Digestive System

The Digestive System


Because so many people today are suffering from digestive disorders of one sort or another, a basic understanding of the digestive system is important to the quest for better health. For those interested in spiritual development, an awareness of the digestion processes will be an aid to the attainment of physical and mental balance. This alone can lead to peace and well-being, for mind and body work together as one unit to form one being. What helps the body helps the mind, and vice versa. Awareness of the body is part of a traditional meditative practice. Knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the body are a big help in giving our bodily awareness form and substance. This can then manifest in our everyday life as awareness of bodily functions and needs which, when satisfied, lead to good health.

The digestive system consists of approximately thirty-two feet of tubing that starts at the mouth and ends at the anus. The tract is a special system concerned with the transport and assimilation of foods and fluids, and the rejection of undigested particles, plus other waste matter, from the body.

The process of digestion occurs in consecutive stages, one blending into the other with no clear subdivisions. The following is a basic classification that is useful in terms of understanding the processes:


1. Ingestion: food is taken into the digestive canal through the mouth, pharynx and oesophagus.
2. Secretion and digestion: enzymes, acids and other chemicals are secreted for the breakdown of food into smaller particles. This process starts in the stomach and continues into the small intestine.
3. Absorption: water and small soluble units are absorbed in the small and large intestines.
4. Assimilation: food is transported via the bloodstream and utilized by the cells of the body. 5. Rejection: undigested particles are expelled from the rectum and anus. This process also removes poisons from the body confines and is part of the general process of cleaning and assimilation that goes on continually.

The body has two holes, the mouth and the rectum. Between them is a hollow tube which stretches from end to end, uninterrupted in its continuity, except for odd valves interspersed between the many sections. The only way food can reach the cells is to be assimilated and absorbed, which requires the complex process described above. Thus try to visualize in yourself this structure passing from end to end, like a pipe, with the rest of the body wrapped around it.

When food particles are ingested, they must be digested, absorbed and assimilated. This transformation is aided by secretions of the stomach, liver, gall bladder and pancreas. The whole process goes on continually, without a break, until all the food ingested is assimilated and all the wastes are disposed of. The process is thus a smooth-flowing continuum, and each part is dependent on the other parts for its efficient functioning. If one step goes wrong the whole process is disturbed and a vicious circle of bad health results. For example, when the digestive juices are not flowing in a balanced and regulated manner, then assimilation and absorption cannot take place. The whole organism is so integrated and dependent on its parts that if one part is not working the whole body suffers.



Food enters the mouth and the process begins, triggered by the sensory mechanism of seeing the food prepared and ready to eat. If the food looks unappetizing, or if the body is not hungry, then the mind and brain do not trigger the digestive juices to function. Therefore eat, when you are hungry, that food which is appeasing and good for you.

Within the mouth the teeth, palate, tongue and salivary glands all function together to make the food into a bolus, a mushy lump which will travel neatly into the stomach. It is important at this stage to chew your food well so that it can be digested more easily. The salivary glands secrete a substance containing the enzyme called ptyalin, which breaks down starch. Therefore the process of digestion really starts in the mouth.

The taste buds are essential for the process of digestion. Not only do they ensure the correct secretion of digestive juices in the mouth, they tell us if the food is health-giving or not. Through them the taste experience is transmitted to the mind thus begetting mental satisfaction. Once the food passes from the mouth it is usually forgotten, unless we cultivate yogic awareness and try to follow it through the many different channels of the body. This can be a rewarding pastime.

Food passes down the oesophagus which secretes a lubricant to aid the passage of food into the stomach.

The swallowing process is quite complex and involves the movement of the tongue to throw the food into the oesophagus, and the cutting off of the air passages to prevent food from passing into the lungs, which is a very uncomfortable sensation. Next time you swallow, close your eyes and try to follow the movements. Become aware of exactly what happens in this common but usually unconscious process.

In the stomach the food is churned and digested by the acids and enzymes secreted by the stomach wall. There are two types of stomach movement taking place during digestion:


1. In the stomach wall, muscles exert a steady and slight pressure which squeezes the food towards the opposite end of the stomach called the pylorus. This movement pushes the food stored in the upper part of the stomach towards the lower end, where it enters the small intestine.

2. A vigorous contracting movement mixes and churns the food with digestive juices and pushes it into the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine. The gastric juices include hydrochloric acid and enzymes such as pepsin, lipase, rennin (to break down milk), protein and fats. The stomach secretes hormones whose exact functions are still not fully known, such as gastrin. It also secretes mucin, which forms a barrier to keep the stomach from digesting itself. This substance prevents ulcers forming on the wall of the stomach. In the duodenum the food is further digested by juices from the liver and pancreas which pour down a common duct (tube).

The pancreas is a large gland which lies behind the stomach and gives two secretions:


1. Insulin, which pours into the blood stream and helps the blood glucose to be taken into body cells after absorption takes place.

