How to Practice Varisara Dhauti (Shankhaprakshalana) and Its Benefits and Precautions

In the ancient practice of yoga, detoxification of the body plays a vital role in maintaining physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Among the various yogic cleansing techniques, Varisara Dhauti, also known as Shankhaprakshalana, stands out as a powerful practice designed to cleanse the entire digestive tract. Rooted in the Hatha Yoga tradition, this technique purifies the body from the inside out, removing toxins and improving overall digestive health. In this article, we will explore the history of this practice, why it is performed, detailed steps on how to do it, the scientific benefits it offers to the digestive system, and important cautions and contraindications.

History of Varisara Dhauti (Shankhaprakshalana)

Varisara Dhauti, or Shankhaprakshalana, is an ancient yogic practice mentioned in classical texts such as the Hatha Yoga Pradipika and Gheranda Samhita. The term “Shankhaprakshalana” is derived from two Sanskrit words: “Shankha” meaning “conch,” symbolizing the digestive tract, and “Prakshalana,” meaning “cleansing” or “washing.” Thus, Shankhaprakshalana is the “cleansing of the conch,” metaphorically representing the thorough purification of the intestines.

Historically, this practice was taught by yogis to help aspirants remove impurities from their bodies to support spiritual progress. In the context of Hatha Yoga, cleansing techniques like Varisara Dhauti were designed to prepare the body for higher stages of meditation by eliminating physical and energetic blockages. While these practices were once confined to traditional ashrams and monasteries, they have now gained global attention for their remarkable health benefits.

Why Perform Varisara Dhauti (Shankhaprakshalana)?

The primary reason to perform Varisara Dhauti is to thoroughly cleanse the entire digestive tract, from the mouth to the rectum. It helps remove toxins, waste, and undigested food particles that may accumulate over time due to poor dietary habits, stress, and a sedentary lifestyle. As the digestive system plays a crucial role in overall health, detoxifying it can improve digestion, enhance nutrient absorption, and promote mental clarity.

Additionally, Varisara Dhauti is highly recommended for those experiencing chronic digestive issues such as bloating, constipation, acidity, and irregular bowel movements. By flushing out impurities, this technique rejuvenates the digestive system, helping it function optimally.

From a yogic perspective, a clean digestive system also supports the free flow of prana (vital energy) throughout the body. In yogic philosophy, an accumulation of toxins or impurities can obstruct prana, leading to disease and imbalance. By practicing Shankhaprakshalana, one can remove these blockages and restore energetic balance.

Scientific Approach to Varisara Dhauti (Shankhaprakshalana)

From a scientific perspective, Varisara Dhauti (Shankhaprakshalana) primarily works by improving gastrointestinal motility and facilitating the removal of built-up waste from the intestines. The key mechanism involves drinking warm saline water, which stimulates peristalsis—rhythmic contractions of the muscles in the digestive tract. The salt in the water prevents absorption into the bloodstream, allowing the liquid to travel through the entire gastrointestinal system and flush out toxins, waste, and undigested food.

The specific yoga asanas performed during the practice help mechanically direct the water through the small and large intestines, ensuring that it reaches all areas of the digestive system. This combination of saline water and physical movement enhances the body’s natural ability to eliminate waste, similar to a colon cleanse, but more holistic and gentle.

By clearing blockages in the intestines, Shankhaprakshalana improves digestion and nutrient absorption, supports the gut’s natural microbiome, and reduces symptoms such as bloating, constipation, and indigestion. The practice also aids in detoxifying the liver and kidneys, key organs involved in the body’s filtration and detoxification processes.

How to Perform Varisara Dhauti (Shankhaprakshalana)

Shankhaprakshalana is typically performed in the morning on an empty stomach. The practice involves drinking a large quantity of warm saline water while performing specific yoga asanas to help move the water through the digestive system. The entire process is done until the water that is passed through bowel movements is as clear as when it was ingested.

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Step-by-step guide on how to perform the practice:

Preparations Before the Practice

Time: Early morning is the best time to perform Shankhaprakshalana on an empty stomach.

Water: Use warm, slightly salted water (2 teaspoons of salt per liter). The salt helps prevent water absorption into the bloodstream and facilitates its passage through the digestive system.

Environment: Ensure you have access to a toilet, as the practice induces multiple bowel movements.

Dietary Precautions: Avoid eating spicy or heavy meals the night before. A simple meal of rice or khichdi (a mix of rice and lentils) is ideal.

Mental Preparation: The practice can take up to a couple of hours, so dedicate enough time without interruptions.

