We now understand that all the systems in the body work in coordination to keep the body functioning in balance and how important elimination of waste is. The whole set of prarambhik stithi movements is done in order to aid the functioning of the eliminatory system which supports the process of digestion. Once the body learns to eliminate the waste and remove ama from the system and the system has stabilized, the next step is to strengthen the stomach and the digestive fire. The stomach area and the process of digestion are controlled by the manipoorak chakra which represents agni, the element fire.
There are various aspects of the element fire, pachakagni or digestive fire is one of them. This digestive fire if not satisfied in proper time brings about imbalance in the whole system resulting in ailments in the body. Either it goes too weak or becomes aggravated.
This specific kriya that I'm talking about kindles the digestive fire and restores balance. It also allows the optimum assimilation of nutrients from food ingested.
Agnisar Kriya
 Sit in sidhasana - Take a few deep breaths and then exhale completely
- Do a chin lock
- Expand and contract your abdominal muscles five times.
- Gradually release your chin lock.
- Take a slow deep breath. This is one round.
- Do this seven times
It removes indigestion, hyperacidity, flatulence, constipation and stimulates appetite. It strengthens the abdominal muscles and organs. It also reduces depression and lethargy.
Udyan Bandha
 Sit in siddhasan- After breathing deeply for sometime, exhale through your mouth, emptying the lungs as much as possible
- Do a chin lock (jalandhar bandha)
- Contract the abdominal muscles inward and upward. The diaphragm rises towards the chest.
- Hold this lock and breathe outside for as long as you can without straining yourself.
- Gradually release the abdominal lock and then the chin lock
- Wait for your breathe to return to normal before you start the next cycle.
- Do this 7 times
It tones and massages the abdominal muscles and organs. It helps remove most of the problems related to the stomach including indigestion, constipation, and worms. It is also useful for diabetic patients. Since it also balances the adrenal glands anxiety and lethargy are also eliminated.
Note: For both the kriya and the bandha stomach and bowels should be empty. The two processes are independent of each other so don't do them simultaneously. Also they need to be done under strict supervision.
Since most of the ailments occur as a result of bad digestion it is necessary that the digestive process works efficiently. The above two kriyas enable this process with little effort on out parts.
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