I want to know more about shankhprakshalan. how to do and their benefits. thnks.

(May 24, 2012)

The word Shankhprakshalan is derived from two words- Shankha which means “conch” and prakshalan which means “to wash completely”. Shankha is taken to represent the entire alimentary canal, right from the mouth to the anus. The practice of Shankhprakshalan is considered among the major Hatha yoga practices and is commonly called as varisara dhauti. Shankhprakshalan is thus regarded as a thorough cleansing technique. This technique completely cleanses the intestinal tract as also helps in detoxification of the body. Shankhprakshalan is not very difficult to practice and can be done at home. If however, you are a beginner in yoga and have never done this cleansing technique before you should practice it with proper guidance from an experienced yoga teacher. Shankhprakshalan is also part of six yogic cleansing practices. This practice should be followed only once or twice a year for a normal healthy person. If you suffer from diabetes or mild constipation or asthma, you can perform this yogic practice more frequently.

Shankhprakshalan is a complete physiological overhaul which begins the night before you actually practice it. It is advisable to eat a light meal the night before. The practice of Shankhprakshalan involves practicing the following yoga poses:-

Tadasana (Mountain Pose)
Triyak Tadasana ( Swinging Palm Tree Pose)
Katichakrasana ( Waist Rotating Pose)
Triyak Bhujangasana(Twisted Cobra Pose)
Udarakarshana (Abdominal Stretch Pose)

You can practice 8 or more rounds of the above poses. Ensure that you drink two glasses of lukewarm salt water between every two rounds. You might even feel the need to visit the washroom after a complete round.

There are many benefits of practicing Shankhprakshalan. It helps to restore the normal functioning of the intestines, relieves constipation, menstrual cramps, flatulence, indigestion, acidity as well as acne and boils. It can also help to prevent the formation of kidney stones as well as keep urinary infections at bay.

Submitted by A V on May 24, 2012 at 05:17

What is shankhaprakshalana diet?

The Shankhaprakshalana diet refers to the diet one must follow after you have practiced Shankhaprakshalana. Shankhaprakshalana is the yogic practice of thoroughly cleansing one’s body. The meal that one partakes of after practicing Shankhaprakshalana should comprise of “khichri” or a mixture of rice and green gram lentils that is made with clarified butter. This “khichri” should be first eaten about two hours after practicing Shankhaprakshalana. It is essential that this meal be eaten at the correct time. The various ingredients in this meal help to restore the proper functioning of the digestive system. Carbohydrate intake is in the form of rice which is a simple digestible food. This rice also creates mucus which protects the inner lining of the alimentary canal. The lentils in this “kichri” are a source of protein which is also easily digested by the body. The clarified butter which is used to cook this meal in serves the purpose of coating the intestinal walls until the body itself produces a new coating.

It is vital to consume this meal after practicing Shankhaprakshalana for the reasons mentioned above. Some yoga experts also feel that broken wheat, rice, boiled vegetables, lentils as well as some Indian bread can be taken after the practice of Shankhaprakshalana. Foods that should be avoided in the Shankhaprakshalana diet include all dairy products, (milk, cheese, yogurt and so on), tea, coffee, fruits, sweets, eggs, onion and garlic. Any sour, pungent, bitter or spicy foods, refined or processed foods as well as eggplant, tomatoes, potatoes and other underground vegetables should be avoided as well. Meat, tobacco and alcohol are forbidden for two weeks after you have practiced Shankhaprakshalana.

It is important to follow this diet correctly as the intestine are in a sensitive state after the practice of this cleansing technique. This diet helps the intestine to return to its normal state. If this diet is not adhered to, it could lead to problems which may only show up later on.

Submitted by A on May 24, 2012 at 05:16