Nauli Kriya is a powerful and unique technique in the yoga world. This ancient yoga practice involves massaging the abdominal muscles and churning them to improve core strength and detoxify your body. Can Nauli Kriya help you lose weight? This article explores the potential benefits of Nauli Kriya, and whether or not it is effective in helping to shed unwanted pounds.

What is Nauli kriya?

This also known as purification technique in Hatha Yoga, is one of six Shatkarmas. This practice involves rotating and isolating the abdominal muscles while maintaining a controlled breath. This movement stimulates digestion, massages organs and increases circulation.

Nauli Kriya has four distinct stages.

  1. Madhyana nauli : Central isolating of the abdominal muscle
  2. Vama nauli: isolating the left abdominal muscle
  3. Dakshina Nauli : Isolation right abdominal muscles
  4. Nauli Churning: Rotating and churning abdominal muscles side-to-side.

It is a difficult but rewarding practice for devoted yogis.

Nauli Kriya helps with weight loss

Nauli Kriya is not a weight-loss exercise but it has several other benefits which can help you maintain a healthy body.

  1. Increases Metabolism and Digestion: Nauli kriya stimulates digestive organs to promote better digestion. This can reduce gas and bloating. It indirectly helps weight loss by enhancing the metabolism.
  2. Detoxifies Body: This practice helps to remove toxins by massaging the organs. Detoxification is essential to weight loss. It supports a healthy metabolism and digestion.
  3. Tones and Strengthens the Abdomen: Nauli kriya tones and strengthens the abdominal muscles resulting in an absinthe-less midsection. It doesn’t have the same effect as cardio, but it can help you achieve a more sculpted midsection over time.
  4. Regulates Hunger and Cravings : By practicing this, you can balance the hormones which regulate appetite and cravings. This can help with mindful eating, portion control and balance.
  5. Reducing Stress and Emotional eating: This practice activates parasympathetic nerve system and promotes relaxation. Stress reduction can help prevent unhealthy eating habits and emotional eating.

Nauli Kriya: A Step-byStep Guide

This is a guide on how to do Nauli Kriya.

  1. Begin with Agnisar kriya. Stand apart with your feet and place both hands on the thighs. Prepare for this kriya by exhaling fully, and pulling your abdominal muscles inwards and outwards rapidly.
  2. Uddiyana Bandha: Completely exhale, contract your abdomen and bring it up.
  3. Contract and Isolate Abdominal Muscles : Try contracting and isolating the central abdominal muscle (Madhyana Nauli).
  4. Side movements: Move the muscles isolated to the right and left.
  5. Rotate the Abs: Move the muscles in a controlled, smooth motion.
  6. Repeat and Relax: Start with 3-5 repetitions and increase their duration gradually.

Take Precautions & Considerations

This Kriya requires professional guidance. You should not practice it:

  • Are pregnant
  • High blood pressure
  • Hernias or stomach ulcers
  • You are new to yoga, or you lack abdominal control

Consult a qualified yoga instructor before attempting Nauli Kriya.

Is Nauli Kriya Effective for Weight Loss?

This kriya does not burn calories directly, but its positive impact on core strength, digestion and metabolism makes it an important addition to any holistic weight-loss regimen. Nauli Kriya, when combined with regular exercise and a healthy diet, can support weight loss.

The conclusion of the article is:

This is a powerful yoga practice, offers many health benefits including stress reduction, improved digestion and detoxification. It may not lead to weight loss overnight, but regular practice will give you a more toned stomach, a better metabolism and a healthy body. This can be a part of your holistic health routine.