Kunjara � the yogic stomach wash
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Kunjara � the yogic stomach wash
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
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Original source:
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Giridhar Yogeshwar
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Kunjara � the yogic stomach wash
Year: 1992
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Kunjara, also known as Kunjala, is a yogic practice designed to cleanse the stomach by inducing the vomiting of large volumes of water, reminiscent of how an elephant expels water through its trunk. This technique is recognized for its health benefits, particularly in maintaining a clean and functioning stomach, which is essential for overall wellness. The practice is also referred to as vamana, highlighting the act of vomiting involved in the process. It aims to prevent various ailments associated with an unclean stomach and is a reliable method within yogic traditions.
The Yogic Stomach Wash
The process of Kunjara involves consuming a substantial amount of clean, lukewarm water, typically between twelve to twenty glasses, until the individual feels a tendency toward nausea. The practitioner sits in a specific posture, the Kagasana, to facilitate the intake of water. When the pressure becomes unbearable, one can induce vomiting by using their fingers to trigger the vomiting reflex, allowing the water to be expelled in jets. This method helps remove excess mucous, secretions, and toxins from the stomach, leading to numerous health benefits. Regular practice of Kunjara can prevent diseases related to phlegm and bile, improve digestion, and enhance overall vitality, making it beneficial for ailments such as constipation, asthma, and indigestion.
Conclusion
Kunjara is a potent yogic technique that combines the principles of yoga and cleansing for better stomach health. While it offers various health benefits, such as improved digestion and the prevention of gastritis, it is advisable to practice it under expert supervision, especially for beginners. The procedure is ideally performed on an empty stomach after morning routines, ensuring the best outcomes while minimizing risks. Overall, Kunjara serves as an effective means to maintain gut health and wellness in the tradition of yogic practices.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is Kunjara and its purpose in yoga?
Kunjara, or Kunjala, is a yogic technique for stomach washing. It helps remove toxins and excess mucous, promoting a clean and healthy stomach, thereby preventing various diseases.
How is the Kunjara technique performed safely?
To perform Kunjara, sit in Kagasana, drink lukewarm or saline water, and induce vomiting by tickling the throat. It should be done on an empty stomach, ideally under expert guidance.
What benefits are associated with the practice of Kunjara?
Kunjara aids in digestion, reduces obesity, and strengthens the respiratory system. It can alleviate issues like constipation, gastritis, and even improve conditions related to the liver and kidneys.
Are there precautions one should take before performing Kunjara?
Yes, Kunjara should ideally be practiced after the morning toilet on an empty stomach. Beginners are advised to practice under the guidance of a yoga expert for safety.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Kunjara � the yogic stomach wash�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Water:
Water is a crucial element in the Kunjara yogic technique, where large volumes of lukewarm water are consumed and expelled to cleanse the stomach. It aids in flushing out toxins and mucus from the digestive system, contributing to overall health and preparing the body for the vomiting process, which is central to this practice.
2) Kunjara (Kuñjara, Kumjara):
Kunjara, also referred to as Kunjala, is a yogic practice for stomach cleansing involving the expulsion of water in jets, reminiscent of how elephants expel water through their trunks. This technique promotes digestive health, prevents various ailments, and helps maintain physical well-being through proper elimination of stomach contents.
3) Vomiting:
Vomiting, in the context of Kunjara, is a controlled process where the practitioner intentionally expels water from the stomach. This act clears excess mucous and toxins, supporting digestive health. It is a critical aspect of the practice, allowing for thorough stomach cleansing and promoting the body's natural detoxification mechanisms.
4) Elephant:
The term 'Elephant' in Kunjara symbolizes the method's inspiration, as the technique mimics an elephant's water expulsion through its trunk. This analogy emphasizes the effectiveness of the practice. Elephants are also associated with strength and health, parallel to the benefits Kunjara brings to its practitioners.
5) Hand:
The hand plays a significant role during the Kunjara practice. Specifically, the right hand is used to trigger the vomiting reflex by tickling the uvula, facilitating the expulsion of water. This action is essential to initiate and control the vomiting process, crucial for the technique's effectiveness.
6) Vamana (VÄmana):
Vamana, another name for Kunjara, translates to 'vomiting' in Sanskrit. It highlights the core action within the technique: the purposeful expulsion of water. Vamana shares similar benefits to Kunjara, as both focus on stomach cleansing and detoxification, underscoring the importance of this action in yogic health practices.
