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Note: The word vyaghra means 'tiger'. The tiger has the habit of gorging his stomach with his prey and then vomiting out the semi-digested food after three or four hours. This technique is a voluntary form of what the body does involuntarily if food is not digestible. The body will vomit as a last resort after trying unsuccessfully to digest the impure or excessive food that has been dumped into it. The easiest way to relieve heaviness, nausea and indigestion is to make the stomach expel the food through the mouth.
Technique 3: Gaja Karma Kriya (elephant action)
Drink at least 6 glasses of the prepared, warm, salted
water.
Fill the stomach with water until it will hold no more. Stand with the feet a comfortable distance apart, bend forward and place the hands on the knees.
Relax the whole body.
Open the mouth and breathe in slowly, making a whispering 'ah' sound from the deeper part of the throat. Simultaneously, contract the upper part of the abdomen just below the ribcage.
At the end of inhalation retain the compression of the abdomen and exhale.
If this is performed correctly the water should gush out of the mouth in a steady stream.
It is important that the body remains relaxed during expulsion so that the water is not impeded.
Practice note: Gaja kriya is an advanced form of kunjal kriya. In this practice, the water is expelled from the stomach by contracting the abdominal muscles. This action requires practice and good control over the muscles of the stomach, It has the same effect as kunjal kriya, the simpler technique. Time of practice: Kunjal and gaja kriyas are best practised early in the morning before breakfast. However, if it is very cold it is better to wait until the day has warmed up a little. It is essential that no food be taken before the practice. Vyaghra kriya may be practised three hours after food whenever the stomach feels uncomfortable. If the stomach has been
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