Shankha Prakshalana is a yogic cleansing kriya where lukewarm salt water is drunk in stages, followed by a set of five asanas to flush the entire digestive tract from the stomach to the anus. It is also known as Varisara Dhauti in classical Hatha Yoga texts.
Yoga describes the digestive system as shaped like a shankha (conch) because of its long, spiral-like intestines. The word Prakshalana means “cleansing”.
So, Shankha Prakshalana refers to cleansing the whole gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus using warm saline water and movement.
Unlike other cleansing methods where water is vomited out, this kriya allows the water to pass naturally through the intestines. You drink warm salt water in small rounds and then perform a sequence of five movements called Shankha Prakshalana asanas. These asanas help guide the water through the digestive pathway.
The classical name, Varisara Dhauti, is made of three Sanskrit words:
The Gheranda Samhita describes Varisara Dhauti as a practice that removes toxins and brings clarity and lightness to the body.
What Shankha Prakshalana does
The main purpose of Shankha Prakshalana is to stimulate natural bowel movement without the use of medicines or harsh purgatives.
It helps the bowels clear smoothly by using warm salt water and gentle movement, reducing the chances of side effects.
This kriya is also an important part of the Ayurvedic rejuvenation method known as Kaya Kalpa.
Here, kaya means body and kalpa means transformation. So, the practice is seen as a way to physically renew and cleanse the body from within.
In this way, Shankha Prakshalana is not only a cleansing technique.
It is a holistic practice that removes internal impurities and supports both physical and mental wellbeing.
Mechanism of Shankha Prakshalana
Shankha Prakshalana begins by drinking about 250 ml of lukewarm saline water, followed by a specific sequence of five asanas:
- Tadasana
- Tiryaka Tadasana
- Katichakrasana
- Tiryaka Bhujangasana
- Udarakarshan
Each posture is done eight times to complete one full round. A practitioner usually performs 5–6 rounds, and the whole practice takes about one to one and a half hour
Why warm salt water is used
The water is kept at 38–40°C, which is gently warm. This temperature helps loosen old stool and mucus, making it easier for the bowels to release.
Salt is added so that the water does not get absorbed too quickly into the bloodstream.
This allows the water to stay inside the digestive tract and move through it smoothly until it exits through the anus.
How warm salt water works with the asanas
After drinking two glasses of water, you perform one round of the five asanas.
This movement helps guide the water from:
- the stomach,
- into the small intestine,
- through the large intestine,
- and finally out of the body.
This process washes away toxins, old waste, and mucus, leaving the digestive tract clean.
Physiological effects of Shankha Prakshalana
1. Promotes Peristalsis: The kriya washes the entire gastrointestinal tract from mouth to anus.
This stimulates natural peristalsis – the wave-like movement of the intestines which improves bowel movement and supports healthy digestion.
2. Helps Reduce Cholesterol (via Bile Removal): When peristalsis increases, food passes quickly from the stomach into the small intestine. Here it mixes with bile. Because the bowel movement is more active, bile is also removed more easily. Since cholesterol is used to produce bile, the body uses more cholesterol when bile is emptied regularly. This may help lower cholesterol levels naturally.
3. Improves Iron Absorption (Increases Haemoglobin): A thick layer of mucus in the intestines can block the absorption of iron. Shankha Prakshalana helps remove excess mucus, allowing the body to absorb iron more effectively. Better iron absorption supports healthy haemoglobin levels, improving overall vitality.
4. Activates the Parasympathetic Nervous System: Cleansing the digestive tract refreshes the internal organs and supports hormonal balance. When the body returns to balance, it naturally shifts into a calm, relaxed state, known as parasympathetic dominance.
This leads to:
- a sense of overall renewal
- a quieter mind
- better digestion
- reduced stress
Shankha Prakshalana asanas (sequence of five)
It involves five asanas in following order as described below:
1. Tadasana
- Stand separating the feet 15-18 inches.
- Bring your arms forward to the shoulder level and interlock the fingers.
- Extend them overhead with palms towards the ceiling.
- Lift the heels and stretch the body upwards as far as possible.
- Then release bringing the heels and hands down.
Tadasana opens the pyloric sphincter muscle that serves as a valve of the stomach opening to the small intestine. It streams the saline water into the small intestine along with chyme.
2. Tiryakatadasana
- Stand in tadasana with heels on the floor.
- Stretch upward and flex the waist towards left, be there for a while.
- Come back to the center and relax.
- Then bend towards the right and hold the pose.
- Again return to the center.
The bending involved in the asana contracts both sides of the coiled intestinal wall repeatedly. Thus, the water moves smoothly through the intestinal layer.
