Are there any side effects of agnisar kriya?

Question

I have started practising agnisara kriya since last week. I am afraid if I continue, would there be any side effects?

Answer 1

Hi Ashish, I think it should not cause any health issues to you if continue to practice agni sara kriya, subject to the condition that you are not suffering from severe hypertension, any sort of heart disease, peptic ulcer, or any acute disease like diarrhoea, or hernia or any recent abdominal surgery, and the most important condition is you should not over do beyond your capacity.  I can understand that beginners have always apprehension on any new things to practice and this is good so as to prevent any injury or side effects out of the practice. We should understand properly about the exercises before practising.

Let's also understand how it is practiced and its benefits.

How to Practice Agnisara Kriya?

1. Sit in padamasana or sukhasana or even vajrasana.
2. Inhale deeply and then Exhale completely as much as possible (within your capacity).
3. Slightly bend your trunk forward.
4. In the exhaled position, contract the abdomen inside and release, as many times as possible, as if you are pumping your abdomen, while holding the breath outside. Remember you should not strain. (Time for beginner  - 10 seconds, which can be slowly increased as per your regular practice).
5. Come back to the normal position and take a slow deep breath. This is one round.  (Number of rounds for beginner: 3 rounds each with 10 abdominal movements).

Benefits of Agnisara Kriya

1. The abdominal movements in exhaled condition massages the abdominal organs and strengthens the abdominal muscles. So, it is very good for health of abdominal organs as it improves the blood circulation around them. So, this is very good exercise for abdominal ailments like constipation, indigestion and diabetes.
2. It can also be suggested to counter the depression, dullness and lethargy.

Precautions of Agnisara Kriya

1. With Agnisara Kriya, body heat and blood pressure are increased. So, during summer, it should be followed by cooling pranayama like sheetali or sheetkari. In winter, it will help counter the cold.
2. If you are suffering from High blood pressure, cardiac diseases, peptic ulcer or duodenal ulcer or hyper-thyroid issues, refrain from this kriya.
3. Always practice this kriya on empty stomach, preferably in the early morning after attending to natural calls (emptying the bowels).

If you still have any doubt, please feel free to write back.