“shankha prakshalana” (gastrointestinal lavage) in health and disease

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Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: “shankha prakshalana” (gastrointestinal lavage) in health and disease
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
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Original source:

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Author:

S. N. Singh, V. Jaiswal, S. P. Maurya


Ancient Science of Life:

(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)

Full text available for: “shankha prakshalana” (gastrointestinal lavage) in health and disease

Year: 1988

Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA


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Summary of article contents:

Introduction

Shankha Prakshalana is a cleansing technique aimed at purifying the gastrointestinal canal by removing toxic materials accumulated within it. This practice is ancient and rooted in yoga, specifically described in the "Gheranda Samhita," where it is regarded as a highly effective method for achieving bodily purification. The process involves consuming a designed saline solution followed by a series of specific yogic asanas that facilitate detoxification without the use of drugs. This method not only aims at physical cleansing but also at instilling a sense of mental and physiological well-being.

Effectiveness in Treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome

A significant area of application for Shankha Prakshalana is in the management of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). In a study involving 27 patients, the procedure showed considerable success in alleviating IBS symptoms. Evaluated variables included constipation, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, vomiting tendencies, irregular bowel habits, and drug dependency. Findings indicated that 85.71% of participants experienced relief from constipation, and 87.37% reported improvement in vague abdominal pain. The treatment regimen involved repeated courses of Shankha Prakshalana, illustrating not only immediate symptom relief but also a reduction in medication dependency among a substantial percentage of patients, fostering a drug-free lifestyle.

Conclusion

Shankha Prakshalana stands out as a holistic approach not merely for gastrointestinal cleansing, but also as an adjunctive treatment for conditions such as IBS and anxiety neurosis. While results have been promising, particularly in early-stage renal disorders and thyrotoxicosis, further research is essential to thoroughly establish its efficacy across different health conditions. With its simplicity and accessibility, Shankha Prakshalana emerges as a valuable method in complementary medicine, encouraging individuals to incorporate this practice into their wellness routine while emphasizing the importance of patient selection and safety guidelines.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What is Shankha Prakshalana and its purpose?

Shankha Prakshalana is a cleansing technique for the gastrointestinal canal aimed at removing toxins. It uses saline water and specific yogic asanas to promote effective bowel cleansing, contributing to better health and wellbeing.

Who can benefit from Shankha Prakshalana?

Shankha Prakshalana can benefit individuals with irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety neurosis, and early cases of renal disorders. However, it is not recommended for patients with chronic peptic ulcer, ischemic heart disease, or advanced renal failure.

What is the procedure for performing Shankha Prakshalana?

The procedure involves drinking warm saline water followed by specific asanas, repeated until clear water is evacuated from the rectum. Typically, 12 to 16 glasses of saline water are needed to complete the cleansing process.

What dietary restrictions follow Shankha Prakshalana?

After Shankha Prakshalana, it is advised to consume light foods like khicheri. Avoid milk, citrus juices, spicy foods, and alcohol for 2 to 4 days to allow the digestive system to recover.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for ““shankha prakshalana” (gastrointestinal lavage) in health and disease”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Shankha (Saṅkha, Śaṅkha, Śaṅkhā, Śāṅkha, Saṃkha, Shamkha, Shamkha, Saṅkhā, Sankha, Samkha, Samkha):
Shankha refers to the conch shell, which is an important symbol in Hindu and yogic traditions. In the context of Shankha Prakshalana, it represents the act of cleansing and purifying the body, similar to how water cleanses the conch. The term emphasizes the holistic approach toward health and wellness in yoga.

2) Prakshalana (Prakṣālana):
Prakshalana means cleansing or washing in Sanskrit. It is a key component of the Shankha Prakshalana technique, which aims to detoxify the gastrointestinal canal. The process emphasizes the removal of accumulated toxins, highlighting the significance of purification in maintaining good health and preventing diseases within traditional Ayurvedic and yogic practices.