The Procedure

Start by drinking two glasses of warm saline water.
After drinking the water, perform the following asanas in this exact sequence, repeating each posture eight times. These asanas help move the water through the digestive tract.
Tadasana (Palm Tree Pose): Stand with feet together, raise both arms overhead, interlock your fingers, and stretch upward. This opens the stomach and intestines, allowing the water to move downward.
Tiryaka Tadasana (Swaying Palm Tree Pose): In the same standing position, sway the upper body to the right and left, creating a gentle twisting motion in the abdomen.
Kati Chakrasana (Waist Rotating Pose): Stand with your feet apart and arms extended. Twist the torso to the right and left, helping move the water through the small intestine.
Tiryaka Bhujangasana (Twisting Cobra Pose): Lie on your stomach, place your palms under your shoulders, and lift your torso into a gentle backbend. Twist to the left and right to massage the abdominal organs.
Udarakarshanasana (Abdominal Stretch Pose): Squat down with your heels on the ground. Place one knee on the floor and twist your body to the opposite side. This helps move the water through the colon.
After completing the asanas sequence first time , drink another two glasses of warm saline water and repeat the same asanas eight times (Second time). Continue this process, alternating between drinking water and performing the asana (third time), Then go to toilet after a few minutes or so, come out, regardless of whether there has been any movement or not; it is not essential at this point.
Drink two more glasses and repeat the five asanas eight times. Again go to the toilet, but do not use force to produce a bowel movement.
Continue drinking the water, performing the asanas and going to the toilet when the pressure builds up.
Spend as little time in the toilet as possible, a minute or so is enough. The aim is to build up the internal cleansing pressure.
At first solid stool will be evacuated followed by a mixture of stool and water.
As the practice progresses more water and less solid stool will be excreted.
Eventually cloudy yellow water and, finally, almost clear water will be evacuated.
Sixteen glasses are generally required before perfectly clean water is evacuated, but it varies from person to person.
The speed at which one completes the practice should not be compared with that of others.
This stage of the practice should be performed in a relaxed way at one’s own pace.
After the practice is complete, rest in Shavasana (Corpse Pose) for at least 45 minutes. This allows the body to recuperate from the cleansing process. but do not sleep as a headache or cold may result.
It is important to keep warm during this resting period, So cover yourself with a blanket
Maintain silence for that period.

Post-Practice: Kunjal kriya followed by jala neti should be performed 10 minutes after completing the internal wash. Once these have been performed, then rest.

Post-Practice Meal: Exactly 45 minutes after completing Shankhaprakshalana, it is essential to eat a specially prepared meal of khicheri. This timing is crucial as the body’s natural rhythm has been temporarily disrupted, and 45 minutes after the practice, the digestive system begins functioning again.

The ingredients in khicheri play a key role in restoring proper digestive function. Clarified butter (ghee) coats the intestinal walls until a new protective lining is formed. Rice provides a simple and easily digestible carbohydrate, creating mucus that further protects the intestinal lining. Lentils offer a source of easily digestible protein, making the meal both balanced and nourishing.

It is important to eat a sufficient quantity of khicheri to ensure that the intestines are relined and their walls are stretched to prevent cramping due to the sudden absence of bulk. This bulk helps maintain intestinal tone and assists in the resumption of peristalsis (the wave-like movement that moves food through the intestines). Consuming enough khicheri also helps prevent issues such as indigestion, diarrhea, or constipation.

Further Rest

After eating, rest is crucial, but avoid sleeping for at least three hours after the initial meal, as sleeping too soon may lead to lethargy and headaches. It’s important to rest for the remainder of the day and the following day. During this time, it is recommended to maintain mouna (silence) and refrain from physical or mental exertion.

Second Meal

Another serving of khicheri should be prepared for the late afternoon or evening meal, approximately six hours after the first meal. The stomach should be filled to capacity at both meals, even if you do not feel hungry, to ensure that the intestines function properly and avoid potential digestive issues.

Benefits of Varisara Dhauti (Shankhaprakshalana)

By cleansing the intestines, this practice improves the efficiency of the digestive system, allowing for better absorption of nutrients and smoother bowel movements.
Shankhaprakshalana eliminates toxins and waste materials from the body, promoting overall health and vitality.
By improving digestion and detoxifying the system, this practice can help in weight management.
Digestive health is closely linked to skin health. By purifying the digestive system, many practitioners report clearer skin and a healthy glow.
According to yogic tradition, a clean digestive system supports mental clarity and focus, as the mind and body are deeply connected.
Removing blockages from the digestive tract supports the free flow of prana (vital energy) throughout the body, leading to increased energy levels.

Cautions and Contraindications

While Shankhaprakshalana offers numerous benefits, it is a powerful practice that should be approached with caution. It is important to consult with a qualified yoga instructor or guru before attempting this technique.

Caution

Shankhaprakshalana should be avoided under extreme weather conditions to ensure safety and effectiveness. For those residing in colder regions, it is best to practice during the warmer, dryer days of summer. This precaution helps prevent the stomach and intestines from becoming too cold. Conversely, avoid practicing during very hot conditions as excessive sweating can make the process exhausting. Additionally, it is advisable to steer clear of performing Shankhaprakshalana during very cloudy, windy, or rainy weather. Optimal times for this practice are during the transitions between seasons, when conditions are more stable and conducive to maintaining internal and external balance.

Contraindication

This practice should not be performed by individuals with ulcers, hernias, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, or other serious medical conditions. Pregnant women should also avoid this practice.
During the practice, it is crucial to drink enough water to prevent dehydration. However, excessive use of salt water can lead to electrolyte imbalances, so it is important to follow the guidelines closely.
Shankhaprakshalana should not be practiced too frequently. Once or twice a year is sufficient for most people.

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Cleansing of the Complete Digestive Tract by Varisara Dhauti also known as Shankhaprakshalana