Kriyas are ancient purification techniques within yoga system. Generally there are six cleansing techniques and they are used to increase the vital capacity of the practitioner. Kriyas are designed to create harmony in body and mind and prepare one for further practices.
The effect of kriyas can be summed up in one word – purification. When the different systems of the body have been purified, the overall result is that energy can flow through the body freely. Ones capacity to work, think, digest, taste, feel, experience, etc. increases and greater awareness develops.