AYURVEDIC TREATMENTS
Laghu Shankha
Prakshalana
A supervised yogic cleansing in which warm saline water is drunk and moved through the digestive tract with a sequence of simple asanas. Used for constipation, sluggish digestion and as a preparatory cleanse.
01WHAT IT IS
लघु शंख प्रक्षालन · A short cleansing of the intestines, likened to washing a conch
Shankha Prakshalana is one of the yogic Shatkarmas: a cleansing of the whole digestive tract by drinking warm, lightly salted water and performing a short series of asanas that move the water through the stomach and intestines until it is passed. The laghu, or short, form uses a smaller quantity of water and is gentler, making it suitable for regular use under guidance.
It is traditionally used for constipation, sluggish or irregular digestion, bloating and a general sense of heaviness, and as a preparatory cleanse before a naturopathy or detox program. It is done early in the morning on an empty stomach and always under supervision the first few times.
02HOW IT IS DONE AT AROGYA
- 01
Consultation confirms suitability and you are asked to eat lightly the evening before.
- 02
Early morning, on an empty stomach, you drink two glasses of warm saline water.
- 03
You perform a sequence of five simple asanas, each several times, to move the water through the digestive tract.
- 04
The drinking and asanas are repeated for a few rounds until the bowel is passed, usually within forty-five minutes.
- 05
You rest, then take a specific light meal as advised; a normal diet resumes gradually.
03BENEFITS
- Relieves constipation and sluggish digestion
- Reduces bloating and heaviness
- Prepares the body for a detox or naturopathy program
- Improves appetite and lightness
- Can be learnt for occasional home use once mastered
Often suited to
- Chronic constipation without a structural cause
- Guests beginning a detox, naturopathy or Panchkarma program
- Sluggish digestion with bloating and heaviness
- Those learning yogic cleansing practices
Please tell us first
- Not done in pregnancy, menstruation, hernia, high blood pressure, heart disease, ulcers or acute digestive illness
- Diabetics and those on regular medication need specific guidance
- Never attempted at home before being taught under supervision
- The post-cleanse meal and rest are essential, not optional
04WHAT TO EXPECT
The practice takes about forty-five minutes and finishes with several loose bowel movements, which is the intended effect. Guests feel light and clear afterwards. Rest and the prescribed light meal follow; avoid heavy, spicy or cold food for the rest of the day.
This page is educational and describes the therapy as traditionally practised. It is not medical advice and does not replace consultation with a qualified practitioner. Suitability, preparation and duration are confirmed individually at Arogya Retreatt. Content reviewed September 2026.
05QUESTIONS
Common questions about Laghu Shankha Prakshalana.
How is the laghu form different from the full Shankha Prakshalana?
The full practice uses many more glasses of water and continues until the water passes clear, taking much of a morning. The laghu form uses a few glasses and a shorter sequence, making it gentler and suitable for periodic use.
Can I do it every day?
No. It is done periodically, for example weekly or monthly, as the practitioner advises. Daily use is not recommended.
What do I eat afterwards?
Traditionally a simple khichdi of rice and moong dal with ghee is eaten after resting. The practitioner will explain exactly what to eat and what to avoid for the rest of the day.