The Kryas: The 6 purification techniques in yoga
What are the 6 kryas or purification techniques. Krya is a yoga practice that dates back to ancient times. It is based on the use of postures and body exercises designed to purify and strengthen muscle strength, mind and soul. The word krya comes from Sanskrit and means “action” or “conscious action”. Krya postures are designed to help relax, align and balance the body and mind. They can be practiced alone or in groups depending on the level of practice and the needs of the participants. Krya exercises can be used to relieve symptoms of stress and anxiety and to improve concentration and memory. The postures and exercises are designed to improve posture, breathing and flexibility.
Dhauti : cleaning of the digestive system
This practice consists of cleaning the internal organs by gargling and washing the nose and mouth with water.
Jhiva Dhauti is a practice of cleansing the tongue of toxins with a tongue scraper. Jala Dhauti, on the other hand, is a method that requires drinking two liters of hot salty water quickly, before regurgitating it to make yourself vomit. It is useful to fight against allergies and acid reflux. Shutra Dhauti is a more extreme technique that consists of swallowing a strip of cloth three meters long and ten centimeters wide, which must then be gently removed. This technique must be learned from a specialist. These methods aim to cleanse the digestive system (esophagus and stomach) in order to facilitate the circulation of the prana energy present in the food.
Neti : nose cleaning
This practice consists of cleaning the nose with salt water to clean and moisten the nasal passages. Jala Neti is a method of cleaning the nostrils by passing lightly salted water from one nostril to the other. This daily practice is very well known and widespread outside of the kriyas and helps prevent and relieve headaches, allergies and sinusitis.
Neti is an ancient practice that dates back more than 5000 years. It is one of the six major purification techniques, called Kriyas, which are mentioned in the ancient texts of India. It is made with a ceramic bowl or pot, which is filled with salt water and salt. Then the spout of the jar is inserted into a nostril while tilting the head slightly and breathing through the mouth. The liquid then slowly passes from one nostril to the other and cleanses the nasal passages. Once the process is complete, the water and nasal secretion can be evacuated by leaning to the side and allowing the fluid to drain out of the nostrils. Neti is a very effective practice that cleans, soothes and moisturizes the nasal passages. This ancient method can prevent and relieve headaches, allergies and sinusitis. It can also be practiced to improve sleep and breathing, and to calm the mind and balance the nervous system. It is very easy to learn and practice and can be done at home in a safe and hygienic way.
Basti: colon cleansing
Basti is an ancient Ayurvedic medicinal practice that consists of washing the inside of the colon using special herbs and hot water. It is based on the use of a specific mixture of oil and herbs that will purify the digestive system and the colon. Basti consists of an introduction through the rectum of an ointment of 150 ml of warm sesame oil that the yogi must keep for 10 to 15 minutes in his colon. Then a decoction of an herbal mixture that may include herbs such as ashwagandha, amalaki, shatavari and guduchi is added to the sesame oil and left for half an hour. This beneficial practice cleanses the entire digestive system and helps eliminate toxins and bad bacteria that may accumulate. Once detoxification is complete, the yogi may feel a sense of well-being, which can boost immunity and reduce stress and anxiety.
Trataka : purification of the eyes
This practice consists in focusing one’s attention on a specific object to calm the mind. Trataka is an ancient meditation practice that consists in focusing on a specific object in order to calm the mind. This practice is considered a form of yoga and can be practiced by anyone seeking to balance their mind and body. The practice of Trataka requires focusing on an object, usually a candle or a symbol, for long periods of time. This allows the mind and consciousness to reach a state of calm and inner peace. In addition, this practice can be beneficial in connecting to one’s own mind and opening one’s heart and awareness to the world around them.
Nauli : cleaning the abdomen
This practice consists of contracting and releasing the abdominal muscles to cleanse and tone the body. Nauli is an ancient practice that dates back to ancient India and is still practiced today due to its health benefits. It is a yoga technique that consists of contracting and releasing the abdominal muscles to cleanse and tone the body. By performing these movements, the yogi is able to stimulate the digestion and the internal organs, thus improving their functioning. Nauli is very useful for improving blood circulation and detoxification, but also for disease prevention, strengthening abdominal muscles and improving posture. This practice is also considered a source of inner peace and calm, which contributes to the balance and harmony of body and mind. Nauli is also considered one of the most effective practices for restoring nervous and mental balance and for strengthening immunity. Nauli is a powerful and profound practice that allows one to open up to a new consciousness and a new perception of oneself. It requires a complete mastery of the abdominal muscles and regular practice to get all the benefits possible. It is considered one of the most difficult practices in yoga, but it can be very beneficial to the body and mind if practiced correctly and with the right intention.
Kapalabhati : respiratory detox
Kapalabhati is an ancient and very powerful yoga practice that consists of breathing in and out deeply and quickly to purify the body and clean the airways. This technique is characterized by a series of active breathing movements that are performed in synchronization with the abdominal movement. During the exhalation, the abdominal muscles are contracted, pushing air out of the lungs, while the inhalation is a passive and relaxing phase. The movements are performed quickly and can be done at a rate of 15 to 40 times per minute, depending on personal ability and preference. Kapalabhati is a very beneficial practice for the body and mind, as it helps to purify the body and clean the lungs.
What is the link between kryas, ayurveda and yoga?
Kriyas, Ayurveda and Yoga are all spiritual and holistic practices that aim to elevate the mind and improve physical and mental health. Kriyas are practices of deep purification and concentration that act on the body and mind. Ayurveda is a science of health and traditional medicine that aims to maintain and promote health and balance of the body and mind. Yoga is a practice that includes meditation, breath and physical postures to restore balance to the physical, emotional and mental bodies. All of these practices are based on common principles and are designed to help achieve inner harmony and improve health.
The initiation to the Kriya of Paramahansa Yogananda includes Hatha Yoga classes with Pranayama techniques, Asanas and Kundalini energy that rises from the belly to the eyes and stomach, nourishing the lung and giving new life.
Discover our article on Pranayama