Shatkarmas are the six cleansing practices of Yoga practitioners that help to maintain physical wellbeing so that practitioners can progress towards higher practices of Asanas, Pranayama and, meditation and attain enlightenment. They are also known as Shatkriyas
Shatkarma (Yogic cleansing)
NAULI (YOGIC ABDOMINAL MUSCLE MOVEMENTS)
Nauli is the practice of moving abdominal muscles so that you massage your internal organs and stimulate muscles throughout the body.
NETI (YOGIC NASAL CLEANSE)
This is one of the most popular Yogic cleansings that helps to cleanse nasal cavities. Here cleansing is done using saline water (Jala neti) or with a rubber tube (Sutra neti). It helps to reduce phlegm and improve breathing, prana, and awareness in the body.
TRATAKA (YOGIC EYE CLEANSING)
Trataka is the cleansing of the eye by steady and continuous gazing of eyes at one point (a candle for example) until you wash your eyes with tears. It can also be practiced by focusing internally. This is a very simple practice that helps to cleans the eyes and to improve concentration and align thoughts.
KAPALABHATI (YOGIC CLEANSING BREATHING)
Kapalabhati is the practice of active exhalation and passive inhalation that helps to cleanse sinuses and the respiratory system.
BASTI (YOGIC RECTAL CLEANSE)
Basti is the cleansing of the colon. It helps to relieve digestive problems and supports overall wellbeing. There are two types, Jala Basti (water enema) and Sthala Basti (ground enema).
DHAUTI (YOGIC STOMACH WASH)
Dhauti means washing and helps to cleanse the stomach. It can be done in two ways;
- Vamana dhauti: Here vomiting is induced by drinking a large quantity of saline water
- Vastra dhauti: Here cleansing is done with a long piece of cloth soaked in warm water
Dhauti helps to flush out excess mucous, balance three doshas, and stimulate internal organs.
It is important to understand that, yogic cleansing is not recommended for daily practice, it needs to be done periodically to maintain health of a healthy person. If you have any health conditions or if you are pregnant, these are not recommended. They need be performed and learned under direct supervision. Visit Liv Ayurveda to practice Shat kriyas.