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AGNISAR
DHOUTI
Introduction
:
Dhouti
is a word made up of Sanskrit verb "Dhoo" which means
to wash. The process of such cleaning is Dhouti Kriya. However,
even if this kriya is termed as Dhouti kriya, there is no actual
process of washing involved. In this process, swift movements of
the stomach are expected. The word Agni used here refers to the
fire in the form of internal digestive juices.
Pre-position
: Standing Pose
Procedure
:
-
Stand erect with a distance of 1 to 1.5 ft in between both the
feet. Inhale.
-
Bend the legs at the knee in forward direction, place both the
hands on the knee and exhale.
-
The pressure of the shoulders should come onto the knees through
both the hands. The legs below the knees and the hands starting
from the shoulders should be in one line, diagonal to the ground.
-
After exhaling completely, contract the stomach fully and immediately
bring it back to the previous position. Continue this contraction
and expansion exercise in rapid manner. This exercise is to be
done while being in the state after complete exhalation. When
the movement of the stomach is going on, there should not be any
inhalation or exhalation i e Pooraka and Rechaka should be completely
stopped. Try to perform the process a number of times as possible
and in a firm position. Then gradually inhale, stand straight
and come back into the pre-position.
The
movement of the stomach should not be jerky but should be done rythmatically.
Duration
:
Since
the process is to be performed after exhaling, a definite duration
cannot be specified. It is expected to carry on the process till
the time the bahya ( outer ) kumbhaka can be easily maintained.
The duration of the bahya kumbhaka ( the state after complete exhalation
before inhalation ) will determine the duration of the process.
The duration will change as per the study of each sadhaka. Even
if the duration of the bahya kumbhaka is less, the process can be
studied in versions as the asanas were studied. The process can
be practised for 3 to 4 times at a stretch. However, it is not advisable
to practise it further.
Physical
Effects :
In
this process, when the stomach moves in outward direction, the pressure
reduces. When the process is performed efficiently, the pressure
reduces to the extent of -110 to -120 mm. The pressure stays for
a second and then increases to -50 to -60 mm when the muscles are
relaxed, the pressure returns to the normal and when the stomach
is contracted, it increases to +10 to +20 mm ( Ref : Yogamimansa
volume 7, No 3. December, 1957 )
These
positive and negative pressures in the stomach change with the swift
movements made during the process. Thus, they act rapidly on the
internal organs of the stomach. To understand their implication,
one must have knowledge of the blood circulation process.
The
blood vessels which carry the purified blood are termed as arteries
( Rohini ). They are quite tenacious. The excess or too low a pressure
does not affect them much. The vessels carrying impure blood are
known as veins ( Neela ). Compared to arteries, these are soft and
weak. The low or excess pressure affects them immediately. When
in the agnisar process, the pressure becomes negative, the vessels
suck blood inside. When the pressure is negative, the blood gets
sucked to that area, when the pressure is positive, the blood gets
pushed forward. Thus, in the process of agnisar, the rapid movement
of the stomach causes negative and positive pressure, the impure
blood is sucked into the veins at the same rate and pushed forward.
The pressure causes the blood to push forward. These vessels contain
flaps so that the blood flows in one direction. This causes the
circulation of the blood in the stomach to be rapid and effective,
thus improving it considerably.
The
abdominal cavity contains important organs such as stomach, small
intestines, liver, spleen, pancreas, kidney etc. The blood circulation
improves, also these organs get supply of pure blood, oxygen and
the necessary food elements, the impurities and poisonous substances
generated are effectively thrown out, which increases the efficiency
of all these organs.
There
is another important effect of the process. The muscles of the stomach
is made up of involuntary muscles. These muscles cannot be moved
as per one's wish. They are regulated by involuntary nervous system.
Hence, one cannot make the stomach exercise at one's will. The efficiency
of other muscles can be increased with the willful movement of the
muscles. However, the muscles of the stomach cannot be exercised
as such. In the process of Agnisar, since there is positive and
negative pressure on these organs, they get massaged to an extent
and moved too. This increases their efficiency and also generates
more digestive juices. This improves digestion process. The description
in the yoga texts that the agni in the stomach is ignited, can thus
be experienced. Also, the bile produced by the liver is an important
aspect of the digestion process. Since the process increases its
production, the food is digested and assimilated well and more efficiently.
The
other important gland in the abdomen is Pancreas. Pancreas produce
Insulin. Insulin helps to digest the sugar in the food items. If
enough insulin is not secreted, the sugar in the blood and urine
increases and the cells are deprived of it. That means one suffers
from diabetes. Due to the positive and negative pressures generated
in the process, the efficiency of the glands increases, more insuline
is produced and the sugar is digested properly.
It
is evident from this description that this process is useful for
the ailments such as complaints regarding digestion, indigestion,
constipation, diabetes etc. However, one should study and practise
it under expert guidance.
Precaution
:
No
one who suffers from stomach ailments should practise the process
without expert guidance. Those who have undergone any operation
of the stomach should not try to perform the process for a period
of three years from the date of operation. Afterwards too, an attempt
should be made under the expert directions. Those who suffer from
the loss of tone of the stomach or swellings of the intestines or
ailments of the liver should not practise unless advised by the
experts. Also, at one point of time, the process should not be repeated
more than 3 / 4 times.
References
in the ancient texts :
Gherand
Samhita mentions the process in its first chapter Shatkarmsadhan
as under :
Nabhigranthim
meruprushte shatwaram cha karayet |
Udarymamayam twaktwa jatharagnim vivardhayeta || G S 1.19
Vanhisarmiyam dhoutiryoginam yogsiddhida |
Esha dhoutihi para gopya devanamapi durlabha || G S 1.20
Meaning
:
Try
touching the navel hundred times to the spinal cord. This process
is known as agnisar dhouti. The process ensures siddhis for Yogis.
This process eliminates diseases in the stomach and ignites the
fire in the stomach. It is a secret process which is hard to achieve
even for the Gods.
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