VASTRA DHAUTI

Introduction:

    It is a cleansing process related to digestive system, practised with the help of cloth, which is also highly beneficial for respiratory system.

Vastra – ClothDhauti – CleansingReference:

   One should swallow slowly, as advised by the guru, a wet (piece of) cloth four fingers (approx. three inches) in breadth and fifteen cubits long, and then draw it out. This process is known as Vastra Dhauti.

     H.P. II: 24

Previous Practice:

   Nauli (Nauli chalana).

Materials Used:

• Dhauti cloth: 3 inches in breadth, 22½ feet in length, a finely woven cotton fabric like Muslin (Hindi – Malmal) is suitable. The borders of the cloth delicately but neatly stitched. Soft white muslin is ideal.
• Luke warm water.
•  
• Vessel for keeping Dhauti Cloth.

Technique:

• Vastra Dhauti can be practised either in standing or sitting. Sit in a comfortable position.
• The vessel containing the cloth and water is placed on the ground at a distance of around two feet from the practitioner.
• Take one end of the cloth while the rest of the cloth is immersed in water and fold (2-3 small folds) forward and backward and place it at the root of the tongue.
• The fold should be in such a way that it opens up easily as it moves down the pharynx.
• Drink a sip of water and swallow the cloth, continue swallowing like food.
• Do not swallow too quickly because that might induce vomiting reflex. When retching sensation is felt, stop for sometime till the spasm gets relieved, then continue swallowing.
• Swallow till 1to 2 feet is left outside.
• Perform Nauli chalana, so that the cloth rubs and massages the stomach.
• Stop the practice and pull out the cloth carefully using the fingers.
• Do not apply force while pulling out the cloth as it may damage the soft parts of the stomach and esophagus.
• Time duration for the whole practice should not exceed more than 20 – 25 minutes.

Precautions:

• Cloth (Vastra) should be continuous one without any joints. Stitching of the Dhauti cloth should be proper and good.
• There should not be any cut, loose thread, torn or other damage in the cloth as it may remain inside the stomach or injure the delicate esophagus and stomach walls.
• Cloth should be washed by hands using very soft soap if required. Don’t use brush.
• Cloth can be used according to one’s practice like three months. But, when you find it not suitable better get a new cloth.
• Don’t put the cloth in boiling water, cloth may get damaged. So put inside the warm water.
• The time allowed for the whole process should not be more than 20 to 25 minutes in total as it is quite likely that the pyloric end of the stomach may open and a part of the Dhauti cloth may pass into duodenum. Then it is difficult to take it out, as it will be caught at the other end of the stomach. Force might tear the Dhauti cloth or harm the tissues making them to bleed.
• One must reserve one to two feet of the Dhauti cloth outside for bringing it out.
• One should not pull the cloth forcefully when it is caught firmly due to vigorous contraction of the muscles of the esophagus or cardiac sphincter. Take rest for a while, drink some water, swallow some more length of cloth; when muscles relax bring out the cloth softly.
• The cloth should be washed, dried and kept in a closed container.
• It should not be practised in front of the public.
• Time duration for the whole practice should not exceed more than 20 – 25 minutes.

   Precautions of Vamana Dhauti No. 3, 5, 6, 8 are also applicable to Vastra Dhauti.

1. It should be practiced in the morning in empty stomach.
2. Dhauti has influence over vaso – motor and circulatory systems as indicated by flushing of face, giddiness, heaviness in head along with headaches and tears, mucous secretions in Gastro intestinal tract and respiratory airways.
3. Inter costal muscles, diaphragm go into severe contraction (isometric) to produce heavy positive pressure. Even the muscles in the neck, face, abdomen and other parts of the body get severe contraction. After the practice, especially asthma patients should relax because the practitioner is in the state of breath holding during the practice of Dhauti.
4. Ladies should not practise during menses and pregnancy.

Benefits Of All The Three Dhautis:

    “As a result of performing Dhauti (Vastra), asthma, diseases of spleen and the skin and the twenty varieties of diseases caused by excess of phlegm undoubtedly get cured”.

        Hatha pradipika II – 25

    One should throw out by the upper passage (mouth), the phlegm, bile and mucous. By the practice of Danda Dhauti, one can certainly get rid of the diseases of the gullet.

        Gheranda Samhita I -37

    This (Vastra Dhauti) cures tumour, fever, enlarged spleen, skin diseases and disorders of phlegm and bile. Day by day it brings (more and more) health, strength and growth.

        Gheranda Samhita I – 40

For Spiritual Aspirants:

• Provides purification and awareness of Nadis and Chakras located in the chest and throat region. Anahata Chakra (heart), Vishuddhi Chakra (throat).
• Gives concentration to the mind by giving one pointedness and thoughtless state to the mind.

For Healthy Persons:

• Diaphragm and abdominal muscles are well exercised that helps to the practices like Asanas and Pranayama.
• After Dhauti, the respiration becomes very smooth and easy that helps for different yogic practices.

For Patients:

Respiratory System:

• The esophageal action (Dhautis in general, Vastra and Danda Dhautis in particular as they are passing through esophagus) is reflected on the trachea and helps to bring out the sputum from the chest.
• In Asthma, especially, these bronchial walls go into a spasm and mucous pellets block the outward passage of air and thus a one-way valve is formed. Contraction of the smooth muscles, edema and mucus in the lumen (space of the interior tubular structure) of the bronchi and bronchioles cause bronchial asthma. Allergic reactions to foreign substances, dust, flour and other allergens also result in asthma.

Digestive System:

    The cotton fabric in Vastra Dhauti absorbs the fluids collected in the stomach. Stomach is gently rubbed against the cloth and a sort of massage is done. Large amount of mucus and bile are brought out in Dhauti. In some cases, food particles and blood are also found. Extra mucus coating is removed and gastric juices and peristaltic movements are stimulated. Dhauti cleanses and stimulates the stomach and esophagus. Excess of bile and phlegm and other impurities are cleansed.

Mental Health:

   Dhauti has influence on individual in a positive manner so that overall system and the personality as a whole could become less irritable to the external and internal stimuli and could develop better endurance to pain. Dhautis are indirectly helping to cure the mental illness like neurosis, anxiety and depression.

Contra Indications:

• Do not practise when there is injury in pharynx, esophagus and stomach.
• Should not be attempted by those who are suffering from hernia, severe abdominal and chest pain, headache, fever, high blood pressure (HBP), heart problems, any serious digestive disorder and acute condition of any diseases.
• Ladies should not practise during menses and pregnancy.
• It should only be used to get relief from hyperacidity as it stimulates the gastric juices.

     * practice Dhauti with proper guidance of a yoga teacher.