27/04/2021
Kunjal Kriya (the practice of vomiting water)
Preparation:
Wash your hands and make sure the nails are carefully trimmed.
Prepare about 2 litres of lukewarm (body temperature) water per person, adding 1 teaspoonful of salt per litre according to taste.
Technique:
Stand near a sink or toilet, or if the weather is warm,in a suitable place outside in the garden or near an open drain.
Drink at least 6 glasses of the prepared water, one after another,as quickly as possible, until the stomach cannot hold any more. It is most important to drink fast and not just sip the water.
When the stomach is full, the urge to vomit will occur automatically.
Lean forward, keeping the trunk as horizontal as possible.
Open the mouth and place the middle and index fingers of the right hand as far back on the tongue as possible.
Gently rub and press the back of the tongue.
This should induce the water to gush out from the stomach.
If there is no expulsion of water,it means the tips of the fingers are not far enough down the throat or that the tongue is not pressed.
The more the practioner relaxes into practice, the easier it will be.
During the expulsion of water the fingers may be removed from mouth, although this is not necessary.
When the flow of water ceases, again place the fingers in the mouth and repeat the process.
Continue in this way until the stomach is empty.
Additional practice: Kunjal should be followed by jala neti.
Time of practice: Kunjal is best practised in the morning before breakfast. However,if it is very cold, wait until the day has warmed up a little. It is essential that no food be taken before the practice.
Frequency: Kunjal may be performed once a week unless otherwise directed by a competent teacher.
Precaution: When the vomiting reflex ceases to bring up any water, stop the technique as it is a sure sign that the stomach is empty. This technique remove some of the stomach lining, leaving it temporarily vulnerable. For this reason,it is advised to eat a light meal half an hour after completion of the practice.
Contra-indications: These practices should not be performed from hernia,high blood pressure, raised intracranial pressure, heart disease, stroke, acute peptic ulcer or by diabetics with eye problems. They are not recommended during pregnancy.
Benefits: This technique tone and stimulate all the abdominal organs by inducing strong muscular contractions in the stomach walls. Excess mucus is removed, helping respiratory functions.
This technique help to release pent-up emotions and emotional blocks or feelings of heaviness in the heart caused by inner and external conflict and pressures.
Practice note: Plain water may be used on the advice of a competent teacher. Salt water, however,dissolves mucus and also inibits the secretion of acid in the stomach, making it generally preferable, and a must for those suffering from excess mucus and hyperacidity.
The biggest obstacle to this technique is the mental block which people have towards the idea of vomiting. Some people are unable to bring up the water at first. The water in the stomach will then simply pass through the system in the normal way.
The expelled water might be discoloured, especially on the first few attempts. This can be caused by fermented food particles,biles or mucus from the stomach. When the stomach is completely clean, the water will become clear.
Source-Asana Pranamaya Mudra Bandha
Swami Satyananda Saraswati
Editorial: Kunjal should be done twice a week as it is best preventive and curative kriya for COVID-19.