7) Yoga (YogÄ):
Yoga is the broader discipline encompassing Kunjara, linking body, mind, and spirit for holistic well-being. Kunjara is one of several practices within this discipline aimed at maintaining health and preventing illness through disciplined control over bodily functions, promoting a lifestyle of physical and mental harmony.
8) Accumulation (Accumulating, Accumulate):
Accumulation refers to the build-up of unwanted substances, such as toxins or mucous, in the stomach and digestive tract. Kunjara aims to combat this accumulation by inducing vomiting, allowing for the effective removal of these harmful elements, thus enhancing digestive health and overall physical condition.
9) Similarity:
Similarity in Kunjara’s name, Kunjala, with the word 'elephant' emphasizes the technique's method of water expulsion, likening it to how elephants discharge water through their trunks. This phonetic and functional resemblance reinforces the practice's essence in using natural mechanisms for health benefits.
10) Drowsiness:
Drowsiness is a common condition linked to poor digestive health. Kunjara combats this by cleansing the stomach, promoting energy, and refreshing the body. As excess toxins and mucous are expelled through the practice, individuals often experience alleviation from fatigue and an overall increase in vitality.
11) Itching:
Itching may arise from various causes, including skin conditions or internal imbalances. Kunjara addresses these through its detoxifying effects, cleansing the body of impurities that can contribute to such symptoms. The practice provides relief by improving overall bodily function and health, alleviating related discomfort.
12) Science (Scientific):
Science, in the context of Kunjara, pertains to the systematic understanding and application of this ancient practice. The methodical approach to cleansing the stomach resonates with modern health principles, whereby scientific exploration of bodily functions validates the effectiveness and benefits associated with this yogic technique.
13) Bandha (Bamdha):
Bandha, indicating locks or contracts in yoga, plays a crucial role in Kunjara. The Jalandhar bandha, specifically, helps manage internal pressure during the vomiting process. Such muscular contractions enhance the technique's efficiency, allowing practitioners to control their body's response and maximize the cleansing benefits.
14) Nausea:
Nausea is a primary sensation felt during Kunjara as a result of consuming large volumes of water. Practitioners must recognize and navigate this feeling to initiate the vomiting reflex effectively. The technique encourages understanding bodily signals, thus enhancing awareness of personal limits and responses during practice.
15) Reason:
Reason relates to the underlying principles and benefits of Kunjara, a method devised to maintain digestive health and prevent disease. Understanding the rationale behind the practice enables practitioners to appreciate its value, motivating them to incorporate such beneficial techniques into their regular wellness practices.
16) Phlegm:
Phlegm is a thick mucus that can accumulate in the respiratory and digestive systems, leading to various health issues. Kunjara specifically targets the removal of excess phlegm from the stomach, thus alleviating related conditions. The practice enhances bodily functions and promotes respiratory and digestive wellness.
17) Glass:
The glass used during Kunjara serves as the vessel for consuming lukewarm water essential for the practice. The quantity typically ranges from seven to nine glasses, emphasizing the importance of hydration in facilitating the cleansing process. The glass embodies the practical aspect of this yogic technique.
18) Ulcer:
Ulcers are painful lesions in the digestive tract related to overproduction of acids or inadequate mucosal defense. Kunjara aids in alleviating symptoms associated with ulcers by promoting detoxification and cleansing of the stomach, thereby improving digestive health and potentially preventing future complications related to this condition.
19) Lemon:
Lemon, often used to enhance saline water, serves a dual purpose in Kunjara: improving taste and providing additional health benefits. The citric acid in lemon helps acidify the stomach contents, which may assist in emulsifying and expelling unwanted substances, thus enhancing the overall detoxification effect during the practice.
20) Kaka (KÄka, KÄkÄ, KakÄ):
Kaka refers to the Crow posture, Kagasana, adopted during Kunjara. This posture encourages proper positioning for drinking water and initiating the vomiting process. It reflects the connection between bodily alignment and effective execution of yogic techniques, emphasizing the importance of posture in enhancing overall practice efficiency.
21) Milk:
Milk is recommended post-Kunjara to soothe the throat, which may feel dry after the practice. It represents nourishment following the intense cleansing process and aids in rehydrating the body. The inclusion of milk highlights the importance of recovery and nourishment after engaging in rigorous yoga practices.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: �Kunjara � the yogic stomach wash�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Saline water, Caution, Yoga expert, Jalandhar Bandha, Chronic Gastritis, Yogic Technique.
Concepts being referred in other categories, contexts and sources.
Clean place, Continuous practice.