas, bloating, stomach pain, constipation, heartburn and fatigue. Change in season also leads to many diseases due to change in condition of doshas in surrounding and body as well. Shankhaprakshalana is one of the most powerful shatakarma of cleaning entire gastrointestinal tract and if it is performed in interseasonal period helps in balancing the doshas and purify the body. In this way it helps to rejuvenate the body and prepare for a long and healthy lifetime for Yogic Sadhana. Sneha Borkar et.al., Exploring Insight of Shankhaprakshalana, Int. J. Ayu. Alt. Med., 2015; 3(6):285-289 288 However it varies from person to person. Rest for 45 min is essential after completion of procedure as the rhythm of the body has been temporarily disturbed. Rest in Shavasana has an intrinsic capacity for providing physical rest and mental peace. During this time the whole digestive system is given a chance to revitalize itself. After 45 min of rest the digestive organs resume their functions. Sleep during this period must be avoided as it leads to physical lethargy, headache or cold. After rest a liquid type Khichari of rice and Mung dal is taken, along with 2-3 teaspoons of Ghee. The clarified butter or Ghee is necessary to coat the intestinal walls until the body produces a new lining. The rice provides a simple, easily digestible packing material in the form of carbohydrate and creates mucus which also protects the inner lining of the alimentary canal. The lentils supplement the diet by giving the body an easily digestible source of protein. In this way it makes an all-round nutritious meal. A sufficient quantity of Khicheri must be taken to reline the intestinal walls and reactivate gastric motility. Shankhaprakshalana Kriya should be done in Ritusandhis. It is the interseasonal period pertains to the seven days at the end and beginning of each season. During this period imbalance in Doshas occur which can affects body and mind [11]. Hence Shankhaprakshalana during this period may help in balancing the Doshas. eISSN-2348-0173 pISSN-2395-3985 Page VOL 3 ISSUE 6 (2015) VOL 3 ISSUE 6 (2015) INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF AYURVEDA & ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE REFRENCES: 1. Swami Ananda Rishi. Patanjalayogadarshna: A Comparative Study. First Edition, Yoga Vidya Niketan, Mumbai, Jan 2012. p. 3 2. Swami Ananda Rishi. Patanjalayogadarshna: A Comparative Study. First Edition, Yoga Vidya Niketan, Mumbai, Jan 2012. p. 55 3. Gherenda Samhita. Editors: Digambarji, Swami and Gharote, ML. Kaivalyadhama, Lonavala, India. 1978, p. 121 4. Dr. Chamanlal Gautam. Hatha yoga Pradipika, Sanskriti Sansthan. Khwaja Kutub, Bareli (U.P.) 1975. p. 68 5. Chamanlal Gautam. Hatha yoga Pradipika, Sanskriti Sansthan. Khwaja Kutub, Bareli (U.P.) 1975. p. 68 6. Gherenda Samhita. Editors: Digambarji, Swami and Gharote, ML. Kaivalyadhama, Lonavala, India. 1978, p. 9 7. Gherenda Samhita. Editors: Digambarji, Swami and Gharote, ML. 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Norman Burke Taylor, The Physiological basis of Medical Practice, The Williams & Wilkins Company, Baltimore, Seventh Edition 1961, p. 27. 19. http://www.cleansingorsurgery.com/articles/saltwaterfl ush.php Accessed on [19-9-2015] 20. http://www.colon-cleanse-constipation.com/sea-saltlaxative.html Accessed on [21-9-2015] CITE THIS ARTICLE AS – Sneha Borkar et.al., Exploring Insight of Shankhaprakshalana, Int. J. Ayu. Alt. Med., 2015; 3(6):285-289 Conflict of Interest – None Declared Page 289 Source of Support – Nil Sneha Borkar et.al., Exploring Insight of Shankhaprakshalana, Int. J. Ayu. Alt. Med., 2015; 3(6):285-289 INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF AYURVEDA & ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE #401/8-A, 4th Floor, Shiv Shrishti Apt. Nardas Nagar, TP Rd., Bhandup (W), Mumbai – 400078 E:[email protected], Web- www.ijaam.org