Kunjala Kriya: The Ultimate Digestive and Immune Boosting Technique for Optimal Health

Do you know that 70% of immune functioning depends on a healthy digestive system? So, the best way to perk up your immunity is by firing up your digestion! And the simplest way to do that is – Kunjala kriya!

A little backstory!

About 17 years ago, I was living in a rented house that was owned by a police officer, very strict and a man of principles! But he had a strange ritual. He used to get up at 4:45 am every day and perform Kunjala Kriya!

Not many people in the neighborhood knew about this Yogic kriya. They heard him making these strange loud vomiting noises, every single morning at this wee hour. His loud irritating noise would wake them up in the middle of their sleep. 

But none of them ever dared to complain or mention their concerns, as he was a police officer. Nobody wants to add the name of a police officer to the list of foes! So, they simply adjusted themselves to this weird morning siren.

One day I asked him, what’s it all about? Of course, I was scared. But I had the doctor’s badge. 

That day I realized, the man behind the khaki was quite polite. He told me about his erratic food habits and lifestyle. His day’s schedule was messed up because of the strenuous job. He roams around the whole city under the sun and the rain, eating anything, at any time.

The police officer said, ‘Because of my eating habits, I had a lot of trouble with gastric issues. I was getting into this habit of taking one gastric pill every morning. Then an Ayurvedic doctor taught this great cleansing process – Kunjala Kriya’.

‘I have been practicing this daily for several years now. And it has completely transformed my life! So, even if this is a nuisance for the neighborhood, I just can’t stop the bliss!’

What is Kunjala Kriya?

Kunjala Kriya is a simple detoxifying yoga technique. Though at first, it might not look simple, actually, it is!

Kunjala Kriya is the process of ingesting salt and water to a point that it all comes out in the form of vomiting. 

Before you say yucks! It is nothing like the regular vomit that sucks!

No pain, no burn, no smell, no bad feeling.

It is a natural process used by many animals to emit undigested food. It is their way of getting rid of all the toxins. And humans have copied this technique for the ample benefits it offers. 

Kunjala Kriya helps to strengthen the digestive system. It is a simple way of back-flushing toxins from the tummy by using salt and water. In simple words, Kunjala Kriya cleans the digestive tract the same way Jala neti clears the nose. 

The salt in water neutralizes the acid, thus, curbing the burning feeling. The water contains nothing solid. Hence, it comes out quickly and easily deep cleansing everything that’s stuck inside.

Health Benefits of Kunjala Kriya

This yogic detox technique works miracles for indigestion woes. From acidity to acne, it is the magic cure. Research has also established the superb efficacy of this procedure in fighting obesity.

A boon for the liver, heart, and intestines. 

It churns out the toxins from the body thus relieving the pressure from the liver. It amps up the digestive system. And it won’t be wrong if I quote that the digestive system is the heart of your health. 

With your digestive system in line, your sleep improves, your skin glows, and your metabolism increases. You feel more energized and efficient. Your concentration and performance enhance. Thus, it has a direct or indirect impact on every aspect of your life!

Kunjala kriya restores body balance. It helps in treating indigestion and corrects gas disorders and relieves acidity with immediate effect. It is a great cure for constipation. This daily practice keeps the stomach clean and increases digestive powers. 

Erasing skin problems

Regular practice of this detox technique keeps the body clean and toxin-free. It further boosts blood circulation in the body. All of this shows up in the skin. Several pieces of research quoted its efficacy in fighting acne vulgaris. 

As I said at the beginning of this blog, this process also boosts your immunity. Strong immunity means better resistance and fewer allergies. Thus, you will see a decrease in your skin reactions and skin diseases. 

Managing obesity

Obesity is a huge problem that a large portion of the world’s population is fighting today. The spur in the health and fitness industry is a testament to this big crisis. One natural way that shows a remarkable effect in the management of obesity is Kunjala Kriya.

It gives the best possible wash to the digestive system. This process wipes the toxins right from the mouth to the stomach. Though kunjala kriya doesn’t curb appetite or change food habits, it surely does improve metabolism and remove accumulated toxins.

Mental detox

The stomach or digestion is directly linked to mental and emotional balance. A disturbance in the mental state can lead to anorexia, loss of appetite, or overeating. Kunjala kriya releases nervous tension and takes out negative emotions from the mind. But this is not an instantaneous reaction, it happens over a long and steady time of practicing this procedure.

A few more benefits added to the list:

• It helps in relieving mucus and treating respiratory disorders like cough, and phlegm.
• Since ancient times, this process has been used in treating asthma.
• It can also curb bad mouth odor.
• This stress-buster can make the mind and body feel light and refreshed.
• It is also beneficial in psychosomatic disorders.

How can you practice this simple process at home? 

You just need salt and warm water for this process. About six to eight cups of warm salty water with two tablespoons of salt. 

