What Does
Nauli Kriya Mean?
Nauli kryia is a yogic cleansing exercise that involves a rolling movement of the abdominal muscles. It is an advanced technique that is believed to cleanse the internal organs, particularly the digestive organs and small intestines, and tones the core muscles.
Nauli kryia is one of the techniques that comprise shatkarma (also called shatkriya), the yogic body cleansing system. It is used in the traditional Indian medicine practice of Ayurveda, as well as Hatha yoga.
Yogapedia Explains Nauli Kriya
To successfully practice nauli kryia, a yogi must first master uddiyana bandha (the abdominal lock), mula bandha (the root lock) and jalandhara bandha (the chin lock). And, because nauli kryia is an advanced technique, it should not be attempted without the help of an experienced teacher or Ayurveda practitioner.
Nauli kryia is typically practiced on an empty stomach and from a standing position, although it can be performed in lotus or other postures in which the torso is bent forward and supported with the hands on the thighs. Nauli kryia begins with a complete breath out, then the abdomen is brought in, contracting the central muscles and moving them in a wave-like rolling motion.
Nauli kryia is thought to relieve constipation and digestive issues. Yogis who suffer from heart disease, high blood pressure, hernias, ulcers or gastrointestinal problems should not practice nauli kryia. Pregnant yogis should also avoid it.
Other variations of nauli kriya include:
- Madhyana nauli isolates the central abdomen through contraction of those muscles.
- Vama nauli involves contraction of the left side of the central abdominal muscles.
- Daksina nauli is the contraction of the right side of the central abdominal muscles.
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