Yoga Ke Shatkarm Evam Rognivaran

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text "Yoga ke Shatkarm evam Rognivaran" by Dr. B.K. Bandre:

The book "Yoga ke Shatkarm evam Rognivaran" (Six Karmas of Yoga and Disease Prevention) by Dr. B.K. Bandre highlights the ancient wisdom of Indian Rishis who deeply understood nature and developed natural practices for healing countless diseases. In a time without modern medical facilities and research, people lived naturally and healed themselves. The six karmas (Shatkarm) are presented as such fundamental practices that can be beneficial for the daily well-being of ordinary people.

Shatkarm is utilized in Ayurveda and Naturopathy but is considered an initial process in Yoga. While the exact origin of Shatkarm is unknown, it's emphasized that common individuals can use these practices to heal themselves without extensive resources.

The text then details the six Shatkarmas:

1. Neti: Involves passing water through one nostril and out the other, and vice versa. For this, a special Neti pot is recommended. Warm water with salt is poured into one nostril while breathing through the mouth. This clears nasal passages, aids breathing, and is beneficial for colds, allergies, loss of smell/taste, headaches, worsening eyesight (requiring glasses), and nosebleeds. If water doesn't pass through, a thread can be used instead, clearing the nasal path for normal breathing and helping to normalize high blood pressure. It's also excellent for headaches, colds, and sore throats.

2. Dhauti (including Kunjal Kriya): This involves cleaning the digestive tract.

   • Kunjal Kriya: Immediately after morning ablutions, one drinks 3-4 glasses of lukewarm water with 1-2 teaspoons of salt, then induces vomiting by inserting a finger into the throat to expel the water. Eating or drinking is allowed after half an hour. Kunjal Kriya is highly effective for respiratory issues like asthma, cough, and phlegm, as well as migraines, headaches, and indigestion. It's crucial not to keep the finger in the throat for too long to avoid injury. This practice should be avoided by individuals with high blood pressure, advanced ulcers, or severe illnesses.
   • Vastra Dhauti: This is done by swallowing a 4'x22" cloth strip dipped in hot water, pulling it through the stomach, and then expelling it. Both Kunjal Kriya and Vastra Dhauti are particularly useful in disease prevention.

3. Kapalbhati: This is primarily for cleansing the lungs by rapidly exhaling. The breath is expelled quickly and forcefully, causing an automatic inhalation. This rapid lung movement is beneficial for asthma, cough, phlegm, and colds. It also aids smokers in quitting and relieves headaches. However, Kapalbhati should not be performed by individuals with Tuberculosis (TB) or heart conditions.

4. Trataka: This practice enhances eyesight. It involves gazing intently at an object (like a candle flame, picture, or dot) placed about two feet away, with the head and neck held straight, without blinking. This purifies the eyes and increases their power. For increasing willpower, it's recommended to practice for about thirty minutes, gradually increasing the duration. Trataka also helps stabilize a restless mind and builds mental strength.

5. Basti: The practice of Basti has become less common due to the availability of enemas. In traditional Yoga, a 6-inch thick tube is inserted into the rectum. By exhaling and contracting the abdominal muscles, water is drawn up into the intestines. Expelling this water removes accumulated waste, preventing various ailments such as hemorrhoids, hernia, anal fistulas, and bleeding from the rectum. Basti is exceptionally effective for gas and constipation. It is ideally performed in water bodies like tubs, ponds, or rivers. The text also notes that difficulty in bowel movements can increase the risk of serious diseases like cancer, and Basti can provide relief.

6. Nauli: This is an abdominal practice performed standing or in a seated posture. While standing, one bends slightly forward from the waist, reaching the knees, and slightly bends the knees. Breathing out, the breath is held outside. While holding the breath, the abdomen is contracted inwards and the anus is pulled upwards, forming a rod-like shape of the abdomen. Rotating this abdominal contraction massages the internal organs, cures all digestive issues, enhances appetite, is beneficial for diabetes, reduces liver inflammation, and by activating intestinal function, removes gas and constipation.

In conclusion, the book emphasizes that these six yogic practices (Shatkarm) are valuable for general well-being and disease prevention.