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Review Article
Priya et al. WORLD JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL
World Journal of Pharmaceutical and Medical Research
AND MEDICAL RESEARCH ISSN 2455-3301
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VARISARA DHAUTI/ SHANKHAPRAKSHALANA

1
*Dr. Priya Pathak, 2Dr. Ankush Jagota, 3Dr. Umesh Shukla, 4Rajika Gupta and 5Prof. T. C. Thakur
1
PG Scholar, 2Lecturer, 3Sr. Lecturer, 4Reader, 5Prof. & HOD
P.G. Department of Swasthavritta & Yoga, R.G.G.P.G. Ay. College & Hospital, Paprola, District Kangra, H.P.
(176115).

*Corresponding Author: Dr. Priya Pathak

PG Scholar P.G. Department of Swasthavritta & Yoga, R.G.G.P.G. Ay. College & Hospital, Paprola, District Kangra, H.P. (176115).

Article Received on 11/06/2020 Article Revised on 01/07/2020 Article Accepted on 22/07/2020

ABSTRACT
Varisara Dhauti is one of the major Hatha yoga practices, it is also known as Shankhaprakshalana. “Dhauti”
refers to 'internal washing' and “Vari” means 'water'. Generally the term Shankhaprakshalana is applied, Shankha
means 'conch', because of its resemblance to the stomach and intestines; Prakshalana means 'cleaning’.
Shankhaprakshalana is modified to suit the fast paced life and persons with weak constitutions. It is a technique by
which all the toxic materials accumulated in the gastrointestinal canal are washed out. In Shankhaprakshalana,
intake of plain salty water and some yogic Aasanas are the only requirements for the process. No drugs are
required. All the deleterious effects of purgatives are totally absent. Hatha Yoga has six basic steps of Moksha, i.e.,
Aasana, Pranayama, Mudra, Pratyahara, Dhyana and Mukti. For proper Aasana and Pranayama body should be
devoid of any obstruction like diseases, Meda, Shlesma etc. Provisions for removal of these are explained in the six
Shodhana Kriya/ Shatkarma. Shatkarma is not mentioned in the Patanjali Yoga Sutra. Description of Shatkarma is
available in the text of Hatha Yoga.

KEYWORDS: Varisara Dhauti/ Shankhaprakshalana, Aasana, Moksha, Pranayama, Mudra, Pratyahara,

Dhyana, Mukti, Meda, Shlesma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS Varisara Dhauti is drinking water up to throat, then move
the abdomen so that to pass the water through the lower
Hatha Yoga has six basic steps of Moksha, i.e., Aasana,
passage (rectum). Process of Varisara Dhauti cleans the
Pranayama, Mudra, Pratyahara, Dhyana and Mukti. For
body. By practicing it carefully, one gets shining body.
proper Aasana and Pranayama body should be devoid of
any obstruction like diseases, Meda, Shlesma etc.
Though there are a lot of techniques in present era which
Provisions for removal of these are explained in the six
are adopted by different Yoga schools, but in the present
Shodhana Kriya/ Shatkarma.
article we choose the method advocated by Bihar School
of Yoga- Munger. In this technique, the person drinks
Shatkarma is not mentioned in the Patanjali Yoga Sutra.
lukewarm saline water and perform the series of five
Description of Shatkarma is available in the text of
simple Aasanas (Tadaasana, Tiryaka Tadaasana, Kati
Hatha Yoga. Shatkarma has six procedures:
Chakraasana, Tiryaka Bhujangaasana and
1. Dhauti- A series of cleansing techniques for
Udarkarshanaasana). Due to all these Aasanas, water
digestive system.
easily go down from stomach to rectum and clean the
2. Basti – Washing and toning the large intestine.
tract. All these steps are repeated until passing of clear
3. Neti – A process of cleansing and purifying the nasal
water starts from anus.
passage.
4. Nauli – Massaging and strengthening the abdominal
Before undertaking the Kriya/ Purva Karma
organs.
 Before undertaking Shankhaprakshalana Kriya, five
5. Trataka -Intense gazing at one point or object to
Aasanas should be practiced regularly for at least
develop power of concentration.
one week so that during Prakshalana the Aasanas
6. Kapalbhati – Breathing technique for purifying the
respiratory tract. are exercised conveniently with ease.
 Jala Neti and Kunjala Kriya should be learned.
Objective of the Varisara Dhauti/ Three days before undertaking Shankhaprakshalana,
Shankhaprakshalana is to cleanse the gastrointestinal Kunjala and Jala Neti Kriya should be practiced
tract. every morning before breakfast. This practice helps

