Procedure, Benefits, Contraindications – Fitsri Yoga

Shatkarma, the six purification methods of Hatha Yoga, are designed to cleanse the internal body and prepare it for higher yogic disciplines. Among these, Dhauti kriyas are aimed at the digestive tract, helping eliminate waste, mucus, and impurities that interfere with digestion and mental focus. Kunjal Kriya or Vaman Dhauti is related techniques that use induced vomiting to cleanse the upper stomach region. While the process appears similar, they differ in purpose, timing, and application. A clear understanding of both practices allows yoga practitioners to choose the method best suited to their needs.

What is kunjal kriya?

Kunjal Kriya is a traditional cleansing practice from Hatha Yoga, used to flush out impurities from the upper digestive tract through controlled, voluntary vomiting.

In this technique, a large amount of lukewarm saline water is consumed beyond the stomach’s normal capacity. After keeping it in the stomach for a few moments, the water is expelled by stimulating the gag reflex, typically using the fingers. This helps release mucus, toxins, and undigested food particles from the stomach lining.

Kunjal Kriya is especially useful for relieving acidity, bloating, and digestive discomfort. As described in the Gheranda Samhita, regular practice may also support the functioning of the liver and spleen. By removing stagnant food residues, the kriya prevents the buildup of am a sticky, toxic substance in Ayurveda considered a root cause of many health issues.

What is vaman dhauti?

Among the six Shatkarmas (purification techniques) described in yogic texts, Dhauti is listed as the first and foremost. The term Dhauti literally means “washing” or “cleansing.” This kriya is further classified into four types, each designed to purify different sections of the upper digestive system.

Vaman dhauti is a similar practice to kunjal kriya where the content of the stomach is thrown by induced vomiting. It’s also called vyaghra kriya (tiger-like action); Just as a tiger vomits its food after a few hours of eating it, in the same way, vomiting is done in the Vaman dhauti to flush out undigested food particles. Vaman dhauti is also known as ‘Jala dhauti‘ and ‘Gaja karni kirya‘.

However the procedure of both kriyas are identical, the difference is based on the timing and purpose. Vaman dhauti is done after 3 or 4 hours of having a meal whereas kunjal kriya is a morning practice that is advised to perform on empty stomach.

How to do Kunjal kriya(steps)

Kunjal Kriya or Vaman Dhauti is traditionally performed early in the morning on an empty stomach. It involves drinking a large quantity of lukewarm saline water followed by induced vomiting to cleanse the upper digestive tract. Follow these step-by-step instructions:

1. Prepare a bottle of lukewarm saline water
2. Drink water in a sitting position
3. Perform abdominal moments
4. Induce throat to vomit
5. Relax in Shavasana

1. Prepare lukewarm saline water

Heat 1.5 to 2 litres of pure drinking water to body temperature (around 37°C).
Add 1 teaspoon of salt per litre and mix well. Beginners may use up to 2 teaspoons to trigger nausea more easily.
Keep the water in a bottle or large container with a glass ready for quick drinking.

2. Drink the water (seated position)

Sit in a squatting position, keeping the knees apart so the abdomen is not compressed.

Begin drinking the saline water quickly but calmly, aiming to consume about 1 litre without pause.

Take a short break, then drink the remaining water. Stop once your stomach feels completely full and a sense of nausea sets in. This signals readiness for the next step.
Now, stand up straight to begin the cleansing phase

3. Perform abdominal moments

Perform abdominal moments to let the water moments well inside the stomach so that cleansing would be more effective.

Fastly expand and contract abdominal muscles a few times, just as if you are performing Uddiyana Bandha. Now, when you start feeling straining because of the weight of the water into the stomach, you ready to throw it out.

4. Induce throat to vomit out water

Bend your trunk forward at 90° angle while keeping feet at a distance of 1 to 1.5 ft.

Now, press your ‘stomach in’ with exhalation in the same bending position. At the same time, insert your index and middle finger of the right hand deep down into the throat.

Generally, a little pressure of finger at the end of the tongue is enough to induce vomit.

Inducing let the water come out in gushes but sometimes it comes out in a small amount in the beginning. Water comes out in tasteless & yellowish colour in beginning but after a few gushes, water comes out comparably bitter in taste. This shows undigested residue has eliminated completely in the process.

In the end of kunjal kriya, drink one glass of water for final cleansing.

5. Relax in Shavasana

After completing the drinking procedure, wash your mouth and face with clean water. relax your body in Shavasana for 10-15 minutes. after that, you can continue daily routine work or asana practice.

One should take food at least one hour after completing the kunjal kriya. Eat rice pudding or take sweet milk to get abdominal organs back in its working.

Contraindications

Kunjal Kriya should be avoided in certain physical conditions where the practice may lead to discomfort or adverse effects. It is contraindicated in the following cases

• Avoid during pregnancy or menstruation, as the practice may strain the abdominal region.
• Do not perform if you have a stomach hernia, as induced vomiting can worsen the condition.
• Individuals with heart disease should refrain from this kriya due to the risk of increased cardiac stress.
• Hematemesis (vomiting of blood) is a serious condition and makes this practice unsafe.
• Those with abdominal tumours should avoid this technique, as it may aggravate internal pressure and cause complications.

Precautions

• Try to expel as much of the water as possible during vomiting. Retained water may lead to acidity or discomfort later.
• Check the temperature of the water before drinking. It should be lukewarm neither too hot nor too cold.
• Individuals with high or low blood pressure, respiratory issues, or peptic ulcers should avoid this kriya.
• Trim your fingernails before inserting fingers into the throat to prevent injury to the mouth or throat lining.

Kunjal kriya(vaman dhauti) benefits

After performing Kunjal Kriya or vaman dhauti, many practitioners notice an immediate feeling of lightness in the stomach and clarity in the head. Over time, this practice supports various systems in the body not just digestion.

Below are some of the key benefits experienced through regular and mindful practice.

1. Enhances digestion – Kunjal Kriya temporarily reduces the load on the digestive system, allowing it to reset. It stimulates the digestive organs, increases appetite, and provides relief from indigestion and constipation.
2. Strengthens respiratory system – The act of induced vomiting strengthens the respiratory muscles and lowers airway resistance. This helps improve lung function and supports the management of bronchial asthma, bronchitis, and other pulmonary disorders.
3. Clears skin – Regular practice is known to clear skin conditions such as acne, itching, and eczema. Many yogis observe a natural glow in the skin and a delay in the signs of aging with consistent kriya practice.
4. Balance Kapha and pitta dosha – This kriya is especially beneficial for those struggling with weight gain, allergies, fluid retention, fatigue, insomnia, and depression conditions often linked to imbalanced Kapha and Pitta doshas. Kunjal Kriya clears excess mucus, phlegm, and harmful bacteria from the stomach lining, restoring doshic balance.
5. Helps in weight loss – By neutralising excessive stomach acid, Kunjal Kriya reduces unnatural hunger and excessive thirst, which can contribute to obesity. Additionally, the muscular contractions during the kriya help tone abdominal muscles, aiding in weight management.

Kunjal Kriya FAQs