It is usually undertaken twice a year in the spring and autumn

It is usually undertaken twice a year, in the spring and autumn. The benefits are: removes toxic conditions of the blood and tissues caused by intestinal waste putrefaction and fermentation; relieves flatulence, constipation, acidity, indigestion, menstrual cramps, asthma, boils and acne; relieves urinary infections and prevents kidney-stone formation; cleanses the lymphatic system; and counteracts habits of bad diet and sedentary lifestyle.Piers Brittain practises in Bristol and London. Three to four litres of saline solution is drunk, and is then moved through the intestines using special yogic exercises, and finally expelled through the anus. Again, it is done first thing in the morning before the practice of breathing.

The benefits include: massages and strengthens the membranes, so enhancing membrane function; eases respiratory infections such as asthma and emphysema, and increases infection resistance; removes excess catarrh; and stimulates nerves and the related brain functions of eyes, ears, sinus and head.ShankaprakshalanaA technique designed to achieve a complete intestinal cleanse. The exercise is done first thing in the morning to clean the stomach and to rebalance the mucous linings. It also tones the abdominal region, increases digestive fire, quietens the mind and opens the heart centre.Jala netiThis is sinus cleansing with salt water. Half a litre of warm saline solution is poured through the nasal cavities, draining out both through the nose and the mouth.

It is also done first thing in the morning before the practice of breathing. The benefits are: cleans out catarrh; opens up the passageways and makes breathing easier; makes eyes sparkle; and balances the subtle energies in the head, so making the practitioner more alert.Sutra netiAlso sinus cleansing, but with catheter or string. A cotton thread or rubber catheter is inserted through the nostril and down into the throat, where it exits through the mouth. One to three litres of warm water is drunk, moved around in the stomach and expelled through the mouth. The techniques should only be learnt and practised under the guidance of a qualified yoga therapist.KunjalBasically stomach cleansing. They are performed by yogis to detoxify the mind, body and spirit, to increase awareness, and to heighten the impact of regular yogic practice.

Sheshadri manages to bend me and stretch me until I start to look like a fat ballet-dancer. “You must keep up the yoga, James, you are much improved,” he says, his eyes gleaming with a mixture of pride and sadism. “And you must eat less, or it will be very bad for you,” says Parvesh, with a look that says: “You will die young unless you ditch the Haribo.”After just a week of stretching on a surface of uneven crazy-paving stones, I am able to hold positions I couldn’t have imagined, never mind achieved. I’ve definitely lost a lot of weight, but any idea of the break being a holiday has slipped away. In 10 days, I only manage one afternoon sunbathing, but I will definitely take up yoga when I get back to London.