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Priya et al. World Journal of Pharmaceutical and Medical Research

in drinking enough water during Prakshalana and until eventually a clear water solution is expelled
there will not be any vomiting sensation. through the rectum.
 It is advised to take light, semi-liquid meal the night  While passing through the intestinal tract the
before undertaking the practice. solution takes up waste substances which diffuse
 Those who are unable to follow these restrictions from the blood through the intestinal wall.
should not practice Shankhaprakshalana.
 This practice should only be attempted under expert Use of Lemon for Varisara Dhauti/
guidance. Shankhaprakshalana
 All guidelines and restrictions must be followed  Lemon is considered as a cleanser, alkalizing agent
strictly to avoid harmful side effects. and container of vitamin C.
 Lemonated salty water, taken first thing in the
Requirements for Varisara Dhauti/ morning, is considered as a preventive measure
Shankhaprakshalana against constipation.
 Clean distilled water
 Vessel for water Pradhana Karma of Varisara Dhauti/
 Tumbler Shankhaprakshalana
 Khichari First Round
 Lemon  Start the process in the early morning.
 Salt (Saindhava)  Individual will be advised to drink two glasses of
 Hand Towel lukewarm salty lime water as quick as possible.
 Soap  Series of five specific Aasanas are performed
dynamically, eight times each, in the correct
 Toilet
sequence i.e., Tadaasana, Tiryaka Tadaasana,
KatiChakraasana, Tiryaka Bhujangaasana and
Preparation for Varisara Dhauti/Shankhaprakshalana
Udarakarshanaasana.
 Gently warm plenty of water to 34-40°C
(Lukewarm) and also extra hot water in case the  After completion of first round,he/she will be asked
for urge of defecation. Guidelines will be given to
temperature of the water cools. Add 2 teaspoon of
not use force to produce a bowel movement.
salt (Saindhava) per liter of water (with high blood
pressure use salt with caution). The temperature of  This completed one round. Then second round will
the water should be kept constant throughout the be started.
whole practice and add 4-5lemons in it.
 Weight assessment is important before starting the Second and Third Rounds
procedure. As weight is the basic tool to assess the  All the rounds are same as first.
purification of the individual.  Do not rest between the rounds. He/She will be
 Vitals should be checked to avoid any complication. advised to drink 2 glasses of water and advised to
perform 5 specific Aasanas, eight times each.
 Start the practice early morning in empty stomach.
 After the fifth or sixth glass, individual will be asked
Use of Salt for Varisara Dhauti/ Shankhaprakshalana to go to the toilet and perform Ashvini Mudra (rapid
contraction and release of the anal muscles). This
 Salt used in Shankhaprakshalana process reacts in
Mudra stimulates peristalsis of the intestines.
the stomach where it mixes with acids and enzymes
and forms a more diluted and less potent acid  He/She will be advised to spend little time as much
solution. as possible in the toilet.
 Salt acts as a very potent and efficient means to  The aim is to build up the internal cleansing
dissolve the mucous and thus helps cleanse the pressure.
intestinal linings.  In between the Aasanas, if there were an urge of
 In small quantities it has soothing effects on defecation, he/she will be advised to do not ignore,
inflamed linings. and go to the toilet. After Returning from toilet,
he/she will be asked to complete the round before
NOTE: Scientifically, hypertonic or isotonic saline water finishing off.
is absorbed only in minor quantities in the intestines. On
the contrary, it may even help extract osmotically, the All other rounds
fluids from the local areas.  After a few rounds of this procedure, individual will
 Warm salty solution produces stimulation and notice that only liquid begins to come out. Initially
peristalsis of the entire gastro-intestinal canal the liquid is yellowish in color but gradually it
leading to a free and quick discharge of all the begins to get clearer.
residual materials from the body.  Generally on an average 14 to 20 glasses of water is
 Thus, the salty water if taken through the alimentary sufficient for getting the clean water to come out
canal in sufficient quantity, causes a watery diarrhea from the rectum. After 3-4 motions drinking of