2. Pancreatic juices which contain:


a) alkaline salts to naturalize the potent gastric acids
b) lipase which splits fats
c) amylase which splits starch to maltose
d) maltase which changes maltose to glucose (the basic body sugar)
e) trypsin and chymotrypsin which split protein
f) rennin for milk.

The liver is a highly complex organ with many different functions. One of the most important of these is the production of bile which is stored in the gall bladder just under the liver. It is this compound which gives faeces their characteristic colour and smell. It allows the fats of the food to be absorbed in the form of cholesterol (an important product in the correct quantity, but not in excess), vitamins D and K. The liver also stores iron, vitamins B12, A, D, and glucose for use in emergencies, fats and other substances.

The liver breaks down, or detoxifies, many of the poisons and chemicals entering and made by the body. It is concerned with destruction of red blood cells, as well as the manufacture of protein and other important substances. The liver purifies our blood and maintains the body processes. It is such an important organ that we cannot do without it.

After leaving the duodenum, food passes into the jejunum, another part of the small intestine. This tube of muscle (over twenty feet long) is not really small, but it is thinner than the large intestine, which is short.

Food is continually being digested and passed down the intestines. A continual churning motion allows all of the food to come into contact with the muscle wall, where absorption takes place of substances such as amino acids (proteins), sugars, minerals, glycerol, fats, vitamins and glycerides. Capillaries and lacteals absorb these different substances and transport them into the main part of the bloodstream for distribution to the whole body. It is the cells of the wall that actually do the work of carrying digested food products into the blood.

The large intestine is approximately six feet long. Its function is to absorb water and salts into the blood so that the body does not lose too much of these valuable substances. By drying out faeces we retain fluids and salts, and allow stool to form. Mucus is secreted by the muscle walls and this naturalizes and lubricates the faeces, acting as a barrier and defence against bacteria. The sigmoid part of the large intestine stores the faeces until there is enough to stimulate the desire to defecate.

Faeces are mainly the residue from the small intestine and contain:


a) residues of indigestible material in food, such as the skins of fruit and vegetables (mainly cellulose)
b) bile
c) intestinal secretions, including mucus
d) white blood cells
e) cells from the walls of the intestine
f) large numbers of bacteria, which make up one third of the total solids
g) inorganic material (10-20 per cent)

Note: very little digestible material is present.

Defecation is a complex reflex act. As the passage of faeces into the rectum distends the muscular tube, signals are sent to the conscious and unconscious parts of the brain. This brings about a conscious voluntary decision to inhibit or permit reflex evacuation. If we are relaxed, the process occurs all the more efficiently.

The parasympathetic system, which is concerned with relaxation of the whole body, allows the sphincters to open and the muscle wall to contract, propelling faeces out of the anus.

A great many disorders are connected directly to malfunction of the digestive system. In this way the digestive system has a direct influence on one's daily life. You must have noticed for yourself that when you are experiencing digestive troubles, you tend to be pessimistic and easily irritated. Conversely, a healthy digestive system allows one to be happy and free from pain, worry and suffering, to be cheerful and optimistic.

Yoga is the way to bring about a relaxed, efficient and harmonious digestive system. It is the key by which the body systems can be tuned to a state of good health. With yoga as a guide, we can come to a complete understanding of what proper digestion can mean to our whole way of life. A good digestive system means energy and vitality; it reflects a positive life style.

Kunjal Kriya

Dr. Swami Shankardevananda Saraswati

The digestive system can help us enjoy life if we look after it properly, and one of the ways to do this is through kunjal kriya. As we have already discussed, the digestive system in man is the key to better health for the majority of people. Through this doorway, the whole body with all its systems can be returned to its normal state of good health. Though this cleansing technique is directly concerned with the digestive system, its effects and repercussions will be felt throughout the entire body.

Kunjal is one of the most effective yogic techniques. It is dramatic and instantaneous in its action. It can give immediate relief to asthmatics and to those suffering from acidity, indigestion, headache, etc. You only need to try it for yourself to find out how effective it is.
The process

Kunjal is performed by drinking tepid, salty water up to the point where you feel like vomiting. The water should be lukewarm, and contain about one or two teaspoons of salt for half a litre of water. At least six glasses of water should be drunk, but if you can, drink more -up to the point where you cannot take even one more sip. At this point you may vomit automatically, if not then put two fingers down your throat and massage the back of your tongue as far down as possible. By pressing it you will feel the urge to vomit, which is called the 'gag reflex' in medical terminology. Water will come out of your mouth in a quick series of gushes. Continue pressing until your stomach is empty.

This practice should be done first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. It is also done after shankhaprakshalana. Follow kunjal with neti.

