Kunjal Kriya Recipe

Choose a clean space

Select a comfortable, calm place near a sink or bathtub where you can lean forward easily. Spread a towel or mat to keep the area dry.

Check water temperature

Ensure the water is lukewarm (about 35–40°C / 95–104°F). It should feel comfortably warm to the inner forearm — not hot. If using previously boiled water, allow it to cool to this range.

Sanitation and medical precautions

Use filtered or previously boiled water. Do not use unfiltered untreated tap water in areas where water safety is uncertain. Do not perform Kunjal Kriya if you have active ear infection, severe nasal congestion, recent facial or skull injury, uncontrolled high blood pressure, recent eye surgery, recent stroke, severe anxiety or if pregnant without medical advice. If you have chronic sinus or ear problems, check with a healthcare professional first.

Measure 1 liter of clean lukewarm water into the large vessel.

Add 1 tablespoon non-iodized salt and 1 teaspoon baking soda (optional). Stir until fully dissolved. Taste a tiny amount on the tip of your tongue to check that it is mildly saline but not uncomfortably salty — it should be about the salinity of tears/sea water (approximately 0.9% saline). Adjust by adding a pinch more salt or a bit more water if needed.

Posture

Stand facing the sink or bathtub. Lean forward at the waist with knees slightly bent. Keep your head tilted forward so that your chin points toward the chest; you should be able to bring your face close to the water in the vessel without splashing. If using a vessel on the floor, kneel and lean forward, keeping the spine long.

Breathing and relaxation

Take a few slow deep breaths to relax. Keep your mouth slightly open and jaw relaxed. Do not force the throat or gag reflex; the technique uses gentle gravity and swallowing actions.

Ingesting the saline

Lean to the vessel and gently sip or pour a small amount (about 30–60 ml / 2–4 tbs) of the saline into your mouth. Tilt your head forward so the back of your throat is elevated and the saline can move toward the back of the mouth without flooding the nostrils. Swallow normally once or twice to let the solution move down the esophagus slightly — the goal is not to swallow large quantities but to allow a small amount to pass and stimulate reflexes.

Inducing voluntary regurgitation

With the head still tilted forward and mouth open over the vessel, gently press the tongue root backward and relax the upper throat (like initiating a controlled vomit reflex) to allow the saline to travel up from the stomach into the mouth. Allow the liquid to flow out into the vessel by leaning forward. Use a gentle, controlled retching motion — do not force violent vomiting. The practice should produce a clean saline expulsion. If you feel strong discomfort, stop immediately and breathe calmly.

Repeat cycles

You may repeat the sip–regurgitate cycle 2–4 times depending on comfort, typically using up to 300–400 ml total. Always work within comfort limits. After each cycle, pause, breathe, and allow pulsations to settle before continuing. Stop if you feel dizzy or breathless.

Concluding

When finished, spit any remaining liquid from the mouth and rinse the mouth with a small cup of room-temperature water. Sit upright slowly and rest for a few minutes until breathing and heart rate are steady.

Drink a small cup of warm herbal tea or warm water to soothe the throat and stomach. Avoid heavy meals, alcohol, or stimulants immediately after the practice for 30–60 minutes.

Clean and sterilize the vessel and any utensils used. Wash hands thoroughly.

Monitor for any unusual symptoms such as persistent dizziness, severe abdominal pain, or bleeding. If these occur, seek medical attention.