The Himalayan Ananda Spa will start to offer a new “Yogic Cleanse” programme in December, focused on balancing the body’s elements – mucus, bile and wind – via a series of breathing techniques, voluntary yogic vomiting and nasal

cleansing procedures.

Available as a seven-day or 14-day course, guests will be invited to carry out the yogic cleanse, known as Shatkriya, to detoxify the body. Hatha yoga poses are incorporated into the course.

The nasal passage, eyes and ears are cleansed during a technique called Jal Neti, where luke warm saline solution is poured from one nostril to the other.

Kunjal, or voluntary yogic vomiting, is induced by consuming the same saline solution as in the nasal passage cleansing routine on an empty stomach. This is followed by voluntary regurgitation to cleanse the upper abdominal areas and oesophagus.

These two techniques are said to tackle health problems such as asthma, tonsillitis and dust allergies.

Meditation is also used in the programme, to relieve insomnia, depression and anxiety by “releasing accumulated psychic toxins,” according to a statement.

The 14-day programme features a more intense version of the cleanse called Laghoo Shankha Prakshalana (LSP), which is a technique used to promote good bowel movement. Guests must drink six to eight glasses of warm saline water in three or four rounds, each followed by a set of five dynamic yoga poses, which are to be repeated eight times. Following the ritual, a 30-minute rest period takes place before a traditional rice lentil porridge is served.

The LSP programme is said to tackle indigestion, gas, acidity and constipation.

Another yogic programme at the Ananda spa was announced recently, to help sufferers of arthritis to relieve the pain of their symptoms.