After completion of the practice it is best to wait twenty minutes or half an hour before eating. The stomach lining should have a chance to reform before the process of digestion starts pouring acids onto its sensitive surface.

Note: Those who suffer from any chronic disabling disease, an active stomach ulcer, hernia of the stomach or abdomen, high blood pressure, heart disease or oesophageal varices, should only practice kunjal under the guidance of a qualified yoga teacher or ashram.
Kunjal and vomiting

Kunjal has none of the unpleasant sensations usually associated with vomiting, like nausea and bad smell. The water brought up is usually clean and without smell. The added salt removes the acid by naturalizing it, which removes the burning feeling. The water contains nothing solid, thus it comes out quickly and easily. After the first few times, kunjal becomes a pleasure.

To many people kunjal seems strange and alien at first. This mental attitude is the biggest barrier to performing kunjal. But it can be overcome by realizing that to vomit without the accompanying bad feelings of sickness can be a pleasure. When you have practised kunjal and start to experience the results, then you can judge, but not before. As you become more and more healthy through this practice, your body will desire kunjal in the morning. We have seen many people who will not let one day go by without doing kunjal, as they fee] 'dirty' inside and miss the benefits of this marvellous technique. For them the practice has become as quick and easy as cleaning the teeth each morning.
Direct effects

At the physical level kunjal can aid the maintenance of good health as well as help in the cure of the following diseases: acidity and gas in the stomach; biliousness, nausea, food poisoning and auto-poisoning; indigestion; inflamed oesophageal mucosa, coughs, asthma, bronchitis and respiratory ailments; headaches, (both tension and migraine) and diseases of the nervous system.

At the pranic level, kunjal gives the whole body a flushing, untying knots and unblocking nadis (psychic nerves which conduct prana) so that the whole body feels revived and alive.

On the mental level, kunjal can help with many types of mental diseases and problems, acting as a kind of shock therapy to recharge the brain and mind. It especially helps with depression, lethargy, apathy, tensions, anxiety, neuroses and phobias.
Indirect effects

The indirect effects of kunjal are that it tones up and helps to rebalance the nervous system, thus helping to rejuvenate the whole body. The energy released by the pranic flush helps tone up the circulatory system, the respiratory system, the urino-genital system and the musculoskeletal system. This is because each system of the body depends upon every other system for its correct balance and smooth functioning. When one system, in this case the digestive system, starts to overflow with energy, this energy spills into the other body compartments and gives them a recharge. The mind and body function as one unit; there is no separating line between them. So when the body is recharged, the mind is also recharged. This explains how mental diseases can be cured through physical techniques. This principle can be applied to all yogic techniques and methods which bring positive energy into our lives.
Physical effects

When we do kunjal, what happens? We stimulate the sensory channels of our nervous system, which sends it signal to the brain. This in turn sends a signal down the motor system to make the body vomit: the diaphragm, stomach and glottis contract, causing the water to move in the reverse direction.

There are three processes of the body which totally paralyse the brain and mind for one moment, leaving you in a 'selfless' state, reminiscent of states of meditation. These are orgasm, sneezing and vomiting. If you think about it and reflect upon your own experiences, you will remember that at the moment of experiencing one of these three states, you felt a wave of energy rush through your body and mind which momentarily stopped all thought and action.

When the brain feels this rush of energy it is in a state of extreme stimulation. Many of its circuits are temporarily cut, leaving only the few most necessary circuits in action. This situation is analogous, but much more gentle, subtle and effective than ECT (electric shock therapy) as used in hospitals for the treatment of depressed patients. Energy floods into every nerve of the brain, but in the case of kunjal, not ECT, it is pranic energy which floods through, giving life and rejuvenating every cell. Then when the energy subsides, these circuits start up again in a more harmonious fashion.

The brain then pours out this energy to the rest of the body via the nerves. This extra energy cleans and purifies by stimulating the cells of the waste-disposal system, and then travels on to the organs of the body. As a result there is a direct increase in body efficiency.

The autonomic nervous system is especially important to our understanding of how physical disease is reduced. It is divided into two parts: the parasympathetic system, concerned with relaxed states of mind, and the sympathetic system, concerned with stress and active times. These two systems constantly balance each other.

For example, when we get into a tense situation or state of mind, the sympathetic system becomes predominant, bringing the adrenals into action. Of course, the parasympathetic system still functions as an undertone, maintaining just enough relaxation in the physical body (reflected down from the mind) so that there is no extreme, and the body can function at its peak.

When you do kunjal, the action of the energy flush moving from the stomach on the physical level, and manipura chakra on the psychic level, stimulates the vagus nerve both in its sensory and motor functions. The vagus is sensory to the heart, lungs, bronchi, trachea, pharynx and digestive tract; and motor to the heart, lungs, bronchi and digestive tract. It feeds directly into the hypothalamus of the brain via its parasympathetic fibres. The hypothalamus controls the whole autonomic nervous system. The vagus is responsible for the gag reflex and vomiting.

