Yogic Practices
Kriya | Asana | Pranayama | Bandhas | Mudras
Kriya
The material body is constantly producing waste materials through various cleansing mechanisms; lungs, sweat glans, bowels, kidneys. The purpose of yogic cleansing exercises is to assist nature in removing waste products from the body. All kriyas are especially beneficial during fasting. They speed up the detoxification process tremendously. Fasting with kriyas is nature cure for many diseases caused by toxins in the body
The six Kriyas are
1. Neti – Nasal Cleansing
2. Nauli – Abdominal churning
3. Dhauti – Upper digestive tract cleansing
4. Basti – colon Cleansing
5. Kapalabhati – Cleansing of lungs and bronchial tubes
6. Tratak – Steady gazing
Asana
Yogic postures which channel energy, open chakras (psychic centers), and remove energy blocks. They help to increase one’s flexibility with constant practice. Eventually one should be able to sit still and steady for meditation.
Pranayama
Yogic techniques of breathing and breath retention which help to regulate the life force.
Bandhas
Flexions For Control Of Involuntary Organs
Bandhas are internal flexions and are yogic techniques of controlling and exercising the involuntary organs which are connected with nerves in the body. Their effects on the nervous plexus (group of nerves) are salutary. They possess a remarkable curative value in many physical ailments concerning organic and functional disorders. Their psychological and physiological utility is remarkable.
In yoga, four Bandhas were known and practiced down the ages. They are Jalandhara, Uddiyana, Moola, and Maha bandha.
Mudras
Yogic gestures for activating the glandular functioning and the dormant psychic power centers (chakras). They aid us in getting closer to the inner consciousness.They are usually combined with bandhas whose purpose is to seal the union of prana and apana energies.