3. Katichakrasana
- Stand separating the legs 16-18 inches.
- Open the arms sideways to shoulder level with facing the floor.
- Rotate the upper body by the waist to the left.
- Bring your right hand around the body to be placed on the left shoulder bending the right elbow.
- Flexing the left elbow wrap the left arm around the twisted back towards the right placing the hand on the waist.
- Finally, turn the neck towards the left twisting the entire body to the left.
- Release and repeat on the other side.
The twisting involved in the asana exerts pressure into the intestinal muscles. It causes the flow of water downwards.
4. Tirayaka bhujangasana
- Lie down in a prone position.
- Raise your head to bring chin to the floor.
- Bring your hands beside the chest and curl the toes to the floor.
- Pressing the palms to the ground lift the chin, chest, and abdomen.
- Bend your right elbow and turn to look at your left heel, keeping the left arm straight.
- Come back to the center and then relax on the floor.
- Repeat the same on the right side.
This asana opens the ileocecal sphincter muscle and saline water reaches the large intestine. Thereby, clearing the entire pathway till here.
5. Udarakarshan
- Keep the feet hip-width apart.
- Sit bending the knee with soles on the ground.
- Keep your hands on knees.
- Push the right knee with the hand to bring it near the left foot.
- Now, push the left knee towards the right.
- Shrinking the lower abdomen, turn to look towards the left shoulder.
- Be there for 5-10 breaths, inhale and come back to sitting pose.
- Exhale and repeat it pushing the left knee to the right foot.
This last pose is helpful in squeezing the large intestine, stimulating, and stretching the digestive organs. It creates contraction and relaxation in the alimentary canal.
Finally, the stagnant stool and mucous is eliminated as the bowel movement is evacuated from the gastrointestinal tract. No traces of residual particles or saline water remains in the alimentary canal.
Shankha Prakshalana step by step (procedure)
The process of Shankhaprakshalana can be categorised into 3 parts;
1. Pre-procedure – Salt Water Preparation
The lukewarm water is used to prepare the saline solution. The ratio of salt to the water remains 2 teaspoons salt in 1 liter of water. Prepare an adequate amount of saline solution, as it consumes about 16 glasses of water.
Also, prepare a special meal for post-procedure. This special meal is khichdi of rice and moong dal cooked together. Add turmeric and eliminate salt addition. Cook it using ghee at the end to prepare a semi-liquid meal.
Choose a place like a garden or a terrace where you are in contact with fresh air to perform shankha prakshalana. Ensure there is an approachable toilet nearby.
Morning hours are preferable for this practice around 6-7 am.
2. Cleansing procedure – bowel movement
Begin with drinking 2 glasses of saline water and immediately perform the above-mentioned set of 5 asanas, 8 times each to complete the first round. Drink another 2 glasses repeating all the asana, 8 times each.
Repeat it a third time and then go to the toilet to check whether there is any bowel movement or not. Be there for 1-2 minutes and do not exert pressure externally.
Come back to repeating the procedure of drinking water and resume the asanas. It is followed by again visiting the toilet. Continue the process for about 6 rounds.
Almost after third round the evacuation process begins. The first time is accompanied by solid stool, followed by a mixture of stool and water. The concentration of stool decreases progressively and finally clear water will pass out of the anus.
3. Post-procedure – eat & relax
After the evacuation of clear water, stop the process and lie down in shavasana. Relax the body for 45 minutes maintaining complete silence.
Following the resting period of 45 minutes, eat the khichdi on time. Eat a sufficient amount to refine the intestine to resume peristalsis. Rest after having the first meal, but avoid sleeping for 3 hours. Repeat the meal after about 6 hours of the first meal.
Avoid any physical and mental activity for the whole day and keep resting the following day as well. Do not repeat this technique more than twice a year.
Duration – The process of shankha prakshalana must be completed in a day as described above.
Alternatively, beginners can perform it by following the process consecutively for 6 days. Have the first round of saltwater and asanas on the first day, followed by evacuating bowels. On each passing day keep increasing one round to complete the course in 6 days.
Types of Shankhaprakshalasna
Based on the quantity of saline water, Shankha prakshalasna is two types;
1. Laghu shankha prakshalana
Laghu means less or short. Here laghu referred to the quantity of saline water and the proportion it cleanses. In Laghu shankha prakshalana, maximum of 6-8 cups of water are taken only and then asanas are performed for bowel movemnt.
This is a shorter technique for cleansing the alimentary canal. For this also lukewarm salty water is prepared.
- Begin with drinking 2 glasses of prepared solution.
- Perform the 5 asanas as that of shankha prakshalana respectively, eight times each.
