For many, the post-holiday budget is not of a philosophical nature: there is no question about the meaning of the recurrences, one does not give an account of the year that has ended, one does not plan a new beginning full of potential. No, you look disconsolate at the needle of the balance, it reflects on the sugars that are traveling in the arteries or on the super work to which we have forced our digestive system.
Remorse for having exaggerated? The fact is that now you can only remedy without looking back. Regarding the kilos taken, it is well known how to remedy them effectively ... In terms of detox instead, if you are looking for an exotic, deep and slightly strong purification, the Indian tradition can do for you with the practice of shank prakshalana.
Shank Prakshalana: how it's done
The difficult name of shank prakshalana means "washing of the shell" (shank, shell, probably refers to the twisted shape of the intestine or to the fact that the water flows in the body as in a shell) and constitutes a cleaning of the entire digestive circuit with hot and salt water.
This practice is reserved for people in good health and we have no problems with gastric ulcers or tachycardia crises. It is not recommended for women who are pregnant or during the menstrual cycle. You must also have the whole day at your disposal and possibly the freedom of visitors or spectators to feel completely at ease.
The practice of shank prakshalasa starts already with the dinner before the washing, during which it is advisable to eat very lightly, some fruit or a soup around 7pm. In the morning breakfast will be skipped.
To practice, boil some water with a tablespoon of salt per liter of water . It is important that the water is sufficiently salted so that it is not absorbed by osmosis and transformed into urine and that no fresh water is taken in the course of purification.
When the mixture of water and salt has become lukewarm (not cold) it begins to drink in glasses (the number depends on the situation of the intestine). For each glass the series of exercises shown in the video below is performed (Gabriella Cella recommends storing them 4 times on each side).
These exercises have the task of guiding the movement of water inside the digestive tract so as to favor its flow . After a tot (usually a dozen) of glasses and repetitions you will in fact face a series of evacuations characterized by faeces which are gradually more and more liquid and clear until only clear water is expelled. At this point, the wash can be completed and finally vomit will be induced by drinking warm, unsalted water to clean the stomach and esophagus.
Purifying with water and salt, the benefits
The benefits of the Shank Prakshalana
Once the actual practice is over, it is advisable to prepare some well-cooked, not whole rice with butter and together you can start drinking fresh water (not before).
The rest of the day it should be put to rest and even the following days it is good practice to continue a light and moderate diet with boiled vegetables and low sugar fruit. Some texts suggest taking lactic ferments to restore the bacterial flora.
Proponents of this practice claim that it brings many benefits:
- Complete and deep cleansing of the intestine from sediments accumulated over time
- General purification of the organs of the apparatus and of the digestive tract improving the assimilation of food
- Improvement of intestinal and digestive functions
- Reduction of the most common intestinal disorders : constipation, colitis etc ...
A practice to try
It is not certain that this wash will succeed from the first time, but do not be discouraged: there are many factors that determine its success, first and foremost the level of salinity of the water.
It is no coincidence that the web is full of advice and testimonies on the subject. In addition to this, although it is considered a totally harmless practice in most cases, it is undeniable that it is quite intense for the body; for this reason, the first time it may be advisable to have a teacher or an expert person present or to research in depth.
Generally the opinions of those who practice it are quite enthusiastic, but there are also those who look at it with suspicion. As always we can only advise you to try it yourself, with judgment and attention: only direct experience can tell you if it is for you or not.
