Nauli
Encyclopedia
Nauli is one of the Kriya
s (1) or Shatkarma
(cleaning exercises) from Yoga
. The exercise is to serve the cleaning of the abdominal region - digesting organs, small intestine
and is based on a massage
of the internal belly organs by a circular movement of the abdominal muscles.
Nauli is an exercise of the classical Hatha Yoga
but is not taught often in yoga schools. Nauli is considered as a difficult exercise, which can be learned only with perseverance and patience. There are four different variations, which are gradually learned one after another:
In yoga, Nauli generally recommended for the recovery of constipation. The exercise may clean the small intestine and eliminate digesting problems.
Nauli is generally done standing but it is possible to do it in other position like lotus
, whereby the trunk is bent forward and is supported by the hands at the thighs. After a complete breath out the entire belly is strongly brought in and then the middle belly muscle is contracted and moved in a circle.
Kriya
Kriya most commonly refers to a "completed action", technique or practice within a yoga discipline meant to achieve a specific result. Types of kriya may vary widely between different schools of yoga. Another meaning of Kriya is the outward physical manifestations of awakened kundalini...
s (1) or Shatkarma
Shatkarma
Shatkarma , also known as Shatkriya, refers to the Yogic practices involving purification of the body.Shatkarm' is a compound word consisting of two components: shat meaning 'six' and karma meaning 'art' or 'process'. The word kriya or karma is used in Hatha Yoga in a special technical sense...
(cleaning exercises) from Yoga
Yoga
Yoga is a physical, mental, and spiritual discipline, originating in ancient India. The goal of yoga, or of the person practicing yoga, is the attainment of a state of perfect spiritual insight and tranquility while meditating on Supersoul...
. The exercise is to serve the cleaning of the abdominal region - digesting organs, small intestine
Small intestine
The small intestine is the part of the gastrointestinal tract following the stomach and followed by the large intestine, and is where much of the digestion and absorption of food takes place. In invertebrates such as worms, the terms "gastrointestinal tract" and "large intestine" are often used to...
and is based on a massage
Massage
Massage is the manipulation of superficial and deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue to enhance function, aid in the healing process, and promote relaxation and well-being. The word comes from the French massage "friction of kneading", or from Arabic massa meaning "to touch, feel or handle"...
of the internal belly organs by a circular movement of the abdominal muscles.
Nauli is an exercise of the classical Hatha Yoga
Hatha yoga
Hatha yoga , also called hatha vidya , is a system of yoga introduced by Yogi Swatmarama, a Hindu sage of 15th century India, and compiler of the Hatha Yoga Pradipika....
but is not taught often in yoga schools. Nauli is considered as a difficult exercise, which can be learned only with perseverance and patience. There are four different variations, which are gradually learned one after another:
- madhyana nauli: the isolated contraction of the central muscles of the abdominis
- vama nauli: (2) the isolated contraction of the left part of the central muscles of the abdomen
- daksina nauli: the isolated contraction of the right part of the central muscles of the abdomen
- nauli kriya: the circular movement of the central muscles of the abdomen
In yoga, Nauli generally recommended for the recovery of constipation. The exercise may clean the small intestine and eliminate digesting problems.
Nauli is generally done standing but it is possible to do it in other position like lotus
Lotus position
The Lotus Position is a cross-legged sitting posture originating in meditative practices of ancient India, in which the feet are placed on the opposing thighs. It is an established posture, commonly used for meditation, in the Hindu Yoga and Buddhist contemplative traditions...
, whereby the trunk is bent forward and is supported by the hands at the thighs. After a complete breath out the entire belly is strongly brought in and then the middle belly muscle is contracted and moved in a circle.