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morning before breakfast, and ideally after the bowels
have been emptied. Precautions: In summer months this practice should be per
formed with care as it may raise the body heat and blood pressure excessively. During this period it should always be followed by a cooling pranayama such as seetkari or
sheetali. Contra-indications: People suffering from high blood pressure,
heart disease, acute duodenal or peptic ulcers, overactive thyroid gland or chronic diarrhoea should not perform this kriya. Women who are more than three months pregnant should refrain from this practice. However, agnisar kriya may be practised in the postnatal period to tighten up the abdominal and pelvic muscles, and to recondition the
reproductive organs. Benefits: Agnisar kriya stimulates the appetite and removes
digestive disorders such as indigestion, hyperacidity, hypoacidity, flatulence, constipation and sluggishness of the liver and kidney. It massages the abdomen, stimulating the associated nerves, strengthening the muscles and encouraging optimum health of the abdominal organs. Agnisar kriya stimulates the five pranas, especially samana, and raises the energy levels markedly. It can also alleviate
depression, dullness and lethargy. Practice note: This kriya is an excellent practice to strengthen
and develop control over the abdominal muscles and the diaphragm. It is used as a preparatory practice for uddiyana
bandha and nauli. Note: The word agni and vahni both mean 'fire'; sara means 'essence',
and kriya means 'action' The essence or nature of fire is attributed to the digestive process. If the abdominal organs are not working properly the digestive fire smoulders and needs to be stoked or fanned to increase its power. Agnisar kriya does just that, as well as purifying the digestive system and its associated organs, and allowing the optimum assimilation of nutrients from food ingested.
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