Yoga is as significant to your physical and mental health as it is to spiritual enlightenment. A yogic path is a multifaceted approach to confluence all the aspects of being serene and divine. The concept of Yogic Kriya dates back to Vedic times. Out of several yogic methods created and devised to purify and treat the human body. These methods were actively used to cure and prevent different ailments; since then, these disciplines have been practiced with slight modifications as time advanced. There are many pros and cons of Kriya yoga; however, the former outweigh the latter. Let’s look into kriya yoga in detail.
In yoga, Kriya or Shatkarm (Sanskrit term for Cleansing Activities) are used as cleansing and purification methods used since ancient times. The six different methods used are also described in ‘Hatha Yoga Pradipika’ to reach the ultimate goal of purification of our body internally and externally.
Only when you are pure and serene inside out can you attain a state where Meditation and pranayama become blissfully productive. Kriya Yoga aims at preparing yourself for performing meditative yoga techniques overcoming any fatigue, imbalance, or discomfort. The pros of kriya yoga are clear once you start practicing different methods followed in it.
Kriya yoga is a form of yoga that helps to cleanse your mind and body. It does this by working on the nervous system and the endocrine glands, which are responsible for producing hormones in the body.
Kriya yoga is known to increase your energy levels. This is because it helps to improve the functioning of your digestive system and increases the oxygen levels in your blood.
Kriya yoga helps you concentrate better as it helps calm the mind. When your mind is calm, you can focus better on whatever task you are trying to accomplish.
Kriya yoga includes a series of exercises that help to improve your flexibility. These exercises help to stretch and tone the muscles, which in turn helps to improve your overall flexibility.
This yoga technique also involves mindful breathing, which has a calming effect on the mind and helps to reduce stress levels. Additionally, the stretching and twisting movements help release tension from the muscles, further reducing stress. Kriya yoga offers a myriad of benefits for both the mind and body. If you’re looking for a way to improve your overall health and well-being, kriya yoga may be worth considering.
It's nothing severe, but there can be some potential cons of kriya yoga you might want to consider.
It may surprise you that despite the number of benefits associated with Kriya yoga, there is a lack of scientific evidence to support these claims. This is mainly because research on the topic is still in its early stages.
One of the main disadvantages of Kriya yoga is that it requires a lot of discipline. You need to be willing to commit time and effort to practice it regularly to see results.
Kriya yoga can be physically demanding, especially if you are new. This means that you need to be prepared for strenuous exercises, which may not suit everyone.
Kriya yoga can also be emotionally challenging, bringing up repressed emotions and memories. If you are not ready to face these, Kriya yoga may not be for you.
One of the common cons of kriya yoga is that it requires a qualified instructor to learn it properly. Without an instructor, you may not be able to get the most out of practice.
The techniques of Kriya Yoga or Shatkarm follow an approach of performing six Kriya in a sequence beginning from the top of the body to the tail. These purification and cleansing methods include Yoga poses, Chanting Mantras, Pranayama/Breathing, and Meditation to raise your consciousness level and attain one ultimate goal.
Kapal+bhati refers to “Shining+Skull,” which aims to forcefully eliminate the impure elements of your stomach and air passage by intense inhalation and exhalation. This vigorous activity results in corrected respiratory disorders, activated alignment of brain cells, relaxed facial muscles, curing sinusitis. This Yogic Kriya helps and natural anti-aging remedy. The intense breathing process also enhances your lung capacity.
Neti Kriya is referred to as the process of cleansing your nasal passage. This process helps you purify your respiratory system eliminates all the impurities extracted in your throat, including excessive mucus. It also helps cure headaches common cold and improvise memory and concentration power. Neti Kriya is performed in two ways, Jala Neti (where hot water is poured into one nostril to let the liquid flows out through another nostril) and Sutra Neti (Where a cotton string is inserted through the nostril and pulled out through the mouth.).
Dhauti means “To Clean,” this method works on your intestinal tract to the stomach by inducing the anti-Peristalsis process (vomiting). This early morning practice is helpful in many ways. By practicing Dhauti Kriya, you get rid of excess acids and reduces inflammation during cold, asthma, and nausea.
Dhauti Kriya consists of eleven methods, out of which standard four are Antar Dhauti, Danta Dhauti, Hrid Dhauti, and Moola Shodhana. You can drink water to induce the vomiting process or take a cotton cloth to get the same results.
This cleansing method emphasizes massaging your abdominal muscles and digestive organs. You project your stomach muscles forward and then contract in a waveform to intensify digestion. Practicing this yogic KKriya helps you control constipation, diabetes, and sexual dysfunction. The best time to practice this Kriya is morning time on an empty stomach. High Blood Pressure and Hernia Patients need to consult their medical expert before performing Nauli Kriya.
Trataka Kriya means to stare steadily, which helps you maintain your focus and concentration. While performing this Kriya, you have to stare continuously at the flame of the candle and close them once your eyes feel tired. This Kriya enhances your visual capacity and also improves your memory. You can repeat this process at least three times. If it’s hard for you to stare at a candle’s flame, replace it with a bit of a round object.
The Term Basti or Vasti defines the urinary bladder and follows two techniques for providing medicinal fluids through either urinary opening. This method is quite identical to the medical process of giving an enema to the patient. However, Kriya Yoga is entirely natural. You can purify your large intestines with or without water through this method. This method is helpful for bowel cleansing and curing menstrual disorders.
Conclusion on the Pros and Cons of kriya yoga
Kriya Yoga enables you to gaze inwards and work on your health more internally. The purpose of Kriya Yoga is to help connect yourself with your inner elements. To look at the world better, you need to learn to look better at yourself first. This is the motive of Kriya Yoga, to set you on the right path before meditating and exploring the world of spirituality.
