The anus is in the shape of Shankh a conch. The cleaning activity is called Prakshalan. Therefore the cleaning of the anus is called Shanka Prakshalan.
Shankh prakshalan kriya is the most important process among all the Yogic cleaning kriyas, meant for the complete internal cleaning of the body. This is an activity, which is to be processed with great care. There are four asanas that are to be postured to get maximum benefit in this regard. Before practicing the asanas, saline warm water is drunk so that 30 to 40 ft long canal from mouth to anus is cleaned thoroughly.
As we require more to clean a Zigzag tube than a straight tube, similarly we require more water to clean the zigzag passages in our abdomen. This entire water is to be pushed into the stomach through the mouth, from the stomach to small intestine, from the small intestine to large intestine and from the large intestine to the rectum. All the undigested particles of food and other accumulated wastes are pushed forward and conveniently let out along with the water through anus.
Before attempting to Shankh Prakshalan, 5 to 6 liters of warm water either with one percent of salt or juice of 5 to 5 limes mixed should be kept ready.
The Following four asanas are to be practiced in their order for Shankh Prakshalan kriya.
- Sarpasan
- Urdha hastasan.
- Kati chakrasan and
- Udar akarshanasan.
Every time before attempting these asanas one glass of salted or limed warm water is drunk.
Principles you should remember before doing Shankh prakshalan kriya.
- The above four asanas are to be practiced regularly for at least one week, before undertaking Shankh Prakshlan kriya. So that during prakshalan the asanas are exercised conveniently with ease.
- Three days before undertaking Shank prakshalan, Gaja karni or Jala dhauti kriya should be practiced every morning before breakfast. This practice helps in drinking enough water during prakshalan and there will not be any vomiting sensation.
- Nothing should be eaten after 4 pm a day earlier of undertaking Shankh prakshalan. Liquids may be taken if one feels so.
- It takes half an hour to one hour for the completion of Shanka prakshalan kriya and the salted or limed water cannot remain warm so long. Therefore the water should either be warmed at intervals or hot water is added so that warmth is maintained while drinking.
- Those who don't have the feeling of exerting the motion even after having 8- 10 glasses of water, further drinking of water should be stopped for some time and the whole body should be r9olled on the floor for some time. This will accelerate the main kriya.
- After the completion fo the prakshalan some salt water remains in the stomach. To get it out, Jala dhauti kriya is done using 5 to 6 glasses of fresh warm water without any salt.
- After Jala dhauti, Jala neti kriya should be done.
- Every machine is lubricated when it is overhauled. Similarly after cleaning the internal parts of the body, pure ghee is to be consumed compulsorily. That completes the overhauling of the body.
- Before undertaking Shakh Prakshalan, pudding with 100 gm of rice, 100 gms of moong dal with a pinch of salt is cooked and kept ready. After the Shank Prakshalan is completed 75 gms of pure ghee is throughly mixed in the pudding and eaten belly full. The same pudding is prepared for lunch and for the supper. On the whole, nearly 250 gms of ghee is to be consumed on that day.
- The ghee produces energy in the body. Nothing should either to be eaten or drunk on that day expect the prescribed pudding, Tea, coffee, milk, curd, buttermilk, fruits, curries, tobacco, alcohol, paan, pickles, and smoking must strictly be avoided for minimum 3 days after the kriya. A little water may be taken. Light food is to be taken on the second and third day along with 15o gms of ghee respectively.
- Bath can be taken before starting the prakshalan process. After Shankh prakshalan, the bath should not be taken. Soon after the process, clothes are changed. The pudding should be eaten within 45 minutes.
- All the parts of the body become very delicate when shankh prakshalan kriya is undertaken. Therefore 24-hour rest must be given to the body and mind. Complete rest is a must, no work should be attempted during rest. One should get up only either to eat the food or to attend the calls of naute. Physical rest on the following 2 days is much preferable. Fans or air conditioning should be avoided.
- PErsons suffering from an ulcer, heart trouble, and weakness; children, aged people, pregnant and those women who have their periods within a week should not attempt shakh prakshalan. Persons with high B.P should use lime juice instead of salt in the warm water. This prakshalan should be undertaken first time under the guidance of Yoga experts only.
- In case of very weak people or people above 55 of age, Laghoo shakh prakshalan can be done, when the process is terminated after 1 or 2 exertions.
- The process should not be under taken on cloudy, rainy or when stormy winds blow and in a very hot or very cold season. It is best when done between 6 am to 10 am in Indian climate.
- During this kriya, stool excretes with great force, so toilet should be made available for passing the stool immediately.
- Sexual activity should be avoided a day before and 5 days after shakh prakshalan kriya as the inner organs become very sensitive.
- At the time of performing Shankh prakshalan the required things should be kept ready which include, 6-7 ltrs of warm saline water, glass, jug, jalaneti pot, towel, napkin, soap, khichdi and undisturbed toilet facility with flowing water.
- Following the above rules Shankh prakshalan kriya can be performed once in 3-4 or 6 months.
Benefits of Shankh Prakshalan:
IF it is done according to the prescribed procedures there are a number of advantages. Internal organs including stomach, liver, kidney, intestines are cleaned hence their diseases are brought under control. Gastric trouble, acidity, indigestion, constipation, etc. are total eradicated. The fat accumulated in the stomach and waist is reduced. This kriya also helps in curing chronic diseases and disabilities like diabetes, asthma, eczema, etc. Skin becomes brighter as the blood is purified. High blood cholesterol and high lipid levels are brought to normal.