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Priya et al. World Journal of Pharmaceutical and Medical Research

water will be stopped and Kunjal Kriya will be 3. Kati Chakraasana (The waist twist pose)
performed.  Stand straight with feet about two feet apart and the
arms by the sides.
Sequence of evacuation  Make fist of the right hand with thumb inside, place
 At first, Solid stool it in the center of the lower back, press it nicely.
 Followed by mixture of stool and water  Inhale; bring the left hand on the right shoulder.
 Then more water and less solid stool  Exhale, as you twist the upper body to the right side
 As practice progresses cloudy yellow water and turn your head fully to your right to look behind
 Finally almost clear water towards the left heel.
 Keep the feet firmly on the ground while twisting.
Assessment criteria of weight  Hold the position for a few seconds.
 Weight Increases - Adham Shuddhi  Inhale and return to the staring position.
 Weight remains constant - Madhyam Shuddhi  Similarly repeat the process on the left side.
 Weight decreases - Uttam Shuddhi  Inhale and return to the starting position.
 This is one round.
Five Special Aasanas  Repeat total 8 times (each side 4 times). All 8
The five Aasanas which form the core of the practice are rounds should take no more than 30 seconds.
related directly to the 4 alimentary valves. They help to  Kati Chakraasana massages the small intestine.
stretch, massage and relax all parts of the alimentary
canal and enhance the cleansing process. Physiological explanation
Twisting of this Aasana passes salty water downwards
1. Tadaasana (The Tree pose) into small intestine.
 Keep the feet apart 16-18 inches from each other.
 Lift both the arms in front, bring it to shoulder level 4. Tiryaka Bhujangaasana (The twisted cobra pose)
and interlock the fingers.  Lie with forehead down on the stomach with feet
 Take interlocked hands up and face the palms up, about half a meter apart, heels should be on top and
straighten the arms, toes are curled under, hands directly under the chest.
 Inhale, Lift the heels up and stretch the body in  Now inhale and raise the head forward.
upward direction, stay for a while and then release  Exhale, twist the head and upper portion of the body
it. to the right shoulder and look over the shoulder at
 Exhale, bring the heels down on the floor and hands the left heel.
on top of the head.  Try to feel a diagonal stretch of the abdomen.
 This is one round.  Relax the back and keep the navel as close to the
 Repeat 8 times. All 8 rounds should take no more floor as possible.
than about 40-60 seconds.  Stay in the final position for few seconds.
 Tadaasana acts mainly on the stomach.  Inhale; bring the face forward again.
 Exhale; twist to the other side without coming back
Physiological explanation to the floor.
It opens the pyloric valve between stomach and small  Inhale and return to the centre and exhale as you
intestine, and then water enters into small intestine. lower the body to the floor.
 This is one round.
2. Tiryaka Tadaasana (The tree in the wind)  Repeat total 8 times (each side 4 times). All 8
 Take the same position as Tadaasana without lifting rounds should take no more than 60 seconds.
the heels.
 Stretch the body up and bend towards left from Physiological explanation
waist and hold the position for some time. Tiryaka Bhujangaasana opens ileocecal valve between
 Come back to pre-position and relax. small intestine and large intestine then water enters into
 Similarly repeat the process on the right side. large intestine.
 This is one round.
 Repeat total 8 times (each side 4 times). 5. Udarakarshan Aasana (Abdominal massage)
 All 8 rounds should take not more than 60 seconds.  Sit in squatting position with feet apart and hands on
 Tiryaka Tadaasanaacts on the small intestine. the knees.
 Inhale; bring the right knee to the floor near the left
Physiological explanation foot, pressing the stomach with the left thigh.
Contracts both sides of the intestinal layers repeatedly,  While doing so push the left knee towards the right.
then salty water enters into intestinal layers.  Exhale, turn the head towards the left side and look
over the shoulder.
 Stay in the final position for a few seconds.