3) Water:
Water is the essential medium used in Shankha Prakshalana, where saline water specifically stimulates peristalsis and promotes the flushing out of toxins. It serves as a vehicle for the cleansing process, essential for both hydration and detoxification, highlighting its fundamental role in physical health and physiological balance.

4) Yoga (Yogā):
Yoga is a philosophy and practice that promotes physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. In the context of Shankha Prakshalana, yoga influences the practice through the incorporation of asanas and breathing techniques, facilitating the cleansing of the body and combining physical exercise with holistic health principles aimed at detoxification.

5) Asana (Āśana, Āsana, Aśanā, Aśana, Ashana, Asaṇā):
Asana refers to the physical postures practiced in yoga. In Shankha Prakshalana, specific asanas are performed after drinking saline water to aid in the effective cleansing of the gastrointestinal tract. These movements enhance circulation, stimulate digestive organs, and contribute to the overall detoxification process, emphasizing the importance of physical activity.

6) Anxiety:
Anxiety is a psychological condition characterized by excessive worry and nervousness. The study in the text presents evidence that Shankha Prakshalana may offer relief from anxiety neurosis by promoting a sense of well-being through physical cleansing. This connection highlights the interplay between physical health practices and mental wellness in therapeutic contexts.

7) Drug:
In the context of Shankha Prakshalana, 'drug' refers to medications that may be prescribed to treat various health issues. The text notes that this cleansing practice can reduce dependency on drugs for conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, promoting a drug-free lifestyle and illustrating the potential for alternative health approaches in management strategies.

8) Vomiting:
Vomiting is a symptom that can indicate gastrointestinal distress or toxicity. During the Shankha Prakshalana process, the reduction of vomiting tendencies is noted as one of the possible benefits. This highlights the efficacy of cleansing techniques in alleviating gastrointestinal symptoms and promoting overall digestive health and comfort.

9) Neurosis:
Neurosis refers to a range of psychological conditions characterized by anxiety, depression, and emotional disturbances. The text indicates that Shankha Prakshalana may help alleviate symptoms of anxiety neurosis, showcasing how physical practices, like cleansing, can influence mental health, thereby linking physiological processes to psychological well-being.

10) Blood:
Blood is a vital fluid responsible for transporting nutrients, gases, and waste products throughout the body. In the context of Shankha Prakshalana, the process may help reduce toxic substances in the blood, improving overall health outcomes. This connection emphasizes the importance of cleansing techniques in maintaining healthy bodily functions.

11) Shavasana (Shava-asana, Śavāsana, Śavasāna, Śavasana):
Shavasana, or the corpse pose, is a yogic posture that promotes relaxation and mental calm. After the rigorous process of Shankha Prakshalana, resting in Shavasana allows the body and mind to integrate the benefits of the cleansing, supporting recovery, and emphasizing the restorative aspects of yoga in balancing physical exertion.

12) Substance:
Substance typically refers to matter or material with mass. In the discussion of Shankha Prakshalana, it can imply the various toxic materials that accumulate in the gastrointestinal tract. The cleansing aims to remove these harmful substances, signifying the importance of maintaining a clean internal environment for optimal health.

13) clarified butter:
Clarified butter, or ghee, is a traditional Indian cooking fat widely used for its health benefits in Ayurveda. Post-Shankha Prakshalana, it is recommended as part of the diet to provide gentle lubrication to the digestive tract, illustrating the role of dietary choices in complementing detoxifying practices.

14) Accumulation (Accumulating, Accumulate):
Accumulated pertains to the build-up of substances in the body over time. Shankha Prakshalana specifically targets the accumulated toxins in the gastrointestinal canal, highlighting the importance of regular cleansing practices to prevent health issues and emphasizing the need for proactive approaches to maintain bodily wellness.

