There are many Sanskrit names for the human body, including Shariram, Deha, Kosha, and Vigraha, but Kaya, which refers to the physical body, is the most frequently used in Hatha Yoga.
Kaya Kriya includes a variety of bodily movements, including one in which body parts arc spin while performing Pranayama.
- Kaya Kriya is an effective Yoga Chikitsa, or Yoga Therapy, for releasing traumas, physical pain, or mental stress.
- It has been shown to be particularly useful in the relief of the painful aftermath of an accident that results in "whip-lash," a painful ailment of the neck and upper shoulders.
With regular practice of Kaya Kriya, almost any kind of trauma may be removed.
- Stretching out in Shava Asana or Mritya Asana is the first step.
- The arms and legs are joined in Shava Asana.
- The arms and legs are spread wide apart in Mritya Asana.
- In both positions, you should lay supine on your back with your head to the north.
Begin deep conscious Breathing, and Progress With The Following Stages:
(I) Abdominal Breathing, Or Adham Pranayama,
- Abdominal Breathing, Adham Pranayama, by rolling the legs inwards until the toes touch each other and then down to the floor.
- The legs move outwards on the outgoing breath, till the tiny toes touch the floor
(2) Madhyam Pranayama, Or Mid-chest Breath,
Madhyam Pranayama, Mid-chest Breath, where the arms are rolled outwards on the incoming breath and rolled back in against the side "rolling pin manner" on the outgoing breath, repeat ten to twelve rolling movements of the feet and legs.
- During the rolling motion, the elbows may be lifted fully off the floor, but the hands stay on the floor.
- Rep the process ten to twelve times more.
(3) Adliyam Pranayama, Or Clavicular Breath.
The head is gently rotated from side to side while performing Adliyam Pranayama, Clavicular Breath.
- The breath is coordinated with ten to a dozen movements.
then,
(4) Conclude With Mahat Yoga Pranayama
Do all three motions, legs, arms, and head, while performing Mahat Yoga Pranayama, the Grand Yoga Breath, until you feel totally relaxed and tempted to just lay still, enjoying the "release from stress" condition.
- This Kaya Kriya may be used to calm the body, focus on the breath, or even meditate the body.
You may also want to read more about Yoga here.
You may also want to read more about Yoga Asanas and Exercises here.