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Priya et al. World Journal of Pharmaceutical and Medical Research

 Inhale and come back to the starting position.  Cigarettes, tea, coffee, betel nut preparations such as
 Similarly repeat on the right side. pan and other type of intoxicant or drug should also
 Inhale and come back to the starting position. not be taken.
 This is one round.
 Repeat total 8 times (each side 4 times). All 8 Diet
rounds should take no more than 60 seconds.  The diet should be as pure and simple as possible.
 It includes foods such as rice, wheat bread,
Physiological explanation vegetables with low acidic content, nuts, lentils,
Udarakarshan Aasana squeeze and massage the soya beans and other pulses.
Caecum, sigmoid colon and rectum, and also stimulate  Drink only warm water on the same day after the
the Rectosphincteric reflex (Reflex characterized by a procedure.
transient involuntary relaxation of the internal anal  After Shankhaprakshalana the digestive system is
sphincter in response to distention of the rectum)or the very vulnerable and extra care should be taken to
urge to defecate. protect the body.

After the Procedure/ Pashchata Karma Anatomy of Varisara Dhauti/Shankhaprakshalana

 One should lie down in Shavasana for 5-10 minutes There are 4 valves in our food passage.
and relax.
 After completion of cleansing of the intestines, They are
Kunjal Kriya and NetiKriya was performed, 1. Lower esophageal sphincter/ Valve
followed by a mandatory 30-45 minutes rest. Kunjal 2. Pyloric sphincter / Valve
is necessary to empty the stomach of any remaining 3. Ileocecal valve
saline water and to balance the upward and 4. Anal valve or valve of Ball.
downward force as well as to balance the downward
movement of intestine. The complexity of the G.I.T (Gastrointestinal tract) and
 The practitioner must try to avoid sleep, so that its sensitivity to day to day tensions are common causes
complete cessation of intestinal activity can be to restrict the flow in the system.
avoided.
 After a break of 30-45 minutes a liquid type They lose their natural function and become inefficient
Khichari of rice, Mung Dal, little bit of rock salt and and gradually the system starts to pack up. This causes
little Haldi (Turmeric) must be taken as a meal, auto-toxemia, a state where the body’s own wastes
along with 1-2 teaspoons of Ghrita (Clarified begin to poison itself.
butter), this will reline the walls of the intestines and
reenergize gastric motility. Common reasons that the digestive system becomes
 The practitioner must try to avoid milk and milk inefficient at assimilating and eliminating are-
products, as they may cause diarrhea in some cases.  Poor food habits
 On that day any such movements that have the  Sedentary lifestyles
potential to create excitement, tension or change of  Late eating hours
temperature must be avoided as the body, being in a  Habitual snacking
sensitive state, is susceptible to cough, cold or fever.  Dehydration etc., causes stomach ailments.
 In order that peristalsis of the intestines is
stimulated, it is advisable to practice Agnisara Shankhaprakshalana practice reconditions the function
Kriya. of the valves and eliminates all types of toxins out of the
 It is perfectly normal that no bowel movement takes bloodstream.
place for two or three days following the practice.
On the early morning of the next five days, one may Physiology of Varisara Dhauti/Shankhaprakshalana
choose to drink warm, unsalted water (four to five  First and second Aasanas (Tadaasana & Tiryaka
glasses), and after each glass perform the same Tadaasana) create some strain and unfolding of
exercises as with Shankhaprakshalana. extra fold of stomach and duodenum, due to this this
condition water can easily move downward with
Food Restrictions remnant matter of the intestine.
 For at least one week after the practice, all  Third Aasana is the Kati Chakraasana, which
chemically processed, synthetic, pungent, spicy, slightly twists small intestine. Due to twisting,
acidic, rich and non-vegetarian foods must be mixing of water and matter of the intestine occurs.
strictly avoided. When matter is mixed with the water it becomes soft
 No pickles, sweets, chocolates, ice cream or soft and moves downwards easily.
drinks should be taken.  Fourth Aasana is Tiryaka Bhujangaasana, due to
this Aasana straightening and twisting of small and