15) Samhita (Saṃhitā, Saṃhita):
Samhita refers to a collection or compilation of texts, particularly in Indian literature. The mention of 'Gheranda Samhita' in the context signifies the historical roots of yogic practices like Shankha Prakshalana, underscoring the importance of traditional knowledge in contemporary health and wellness practices.

16) Channel:
Channel often refers to pathways in the body through which substances flow, such as the gastrointestinal or circulatory systems. In Shankha Prakshalana, the cleansing process opens various bodily channels, emphasizing the significance of detoxification pathways in facilitating optimal health and effective physiological functions.

17) Science (Scientific):
Science denotes the systematic study of the natural world through observation and experimentation. The text presents the case for Shankha Prakshalana as a technique grounded in both historical tradition and supportive research, emphasizing the need for scientific validation of alternative health practices within medical paradigms.

18) Edema (Oedema):
Oedema is a medical condition characterized by swelling due to excess fluid accumulation. In cases of chronic renal failure reviewed in the text, oedema presents a challenge. Shankha Prakshalana may help manage symptoms, providing insight into how cleansing practices may offer supportive benefits in managing fluid balance and kidney health.

19) Mudra (Mudrā):
Mudra refers to symbolic hand gestures used in yoga and meditation to direct energy flow. In the context of Shankha Prakshalana, while not directly stated, the incorporation of mudras could enhance the overall practice, suggesting the multidimensional approaches in yoga that support not only physical cleansing but also mental and spiritual alignment.

20) Ulcer:
Ulcer refers to a sore that develops on the lining of the stomach or intestines. The text indicates that Shankha Prakshalana is contraindicated in cases of chronic peptic ulcer, highlighting the need for caution in cleansing practices and emphasizing the importance of tailoring detoxification approaches to individual health conditions.

21) Lemon:
Lemon is a citrus fruit that is often used in cooking and as a natural remedy due to its vitamin C content. The text recommends avoiding lemon juice on the day of Shankha Prakshalana, demonstrating the significance of dietary considerations in conjunction with cleansing practices and the importance of gentle management post-detoxification.

22) Diet:
Diet refers to the types of food consumed regularly. The text emphasizes dietary restrictions to follow post-Shankha Prakshalana, indicating the importance of carefully chosen foods to aid recovery, manage digestive function, and support the overall benefits achieved through the cleansing process, showcasing nutrition as a key aspects of health.

23) Rice (Ṛce):
Rice is a staple grain widely consumed in many cultures, particularly in the Indian subcontinent. The text mentions rice as part of the post-Shankha Prakshalana diet, suggesting its role in providing nourishment and supporting digestive health after the rigorous cleansing process, highlighting how staple foods can contribute to recovery.

24) Ghi (Ghī, Ghee):
Ghee, or clarified butter, is a revered ingredient in Indian cooking known for its health benefits. In the dietary recommendations after Shankha Prakshalana, ghee provides necessary lubrication and nourishment to the digestive tract, highlighting the utility of traditional fats in promoting gut health and aiding recovery post-cleansing.

25) Milk:
Milk is a nourishing liquid that is generally consumed for its nutrient content. In the context of Shankha Prakshalana, the recommendation to avoid milk post-procedure indicates its potential to cause digestive distress in some individuals, emphasizing the importance of considering individual responses to foods during recovery and detoxification.

26) Salt (Salty):
Salt, particularly in the context of the saline solution used in Shankha Prakshalana, plays a crucial role in stimulating peristalsis and facilitating the cleansing process. It emphasizes the importance of balanced electrolytes during detoxification efforts, showcasing how specific components can significantly influence bodily functions and health outcomes.

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Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘“shankha prakshalana” (gastrointestinal lavage) in health and disease’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Diet restriction, Loss of appetite, Advanced cases, Irritable bowel syndrome, Drug dependency, Anxiety Neurosis, Biochemical changes, Thyrotoxicosis, Shankha Prakshalana, Alimentary canal, Saline solution, Yogic Asana, Renal disorder.

Concepts being referred in other categories, contexts and sources.

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