- Drink 2 glasses of saline water and repeat the asanas eight times each.
- Repeat it one more time and then go to the toilet.
- Check whether the bowel movement has been initiated or not without pressurizing externally.
- If it has not been started it will eventually come on later.
This practice takes one hour. It is important to take rest post practice for half an hour before having any food or drink.
2. Poorna Shankaprakshalana
Poorna means full or complete. In Poorna Shankaprakshalana, one keeps drinking water and performing 5 asanas back to back until the water coming out anus is as clean as the water going in.
Who should avoid this practice
Avoid the kriya if you have:
- Heart disease or high blood pressure
- Weak kidneys
- Pregnancy
- Gastric or intestinal ulcers
- Severe back pain
- Recent abdominal surgery
Precautions
- Stop the kriya as soon as clear water begins to pass.
- Do not sleep immediately after the practice.
- Avoid liquids for 2 hours after the meal.
- Avoid spicy, oily, packaged or non-veg foods for one month.
- Avoid dairy, pickles, sweets, and sour fruits for at least a week.
- No alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs for a month after the kriya.
- Keep the body warm to avoid cold, headache, or nausea.
Benefits of shankha prakshalana
1. Improves natural bowel movement: Shankha Prakshalana has been shown to support regular bowel movement and improve overall bowel health when practised regularly, reducing discomfort associated with constipation. In a controlled study, participants practising the kriya weekly for four weeks reported significant improvement in bowel health scores without adverse effects.
2. Supports colon cleansing for medical procedures: Research comparing Shankha Prakshalana with standard bowel preparation solutions found that this yogic technique prepared the colon effectively for procedures like colonoscopy, with fewer side effects such as nausea or bloating. This suggests its potential as a natural and well-tolerated method to clear the bowel when guided correctly.
3. May help reduce digestive discomfort: Evidence from reviews of clinical studies has found that the technique may help manage symptoms of digestive irregularities such as constipation, IBS, and abdominal discomfort. These benefits are likely due to improved peristalsis and coordinated movement of the gastrointestinal tract.
4. Enhances appetite and digestive function: A pilot study indicated that regular practice of this cleansing kriya not only clears the digestive tract but also improves appetite levels in healthy adults. Better appetite often reflects improved digestive function and gut signalling.
5. Safe for mild use in hypertension (under guidance): Pilot research suggests that a milder version of the practice (Laghu Shankha Prakshalana) can be safely introduced in individuals with essential hypertension, potentially supporting measures that aid blood pressure management as part of a broader yoga lifestyle.
6. Cleanses the entire digestive tract: Unlike enemas or local colon cleanses, Shankha Prakshalana involves flushing the entire digestive system from the stomach through to the large intestine using warm saline water and movement. This thorough approach helps remove old faecal matter and mucus that may otherwise remain deeper in the intestinal folds.
7. Promotes lightness and mental well-being: Although more research is needed, many practitioners and observational reports describe a sense of lightness and physical comfort after the practice, likely due to the removal of stagnant waste and improvement in gut motility. Traditional yoga texts support this as a preparatory kriya for deeper meditation and calm.
FAQs Shankha Prakshalana
1. What is the best time of day to practise Shankha Prakshalana?
The best time is early morning on an empty stomach, ideally between 6–7 am. This is when digestion is calm, the intestines are empty, and the body responds well to cleansing.
2. Do I need to fast before practising Shankha Prakshalana?
Yes. You should practise the kriya only after a light dinner the previous night and with no food in the morning. A clear stomach helps the saltwater move smoothly through the digestive tract.
3. What if the water does not come out during the practice?
If water does not pass out after the first few rounds, repeat the asanas slowly without forcing the bowels. Most people start eliminating after the third round. If there is still no movement, stop the practice and rest.
4. Can I drink plain water instead of salt water?
No. Plain water gets absorbed quickly by the intestines and does not cleanse the digestive tract. Saltwater stays inside the gut and supports the full washing effect.
5. How should I prepare my body before doing Shankha Prakshalana?
For 2–3 days before the practice, avoid heavy, fried, or spicy foods. Eating simple meals helps reduce mucus and prepares the intestines for cleansing. Light yoga or walking also helps.
6. Can I do other yoga practices on the same day?
Avoid all strong yoga practices on the day of Shankha Prakshalana. Instead, rest, stay warm, and allow your digestive system to recover. Gentle breathing or meditation is fine in the evening.
7. How long should I follow the special diet after the kriya?
Follow the simple diet of khichdi, ghee, and soft foods for at least one day. Avoid spicy, oily, sour, or processed foods for a minimum of one week to protect the cleansed digestive lining.
