Shivambu , Urotherapy ( Auto Urine Therapy): A Detailed Guide

Shivambu therapy, also known as auto-urine therapy or Shivambu Kalpa, is an ancient practice rooted in Indian spiritual and medical traditions that involves the therapeutic use of one's own urine. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of this traditional practice, covering its historical and spiritual foundations, essential technical details from classical texts, proposed physiological mechanisms, and the reported health benefits, while also addressing important safety considerations.

Overview of Shivambu Therapy

Shivambu, a Sanskrit term meaning "Water of Shiva," refers to the practice of using one's own urine for therapeutic and spiritual purposes. The therapy is outlined in the Shivambu Kalpa Vidhi, a section of the 5,000-year-old Damar Tantra, which is presented as a discourse between Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati. In this text, urine is referred to as a "heavenly nectar" capable of destroying senility and diseases. The practice is also known as Amaroli in yogic traditions, derived from the Sanskrit word "Amara" meaning immortal.

While Shivambu is often promoted for its physical health benefits, its original context is primarily spiritual. Ancient Tantrics used this practice to awaken the feminine Kundalini Shakti energy at the base of the spine and unite it with the male principle Shiva at the crown, leading to expanded consciousness and liberation from suffering. Any health benefits derived from the practice are considered consequential to this deeper spiritual goal of self-realisation.

Proponents describe urine not as a toxic waste product, but as a "plasma ultrafiltrate"—a purified derivative of blood created by the kidneys. They argue that urine contains life force or prana and, when re-introduced to the body, provides the immune system with valuable information needed to restore physiological balance or homeostasis.

Technical Details and Important Information

The Damar Tantra provides specific guidelines for the practice of Shivambu Kalpa, including preparation, collection methods, and duration of practice.

· 1. Collection Vessels

· The sacred text specifies that Shivambu should be collected in utensils made from specific materials, including gold, silver, copper, bronze, brass, iron, clay, ivory, glass, wood from sacred trees, bones, leather, and leaves.

· Among these, clay utensils are considered good, while copper is deemed the best material for collection.

· 2. Collection Method

· The practitioner should rise when three-quarters of the night have elapsed (early morning) and pass urine while facing east.

· A critical instruction is to "leave out the first and the last portions of the urine, and collect only the middle portion." This is considered the best procedure, as the first and last portions are compared to the poison in the mouth and tail of a serpent, while the middle portion is considered the nectar.

· 3. Preparation and Dietary Guidelines

· The intending practitioner should abjure salty or bitter foods.

· Should not over-exert himself.

· Should take a light meal in the evening.

· Should sleep on the ground.

· Should control and master his senses.

· 4. Time of Exposure and Duration

· The practice is typically performed in the morning after waking, before other rituals.

· The Damar Tantra outlines a progressive schedule of benefits based on duration of practice, ranging from one month to twelve years or more. Common recommendations for general health maintenance suggest taking 2 to 4 ounces of fresh urine once daily in the morning as a tonic.

· 5. Methods of Application

· Internal Use: Drinking the middle portion of the morning urine.

· External Use: Applying urine to the skin, eyes, ears, or nose. For external massage, some sources recommend using urine that has been stored for at least a week or boiled down to one-quarter of its original volume to enhance urea concentration. Fresh urine may also be used.

· Gargling: For throat inflammation, gargling with urine to which a small amount of saffron has been added.

· Eye Wash: Washing the eyes with one's own urine is claimed to cure sore eyes and strengthen sight.

· 6. Frequency of Treatment

· The Damar Tantra describes continuous practice over extended periods:

· One month: Internal purification

· Two months: Energizing of the senses

· Three months: Destruction of all diseases

· Five months: Divine vision and freedom from disease

· Six months: High intelligence and scriptural proficiency

· Seven months: Extraordinary strength

· Eight months: Permanent golden glow

· Nine months: Freedom from tuberculosis and leprosy

· One year: Radiance equal to the sun

· Extended periods up to twelve years for various siddhis (spiritual powers)

· 7. Signs to Be Wary of (Contraindications)

· Shivambu therapy is not recommended for everyone. Traditional sources indicate that initiation should occur under the supervision of an experienced teacher, with a seven-year probation period to determine the pupil's credibility and sensibility.

· Some spiritual traditions advise against the practice for devotees on certain paths, emphasizing that one should not imitate powerful beings but rather follow their instructions.

