Yoga is not just about physical exercises; it offers various techniques to promote overall well-being, including cleansing practices for internal organs. One such practice is Lagu Shankha Prakshalana (LSP), a gentle yet effective method for cleansing the digestive tract.

What is Lagu Shankha Prakshalana?

Lagu Shankha Prakshalana is a “short version of Shankha Prakshalana,” that involves drinking lukewarm saline water and performing a series of specific yoga poses. This combination helps to flush out accumulated waste and toxins from the colon, promoting better digestion and overall health.

When to practice?

It is highly recommended that you practice LSP first thing in the morning.

What do you need?

You only need six to eight glasses (approximately two liters) of saline lukewarm water.

How often should you practice?

If you suffer from constipation, you may practice LSP twice a week. Otherwise, you may practice once or twice a week, or as often as needed.

How long does it take?

The total duration may vary from person to person depending upon how soon you get the bowel movement. Usually, the time to do the practice as well as the bowl movement is approximately one hour.

By cleansing the colon, LSP helps to:

• Improve digestion and nutrient absorption.
• Boost energy levels and reduce fatigue.
• Support weight management.
• Enhance overall well-being.

A Step-By-Step Process for practicing Lagu Shankha Prakshalana (LSP):

Step 1: Prepare the saline water

• Take 4–6 glasses (around 2 liters) of lukewarm water
• Add a teaspoon of salt to each glass and stir until dissolved
• If you have high blood pressure, use plain lukewarm water without salt

Step 2: Drink the first set of saline water

• Drink 2 glasses of the lukewarm saline water slowly

Step 3: Perform the Shankhaprakshalana Asanas (8 rounds each)

• Tadasana (Standing Arm Stretch)
• Tiryaka Tadasana (Standing Side Stretch)
• Katichakrasana (Standing Twist)
• Tiryaka Bhujangasana (Twisting Cobra Pose)
• Udarakarshanasana (Squatting Twist)

Step 4: Drink the second set

• Drink another 2 glasses of saline water
• Perform the 5 asanas again, 8 rounds each

Step 5: Drink the final set

• Drink the remaining 2 glasses of saline water
• Perform the 5 asanas one last time, 8 rounds each

Step 6: Evacuate

• If you feel the urge to have a bowel movement during any part of the practice, stop and proceed to the toilet immediately
• Do not force or strain, allow the evacuation to happen naturally

Step 7: Post-practice

• Wait at least 30 minutes before eating any food
• You can proceed with your regular yoga routine or other activities

Asana Details:

Tadasana

Stand straight, interlock fingers and inhale while raising arms overhead, exhale bringing arms down.

It also opens a valve called the pyloric sphincter muscle

Tiryaka Tadasana

From Tadasana, bend side to side while inhaling/exhaling.

This posture helps in the movement of water in the Small Intestine region.

Katichakrasana

Twist upper body to the left while inhaling, looking over the left shoulder. Exhale to center, repeat to the right side. This posture also moves the water in small intestine area.

Tiryaka Bhujangasana

Lie on stomach, arched in cobra pose. Inhale and twist to the left, exhale to center. Repeat to the right.

This opens the second valve called Ileocecal sphincter muscle.

Udarakarshanasana

In a squatting position, twist your upper body left and right, guiding knees with hands. With the help of this posture the water moves through the area of large intestine.

Remember to synchronize the movements with your breath. Listen to your body and don’t force anything. With regular practice, you may experience improved digestion and an overall sense of lightness.

Precautions and Contraindications

While LSP is generally safe, it’s essential to take certain precautions:

• If you have ulcers or other digestive issues, practice LSP under expert guidance.
• If you have high blood pressure, reduce or eliminate the salt in the water also check with your physician.
• Avoid forcing bowel movements, as this can lead to complications like piles.
• Consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns or underlying medical conditions.

Remember, consistency is key when it comes to yoga practices. With regular practice, you may experience improved digestion, increased energy, and an overall sense of lightness and well-being.