Cleaning Your Colon | Yoga for Colon Cleansing

Colon Cleansing and Yoga


The colon is a part of the digestive system and is generally referred to as the large intestine. Its function is to separate water and salts from waste materials before they are expelled from the body. Over time, residual waste and toxic materials tends to accumulate in the colon causing it to bloat. This disrupts colon function. As a result instead of getting expelled, the toxins get circulated back into the body, leading to problems like irritable bowel syndrome, acid reflux and constipation.

In order to avoid such a situation, the colon requires period cleansing. The process of cleaning your colon helps detoxifies the body and restores regular bowel movement. There are a number of colon cleansing remedies to choose from. The natural cleaning techniques include fasting, consuming juices and herbs, and by practicing yoga colon cleansing.

Yoga for Colon Cleansing

Yoga allows for a special colon cleansing alternative procedure called Shankhaprakshalana, or varisara dhauti; this is the process of cleansing the intestinal tract using salty water to wash away the accumulated impurities and toxins. This practice helps repair damage and restores healthy colon function. Periodic practice of shankhaprakshalana is known to prevent conditions like diabetes, hypertension, cardiac arrest and kidney failure.

An individual starts the practice with two glasses of salty water, followed by six postures, practiced six times each, and repeated in two rounds. The six yoga postures include the Mountain Pose, Side Bending Stretch, Waist Rotating Pose, Twisting Cobra Pose, Abdominal Stretch Pose, and Kakhpadasana.

After you complete the first round, drink two glass of water and repeat the cycle of six postures for a second time. Now, if you need to use the washroom, be sure to do so, before continuing the practice from where you stopped.

You need to take some precautions after the practice. Be sure to assume the corpse pose for at least a minimum of 45 minutes after your undertake shankhaprakshalana. However be sure not to fall asleep during this time. Falling asleep could lead to headaches and colds.

Shankhaprakshalana is an important health function as it cleanses the colon effectively. A clean colon, in turn, helps the body maintain energy levels and healthy organ function. A healthy colon also boosts the body's immunity.

Don't practice shankhaprakshalana without the help of a trained yoga professional. If you suffer from any medical conditions, it is best to consult your doctor. Shankhaprakshalana shouldn’t be performed more than once in six months for best results.


Some References:
Cleansing Diet - Cleansing diets to detox your body, improve complexion and lose weight.

Colon Cleansing Alternative to Enemas and Laxatives - This free gradual colon cleansing recipe helps constipation and avoids the dangers of enemas and laxatives.