· Modern practitioners should exercise extreme caution and consult healthcare professionals before considering any form of urine therapy, as there are significant health risks associated with ingesting waste products.

Proposed Mechanisms of Action

Proponents of Shivambu therapy propose several mechanisms by which the practice may exert its effects. These are theoretical and not validated by mainstream scientific research.

· Immune System Inoculation: Some practitioners view self-urine therapy as a form of auto-inoculation or self-vaccination, similar in principle to the methods of Jenner and Pasteur. Substances removed from the body, some produced as a result of imbalance, are re-introduced in small amounts and re-absorbed through the intestines or skin. This is proposed to give the immune system the information it needs to respond appropriately and achieve homeostasis.

· Urea as Therapeutic Agent: Urea, a primary solid component of urine, has been studied for various medicinal properties. It is:

· Converted into essential amino acids when recycled through ingestion, potentially helping the body use protein more efficiently.

· An effective antibacterial and antiviral agent.

· A natural diuretic used in cases of oedema, glaucoma, epilepsy, and to reduce cerebral and spinal pressure.

· A remarkable skin moisturiser that increases the water-binding capacity of the skin.

· An FDA-approved medicinal agent with anti-neoplastic properties utilised in cancer treatments.

· Transmutation Theory and Homeopathic Resonance: According to Coen Van der Kroon's "Transmutation Theory," urine can be viewed as a liquid crystal or hologram containing vibrations completely in tune with the vibrational condition of the body it comes from. Re-ingestion provides the body with vibrational information needed to maintain healthy resonance and counteract diseased or stress vibrations. This theory aligns with homeopathic principles that use medically active substances at infinitesimal doses.

· Ayurvedic Perspective: From an Ayurvedic viewpoint, urine therapy is considered to address disease caused by shifts in the internal metabolic balance of the body's five elements. Rebalancing the person's unique metabolism to attain elemental equilibrium is the goal. Classical Ayurvedic texts refer to urine as "Vishaghna" (killer of all poisons), "Rasayana" (rejuvenative), and "Raktapamaharam" (blood purifying and skin disease curing).

Detailed Explanations of Shivambu's Impact

Physiological Impact

Proponents suggest that urine therapy affects the body on multiple levels. When taken internally, urine travels through the digestive system where its constituents are sorted—useful elements are reabsorbed, while others are rejected as solid waste. The minute amounts of toxins present in urine are theorized to stimulate a cleansing reaction in the intestines and lymphatic system, flushing out stagnated excrement accumulated in the colon. Externally, urea's moisturizing properties benefit the skin, and its antibacterial qualities may aid in wound healing.

Impact on Biomarkers

There is no credible scientific research validating specific biomarker changes from Shivambu therapy. Proponents make claims regarding various health conditions, but these lack rigorous scientific support.

Neurological and Spiritual Impact

The original purpose of Shivambu Kalpa is spiritual rather than physical. Traditional sources emphasize that the practice aims to unleash Kundalini Shakti through the chakras to the third eye, fostering a more intimate relationship between the self and the Higher Self. This deep purification of all levels of being—physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual—is said to lead to expanded consciousness and liberation from suffering. Any health benefits are considered secondary to this primary goal of self-realisation.

Stress and Hormesis Impact

The practice could theoretically be viewed as a form of hormesis—introducing mild, controlled stressors that trigger adaptive responses. However, this framework has not been scientifically applied to urine therapy.

Steps to Optimize Healing

Traditional sources recommend:

· Following dietary guidelines (avoiding salty, sour, and bitter foods).

· Maintaining regularity of practice over extended periods.

· Combining the practice with mantras, minerals, herbs, spices, massage, and asana practices to assist detoxification and influence the body's vibrations.

· Seeking guidance from an experienced teacher.

Conditions Reported to Benefit

Proponents claim Shivambu therapy may benefit numerous conditions. These claims are not supported by mainstream medical research.

Category Reported Conditions

Infectious Diseases Common cold, Coronavirus, HIV, Plague, Poisonous fevers

Chronic Diseases Cancer, Diabetes, Asthma, Hypertension, Tuberculosis, Leprosy

Digestive Disorders Indigestion, Dropsy, Jaundice, Intestinal worms

Respiratory Conditions Cough, Colds, Throat inflammation

Skin Conditions Itching, Wounds, Dandruff, Complex skin diseases

Sensory Organs Sore eyes, Deafness and ear noises, Dental troubles

Neurological/Muscular Trembling hands and knees, Numbness, Palsy

General Wellness Purifies blood, Strengthens body, Improves digestion, Anti-aging, Boosts immunity

Clinical and Scientific Evidence

The scientific evidence for Shivambu therapy is extremely limited and does not meet modern medical standards.

