NauliAdvancedstanding

Nauli

नौलि

Nauli is a Hatha Yoga kriya (cleansing) where the abdominal muscles are churned in a circular motion.

Anatomy Involved

Benefits

5

Avoid If

7
  • Pregnancy
  • Hernia
  • Peptic ulcer
  • Heart conditions
  • High blood pressure
  • Menstruation
  • Recent abdominal surgery

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Locking the knees — keep a micro-bend or engage the quadriceps
Collapsing the arches of the feet — distribute weight evenly
Holding the breath or breathing shallowly
Hunching the shoulders toward the ears
Leaning weight to one side — keep both feet equally grounded

Teaching Cues

For yoga teachers — verbal cues to guide students

5 cues
  • 1Ground firmly through all four corners of both feet
  • 2Engage the quadriceps by lifting the kneecaps
  • 3Lengthen the spine from the tailbone to the crown of the head
  • 4Draw the shoulder blades down and back
  • 5Maintain steady, even breathing throughout

Pose Details

Helps With

digestive problemsweight lossstrength

Pose Type

core strengthener

Body Focus

core

Focus Areas

strengthbreathing

Yoga Styles

hathakundalini

When to Practice

morning

Position

standing

Target Areas

AbsObliques

Practice Flow

About this Pose

Nauli is a Hatha Yoga kriya (cleansing) where the abdominal muscles are churned in a circular motion.

How to Practice

1

1. Feet shoulder-width, knees slightly bent.

2

2. Hands on thighs.

3

3. Deep inhale, then exhale completely (Rechaka).

4

4. Hold breath out (Bahir Kumbhaka).

5

5. Draw abdomen in and up (Uddiyana Bandha).

5 more steps remaining

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Nauli

What is Nauli?

Nauli is a Hatha Yoga kriya (cleansing) where the abdominal muscles are churned in a circular motion.

What are the benefits of Nauli?

Massages all abdominal organs. Improves digestion powerfully. Strengthens core muscles. Traditional Shat Kriya (purification). Builds uddiyana bandha mastery.

Who should avoid Nauli?

Avoid this pose if you have: Pregnancy, Hernia, Peptic ulcer, Heart conditions, High blood pressure, Menstruation, Recent abdominal surgery.

How many steps are in Nauli?

Nauli is practiced in 10 steps. Feet shoulder-width, knees slightly bent.

Is Nauli suitable for beginners?

Nauli is an advanced-level pose. Beginners should practice with props or under guidance.

What conditions does Nauli help with?

Nauli is therapeutic for: digestive problems, weight loss, strength.

What poses should I do before Nauli?

Prepare with: Tadasana, Adho Mukha Svanasana, Standing Forward Bend, Warrior I. These warm up the relevant muscles and joints.

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