Quite a simple right? 

Drink up this saltwater to fill your stomach. Keep pouring until you get the urge of getting it out naturally in the form of vomit. 

But what if it does not come out naturally?

Just press the root of the tongue with two fingers. This will stimulate the vomiting reflex. In medical terminology, it is called the ‘gag reflex’.

And all the water will come out of the mouth in a gush.  Bend forward over a sink or basin and keep pressing your stomach until it is completely empty. 

This process is not at all nasty but you would never understand that until you try.

All of this would not take more than 5 minutes. 

Just five minutes of a simple procedure in the morning and you will feel light and happy all day long!

About the quantity of water

The quantity of water may differ from person to person. An anorexic person might take only four glasses while another one might take eight to ten. So, the average recommended is six glasses but you can plus or minus as per your capacity. 

Is it too complicated?

Honestly, the process is very simple and easy. But many complain of having trouble in the beginning. This happens not because of a physical difficulty but because of the mental paradigms people have about vomiting. 

Vomiting is usually seen as a very nasty thing. But in reality, it is a very powerful cleansing tool. From taking out the mucus to the accumulated toxins it can be a potent outlet for the body!

So, if you feel uneasy at the beginning, conquer your mind and do the process. Do it for a week and then you won’t be able to give up! ‘It’s too good to let go’ most of my patients tell this to me now!

So, it’s worth a shot!

Time and frequency

The best time to practice Kunjala kriya is in the morning in an empty stomach. But before doing this make sure to empty your bladder and clean your colon which means pee and poop. 

So, once it’s all out fill your tummy with salt water and let the water come out with all toxins and mucus. You can follow this process with Jala Neti for better health. 

Do not eat anything for 30-45 minutes after this procedure. Let the stomach lining get restored properly before it gets to work again!

Follow the routine every morning and experience an upliftment in your physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health, happiness, and peace.  

Kunjala kriya in Ayurveda

Laghu Shankha Prakshalana is a type of internal cleansing process in Ayurveda. It involves drinking a large amount of warm, salt water and performing specific yoga postures to stimulate bowel movements and flush out toxins from the digestive tract. The practice is believed to promote physical and mental health, improve digestion, and boost immunity. It is usually performed in the morning on an empty stomach.

Kunjal Kriya for Cough

Kunjal Kriya is sometimes used as a natural remedy for coughing and respiratory problems in Ayurveda. The practice involves drinking a large amount of warm salt water, followed by forceful vomiting to flush out toxins from the upper respiratory tract. Saltwater and vomiting are believed to help clear mucus and improve breathing. It is advisable to consult an Ayurvedic practitioner before attempting this technique, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions.

Kunjal Kriya for GERD

In Ayurveda, Kunjal Kriya is sometimes used as a natural remedy for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The practice involves drinking a large amount of warm salt water and then inducing vomiting, which is believed to help remove excess acid and toxins from the stomach, reduce inflammation, and improve digestive function. However, it is important to note that GERD is a complex condition that can have multiple causes, and Kunjal Kriya may not be appropriate or effective for everyone. It is always advisable to consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Kunjal Kriya for Pitta dosha

In Ayurvedic medicine, Kunjal Kriya is sometimes used to balance the Pitta dosha. Pitta is the energetic force that governs metabolism, digestion, and body temperature, and an excess of Pitta can lead to heat-related symptoms such as acid reflux, skin rashes, and inflammatory conditions. Kunjal Kriya is believed to help reduce Pitta by removing excess heat and toxins from the body and promoting a sense of calm and clarity. However, it is important to note that Kunjal Kriya is a strong and potentially intense practice, and it may not be appropriate for everyone.

Kunjal Kriya for Skin

In Ayurveda, Kunjal Kriya is sometimes used as a natural remedy for skin problems. The practice involves drinking a large amount of warm salt water and then inducing vomiting, which is believed to help remove toxins from the body and improve digestive function. Improved digestion is thought to have a positive impact on skin health, as the body is better able to absorb nutrients and eliminate waste. However, skin problems can have multiple causes, and Kunjal Kriya may not be appropriate or effective for everyone.

Kunjal Kriya for Migraine

There is limited scientific research on the effectiveness of Kunjal Kriya, including salt water vomiting, as a treatment for migraines. While improved digestion and elimination of toxins from the body are thought to have a positive impact on migraines, these claims have not been widely studied in a rigorous scientific manner. The current understanding of migraines is that they have complex causes, including genetic and environmental factors, and require a multi-faceted approach to management. While some people may find relief from migraines through practices like Kunjal Kriya, it is important to consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Caution!

This procedure is not recommended for people suffering from ailments like gastric ulcers or hernias. It is also not recommended for patients with heart problems, high blood pressure, or cancer. 

People with asthma should practice it only under expert guidance from a qualified Yoga Therapist or an Ayurvedic doctor.