Kriya
Due to wrong notions and habits, our breathing becomes disturbed and haphazard. That results in reducing the free flow of air through the respiratory tract and even affects the respiratory centers controlling breathing. Hence, the first step in Yoga to gain mastery is through cleansing processes called Kriyas.
The kriyas are used to balance the three doshas or humor in the body: Kapha, mucus; pitta, bile; and Vata, wind. According to both Ayurveda and hatha yoga, an imbalance of the doshas will result in illness. These practices are also used before pranayama and other higher yoga practices to purify the body of toxins and to ensure safe and successful progression along the spiritual path. These powerful techniques should never be learned from books or taught by inexperienced people. According to the tradition, only those instructed by a guru may teach others. It is essential to be personally instructed as to how and when to perform them according to individual needs.
HATHA YOGA PRADIPIKA 2.21
मैदा श्लेष माधिकाः पूर्वं षटकर्माणी समाचरेत।
अन्यस्तु नचारेत्तनि दोषनां समभाववतः।
Meda shlesh maadhikaha poorvam shatkarmaani samaacharet
Anyastu naacharettaani doshaanaam samabhaavataha
When fat or mucus is excessive, the shatkarmas or six cleansing techniques should be practiced before (pranayama). Others, in whom the doshas (i.e. phlegm, wind, and bile) are balanced, need not do them
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