The extra energy from kunjal spills into both sympathetic and parasympathetic systems, but as the mind is prepared for vomiting, a stressful situation, the sympathetic predominates. The following results occur: Digestive system : decreased peristalsis and increased glucose into the blood from the liver. Lungs: dilation of the bronchi; stops acute asthma. Salivary glands start secreting and therefore are flushed out and cleaned.

Heart beats faster and the blood vessels dilate giving more oxygen to the heart muscle. The lungs are exercised by the action of the diaphragm and abdomen, which helps breathing and pranayama. Mucus secretions from the mouth, sinuses and lower respiratory tract are stimulated, rinsing out these areas. There is temporary blood rush to the brain which increases oxygen and performance.
Pranic effects

The stomach and digestion are governed by manipura chakra, the psychic centre in which prana, the life-giving force of man, is stored. This force has been called bioplasma by the scientists investigating Kirlian photography and parapsychology, and is a proven and documented entity.

It is in the psychic and more subtle bodies that many effects are in progress, but we are unaware of them. Kunjal helps to liberate prana which energises the body. In fact, prana is the basis for all the body energies and thus is vital to our well-being.

When the prana flows, so does the energy in the nerves. In this way every cell in the body and mind becomes energized by prana. We feel alive and happier. We experience a sort of catharsis after doing kunjal, a cleansed, purified and relaxed feeling, which also invigorates us. Prana, this golden life-giving substance, is the cause and kunjal, along with many other yogic techniques, is a means to liberate and control it.
The gag reflex

The gag reflex that initiates vomiting is in itself a powerful and valuable tool. Even if you haven't time to do kunjal every morning, then you can use the gag reflex to awaken prana easily and simply.

This can be done when you brush your teeth in the morning. Use your first two fingers to clean your tongue by rubbing it backwards and forwards. When you come to the back of your tongue, do not be frightened, but rather continue to massage it even though you may feel you are going to vomit. If something comes up, this is good as it means there was obviously something undigested in the stomach which needed to come out.

The benefits of the gag reflex are many. To quote the actor, Orson Bean, in. his book Me and the Orgone:


"I'd wake up in the morning and gag myself in the bathroom. Baker had told me that 'eliciting the gag reflex' (sticking your fingers down your throat) relieved anxiety, and was something I could do with beneficial results every a.m. for the rest of my life. It does work, strange as it sounds ..."
Mental effects

The stomach is extremely responsive to emotional changes and, like the face, can blanch or blush with blood. It is a mirror of the mind. Depression produces anorexia, or loss of appetite accompanied by a heavy sinking feeling in the pit of the stomach, which actually drops an inch or so as the supporting muscles and ligaments let go. Constant worry can create copious gas in the stomach which results in distension and pressure on the heart. This may mimic heart disease.

Stomach ulcers are the end result of a long period of emotional or mental tension, combined with a genetic predisposition to the constant over secretion of gastric juices, which eventually break down the lining of the stomach and start to eat into you, auto-digestion. This is a case of 'what's eating you' on a mental level. Kunjal is one of the yogic techniques that removes the mental roots of many diseases: hate, jealousy, fear and insecurity. The release of nervous tension after kunjal is what does it. But the effect is not instantaneous, rather it takes a slow and steady course.

Alexander Lowen, an American M.D., writing in his book Pleasure states:


"The value of this procedure is illustrated in the following case. I saw a young man in consultation who had a tight rigid body. His jaw was tense, his breathing was restricted, his complexion sallow, and his breath smelled sour. After working with his breathing for some time, I had him drink some water and throw up. The immediate effect was a sense of release and easier breathing. On my recommendation he did this every morning for about a month. When I saw him again, the sour smell was gone, his complexion had improved and his body was looser. One result of this procedure is the elimination of chronic heartburn, from which so many people suffer. In most cases the release of tensions by this manoeuvre restores the pleasure to the basic activities of eating and digestion and facilitates a deeper respiration."

Another interesting point is that the American Indians always practised a psychic cleaning before religious rites by drinking a strong emetic and vomiting.
How to practice

This technique is designed to be used in conjunction with other techniques so that awareness can be unfolded in a controlled series of steps.

Here is a guide for the integration of kunjal into your daily spiritual practices:


On rising in the morning fulfil your ablutions and then do kunjal. Follow this with neti.

Rest for a few minutes and go within. Become aware of the results of kunjal and neti.

Do your asanas and pranayama. You will find it easier and more powerful to practice in the early morning as kunjal wakes you up by increasing the flow of prana throughout your body and mind. Meditation is also enhanced.

Use a similar routine every morning and results will quickly follow in terms of physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health, happiness and peace. Note: We advise you to study the article 'The Digestive System' so as to better understand the process of internal cleaning.