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Priya et al. World Journal of Pharmaceutical and Medical Research

large intestine occurs at a time, so further movement DISCUSSION

of water becomes easy.
Mode of Action: Varisara Dhauti/
 Fifth & last Aasana is Udarkarsan Aasana,
Shankhaprakshalana
Udarakarshan Aasana squeeze and massage the
Samshodhana Chikitsa/ Shatkarma is one of the prime
caecum, sigmoid colon and rectum, and also
purificatory procedures employed in treating a
stimulate the Rectosphincteric reflex.(Reflex
constellation of symptoms and stubborn disorders. By
characterized by a transient involuntary relaxation of
this mode of therapy vitiated Doshas are evacuated from
the internal anal sphincter in response to distention
the body. Shodhana procedures/ detoxification
of the rectumor the urge to defecate.)
procedures are essential components of the management
 Process completes after cleaning of intestines i.e., in various metabolic disorders.
passing of clear fluid.
Varisara Dhauti/ Shankhaprakshalana
Advantages ↓
 Cleanses and tones up the entire intestinal tract. Srotoshodhana (Rasa- Rakta adi Srotasa)
 Removes the toxic waste accumulated product from ↓
the body cells, thus it relieves acidity, indigestion, Apaan Vayu Swasthana Gaman
flatulence, constipation etc. ↓
 Also cures gynecological problems. Vatashamana
 Cleans the whole body.
 Intestine is the site of Agni and Mandagni is the root Helps to correct vitiation of Vata in various metabolic
cause of any Nija Roga. After cleansing of the disorders & restore overall health
intestine, every cell functions properly and removes
the root cause of disease. CONCLUSION
 Physically ShankhaprakshalaKriya alleviates
In Varisara Dhauti/ Shankha Prakshalana, intake of
digestive problmes such as indigestion, acidity and
plain salty water and some yogic Aasanas are the only
constipation. It generally tones the liver and other
requirements for the process. No drugs are required. All
digestive organsandglands. It has been used in the
the deleterious effects of purgatives are totally absent.
cure of diabetes mellitus, hypoglycemia, obesity,
high blood cholesteroland high lipid levels.
So, from this article it can be concluded that Varisara
Itstrengthensthe immune system, alleviating
Dhauti/ Shankhaprakshalana is a simple purificatory
allergies and immunological problems. Ithelps
yogic procedure which can be given to each and every
relieve thesymptoms of arthiritis and chronic
individual to prevent any kind of metabolic disorder and
inflammatory diseases. Excessive mucus is reduced
for restoration of their health.
relieving asthma, chronic colds and sinusitis. It
purifies the blood and alleviates skin problems such
REFERENCES
as pimples, boils and eczema.
 Pranically, Shankhprakshalana recharges the entire 1. Hatha Yoga Pradipika- Swami Dwarika Das Shastri.
pranic body, removes blockages from the Nadis and 2. Gheranda Samhita- Paramhansa Swami Ananta
purifies all the Chakras. The harmony of the five Bharti.
Pranas is restored and the energy level is raised. It 3. Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha- Swami
prepares the way for higher states of consciousness. Satyananda Saraswati, Yoga Publication Trust,
Any Sadhana performed after this cleansing practice Munger, Bihar, India.
gives manifold results. 4. Anatomy and Physiology of Yogic Practices- M.M.
Gore.
Contraindications 5. yogapoint.com.
 Hypertension
 Chronic Peptic Ulcer,
 Pregnant and menstruating woman,
 Heart patients, persons with renal failure (End
stage), hernia should also avoided.
 Person with mental disorders and children under the
age of 10.
 It should also be avoided in weak and debilitated
patients.

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