Kriya - cleansing and purification techniques

These techniques should be learnt from a skilled teacher only

Nauli – purifying the digestive system

This technique ensures sound and toned functioning of the digestive system. Nauli massages the internal organs and leaves the body pure and clean. The exercise also helps you get rid of any heaviness you might have in the stomach, the intestines and the liver. Heaviness in the area of the abdomen can weigh down on internal organs. This helps toxins to accumulate near the stomach and hampers the flow of oxygen to the abdominal area, thus harming the digestive system.

Blending together three bandhas, Nauli lifts the abdominal area and rejuvenates the central parts of the body.
It is best to practice Nauli in the morning on an empty stomach.
Nauli should not be practiced during menstruation or pregnancy. People suffering from high blood pressure, heart disease or ulcers should also avoid practicing Nauli.

Practicing Nauli

1.Stand straight and open your legs hip-width. Slightly bend your knees and place your hands below the hips with your fingers facing inwards on the thighs. Keep your head straight and eyes open. Take a deep breath through your nose, breathe out fast, do a Jalandhara Bandha while holding your breath. Do Uddiyana and Mula Bandhas simultaneously for 10 seconds. Repeat 1 to 3 times.
2.Repeat step 1 but this time, once you have finished the Uddiyana Bandha "shake your stomach" by "swallowing it in" and letting it out for about 10 seconds. This massages the internal organs. Repeat 1 to 3 times.
3.Repeat step 1 but this time, once you have finished the Uddiyana Bandha, contract both sides of you abdomen until the main abdominal muscles are separated. This will create hollows on each side of the abdomen and you will see the abdominal muscles in the middle of your abdomen. Then use your hands to move the abdominal muscles to the right and to the left. Repeat 1 to 3 times.

A lot of diseases and viruses enter our bodies through the nose, invading our respiratory system (from the throat to the lungs). One of the most effective ways to disrupt this cycle is to cleanse the nasal cavities. Using a neti pot to irrigate the nasal cavities with salt water is a highly effective cleansing method.
This nasal cleansing method has deep effects on the body and mind. Irrigating the mucous membranes helps flush out any nasal mucus that may be stuck in the nostrils and sinuses, which once clean allow for smooth breathing. Regularly using neti pot puts at bay colds, coughs, spring allergies, chronic infections of the sinuses and the tonsils. Another benefit is building resistance to a variety of infections in the ears, eyes and throat.
The neti exercise also helps create a balance between the left and right nostrils by allowing an equal amount of air to enter your lungs through each one of them. This creates harmony in the nervous and respiratory systems and helps the processes of regeneration and secretion.

Instructions (you should not attempt to do this exercise before reading the instructions)

Fill the pot with salty, lukewarm water. Use a teaspoon of sea salt for each half liter of water and shake well. Stand straight and open your legs slightly, no more than hip-width. Bend forward over the sink. Tilt your head to the right and place the tip of the pot's spout at the entrance of your left nostril. Open your mouth slightly and breathe ONLY through your mouth. Keep your body relaxed and allow the water to pass from the left to the right nostril and out into the sink for about 20 seconds. Then, straighten your head and stay bent over the sink. With your finger, block the right nostril and breathe out through the left nostril.
Repeat the whole exercise with the right nostril.
Remember to breathe only through the mouth. Breathe through the nostrils at the end of the exercise. Breathing out through the nostril should be done gently to ensure no water enters the ears.
It is important you breathe out all the water after each exercise to avoid irritating the sinus and mucous membranes.

Neti pots are available in ceramic, plastic, metal and glass. It is recommended however that you purchase a pot that is not breakable and that is made of material that does not react (chemical reaction) with salt water.

Authentic Rhino Horn pots can be purchased at our studio boutique. These pots are made of recyclable, quality plastic.