Yoga Practice Name
Agnisar Kriya
Yoga Practice Branch
Ashtang Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga
Yoga Practice Type
Practice Keynotes
- Focus on synchronising the breath rhythmically with the abdominal movement.
Cautions and Limitations
- In summer months this practice should be performed 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.
Contraindications
- 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.
General 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.
Benefits for Disease
Depression