Kriyas that will wash out the digestive system, from the stomach to the mouth

Yoga gives great importance to cleansing, detoxifying and strengthening the body through the practice of kriyas. I have given you a kriya to do today that will wash out the digestive system from the stomach to the mouth. Follow this with exercise two, which is a breathing technique that will not only massage the abdominal organs and improve digestion but also strengthen your lungs and energise the mind.

Caution: Those with peptic or duodenal ulcers should not do exercise one. Those with high blood pressure, gynaecological problems, stomach ailments or who’ve had recent surgery, should consult their doctor before doing exercise two.

Exercise 1

• This should be done in the morning on an empty stomach and should be done once a week

• Add two teaspoons of salt to two litres of lukewarm water and drink at least six glasses at one stretch

• Make sure your hands and nails are clean. Stand near a sink with your legs apart and the back bent forward. Place index and middle fingers in the mouth and rub the back of the tongue. This will induce the vomiting process and the water will gush out of your mouth. Ensure that all the water comes out

• Relax, you can lie down if you want, and practice deep breathing for a while.

Exercise 2

• Sit back on your heels as shown, place your palms on your knees as shown, keep your back straight and close your eyes

• Exhale forcefully and rapidly through the nose in quick succession, pulling the stomach in towards the spine as you exhale. Inhalation will be automatic and passive between every two exhalations

• Practice 50 exhalations at a stretch

• Repeat three times.