· Historical and Traditional Evidence: The primary evidence for Shivambu therapy comes from ancient texts, particularly the Damar Tantra, which is estimated to be 5,000 years old. References to urine therapy are also found in Ayurvedic volumes and the Bhavprakasha. The practice has been passed down through generations in India and other cultures.

· Global Traditional Use: Urine therapy has historical roots in many civilizations:

· Ancient Egypt: The Berlin Medical Papyrus documents the use of urine for various purposes.

· Ancient Rome: Pliny recommended urine for therapeutic use, and it was used for teeth whitening.

· Traditional European Medicine: Urine treatments have been used since medieval times in Germany. In England and France, washing hands in urine for softening properties existed.

· Asian Cultures: In Japan, urine therapy has been known for seven hundred years and is prescribed for asthma, diabetes, and hypertension. In China, it is reported that over three million people practice urine therapy.

· Native American Traditions: Indigenous peoples of Mexico, Argentina, Peru, and Chile have used urine for illnesses and as an antiseptic.

· Modern Anecdotal Reports: Contemporary practitioners, such as Jan Schünemann from Germany, report personal benefits including improved energy, freedom from illness, and deeper self-connection. In India, organizations report significant numbers of active users—approximately 300,000 in Gujarat and over 30,000 in Mumbai.

· Scientific Evaluation of Urea: While specific research on whole urine ingestion is lacking, individual components of urine, particularly urea, have been studied and used in FDA-approved medicinal applications. Urea is recognized for its moisturizing, antibacterial, and diuretic properties. However, this does not validate the practice of consuming whole urine.

· Lack of Clinical Trials: There are no robust, peer-reviewed clinical trials demonstrating the safety or efficacy of Shivambu therapy. The World Congress on Urotherapy has been held in various locations, but the proceedings do not constitute rigorous scientific evidence by modern medical standards.

· Important Safety Warning: Medical professionals universally advise against the practice of urine therapy. Urine contains waste products that the body has specifically eliminated. Ingesting these waste products can introduce harmful bacteria, toxins, and concentrated levels of substances that may be dangerous, particularly for individuals with kidney disease, liver disease, or other medical conditions. There is no credible scientific evidence to support the health claims made for urine therapy.

Modern Context and Cultural Significance

Shivambu therapy continues to be practiced in various parts of the world. In India, it maintains cultural and spiritual significance rooted in ancient traditions. The 5th World Congress on Urotherapy was held in Guadalajara, Mexico in 2009, and subsequent congresses have been scheduled in other locations, indicating an organized international community of practitioners.

In recent years, books promoting urine therapy have been published addressing various health conditions, including claims of curing Coronavirus, Cancer, HIV, and Diabetes. These publications are not peer-reviewed scientific works and make claims that are not supported by medical evidence.

The practice remains highly controversial and is considered pseudoscientific by the medical establishment. Mainstream healthcare providers strongly advise against self-administering urine therapy due to significant health risks and the lack of proven benefits.

Conclusion

Shivambu therapy, or auto-urine therapy, is an ancient practice with deep roots in Indian spiritual and medical traditions. Outlined in the 5,000-year-old Damar Tantra, it was originally conceived as a spiritual discipline for expanding consciousness and achieving liberation, with physical health benefits considered secondary. The practice involves collecting the middle portion of one's morning urine and ingesting it or applying it externally, following specific guidelines regarding diet, behavior, and duration.

While proponents claim benefits for numerous conditions from common cold to cancer, these claims are not supported by rigorous scientific research. Individual components of urine, particularly urea, have documented medicinal properties and FDA-approved applications, but this does not validate the practice of consuming whole urine. The therapy continues to have cultural significance and a community of practitioners worldwide, but it remains highly controversial and is considered pseudoscientific by the medical establishment.

Anyone considering Shivambu therapy should exercise extreme caution, consult healthcare professionals, and understand that there are significant health risks associated with ingesting waste products. The decision to pursue such a practice should be made with full awareness of the lack of scientific evidence and the potential for harm.