Yoga to Relieve Ulcerative Colitis (UC)

Shodhana Karma (Ghata Shuddhi – Purification of body)

Shodhana means the cleansing process or purification process. It is popularly known as Shat Karma or Shodhana Karma in Gheranda Samhita and Hath Yoga Pardipika. Shat Karma is a set of six cleaning practices that helps to cleanse the important areas of the human body. It is done before other procedures like Asana, Mudra, etc.  Shodhana Karma is described in Hath Yoga Pardipika as an optional Karma and also it was not mentioned under the limbs of Hatha Yoga. While in Gheranda Samhita, Shodhana Karma is one of the seven limbs of Ghata Yoga (Sapta Shadhnam). In Gheranda Samhita, Shodhana Karma (Nirmanu Nadi Shodhana) is considered the Method of Nadi Shodhana (G. S. V/ 36, 37). 

Note:- Expert advice is necessary before doing any Karma (procedure).

To Know more about the Regulation of Shata Karma or Shodhana Karma, Click here.

Shodhana Karma Beneficial in Ulcerative Colitis

1. Dhoti Karma

This cleansing Karma is used to train the mind and body for voluntary control over the anti-peristaltic or peristaltic movement of the digestive system. Dhoti Karma helps in the cleansing of the stomach and digestive tract.

Benefits of Vata Sara Dhouti Karma in Ulcerative colitis

This cleansing procedure helps increase digestive capacity, and enhance metabolism. Thus, helping to cure various symptoms related to IBD i.e., Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.

Benefits in Vahni Sara Dhouti Karma in IBD (Ulcerative colitis)

• Deeply massage the abdominal organs
• Strengthen the abdominal muscles
• Reduce abdominal fat
• Simulate the nerve supply related to the digestive system
• Increase the capacity to digest the food 
• Promotes proper utilization of nutrients by allowing maximum assimilation, and balanced secretion of digestive juices.
• Beneficial to counteract all the symptoms related to IBD like indigestion, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, etc.

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2. Nauli Kriya

Nauli Karma or Nauli Kriya or Laukik Kriya is one of the Shat Karma (the yogic procedure done for cleansing of the body), which is a kind of abdominal massage which provides exercise to abdominal viscera and abdominal muscles. Nauli is derived from two words Nau means boat and li means ‘to adhere to or ‘to grasp’. Therefore, Nauli is the procedure in which Sadhaka (practitioner) make their body tubular shape in the middle of the abdomen, by bending forward and pushing the abdomen backward, In this procedure, abdominal organs movement is done transversally and vertically like the waves (Lehar) movement. Nauli Kriya is mentioned as Laukiki Kriya in Gheranda Samhita.

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3. Kapala Bhati      

Kapala Bhati is one of the Shat Karma and is a powerful breathing technique that helps to remove toxins (Ama) from the body. It stimulates the abdominal organs and helps to relieve various symptoms related to GIT disorders like constipation, acidity, indigestion, etc.    

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