Shatkarmas in Yoga: 6 Cleansing Kriyas You Must Know
➤ Introduction
Shatkarmas in Yoga are six ancient yogic cleansing practices that purify the body and mind. Dhauti, Basti, Neti, Tratak, Nauli, and Kapalbhati are the six cleansing yogas. One must learn and practice Shatkarmas in Yoga under the supervision or at least the presence of a skilled yoga master. It is said that these age-old methods, after cleansing the person externally, detoxify him from within and make mental clarity sharper.
Dhauti purges the digestive tract, Basti the colon; Neti the nasal passages, while Tratak enhances the power of concentration. Nauli massages the internal organs, Kapalbhati stimulates the mind. These six are the prime yogic cleansers for health and spiritual development.
But that is just a beginning—there is so much more to these Shatkarmas than what first meets the eye. Great yogis such as Swami Satyananda Saraswati have stressed the potency of these Shatkarmas in attaining mental stillness and physical purity. So let us uncover the deeper benefits, the techniques, and the governing wisdom behind these six pillars of yogic purification.
➤ Overview of the 6 Shatkarmas in Yoga
Each Shatkarma is focused on one internal system. Together, they provide complete purification affecting everything from the food channel to the clarity of the mind. Let us consider them one by one.
Why Supervision Matters When Practicing Shatkarmas in Yoga
Improper practice can injure the internal organs or nervous systems. A trained teacher presents you with correct technique, correct timing and right sequence. He or she adjusts the techniques to your constitution (Prakriti) and health history. Never attempt the experiment on your own with Shatkarmas, especially with Nauli and Dhauti.
1. Dhauti – A Shatkarma in Yoga for Digestive Cleansing
In Dhauti, the cleaning of the entire digestive tract takes place. The main types consist of Vamana Dhauti and Vastra Dhauti. Vamana Dhauti inducing vomit. Vastra Dhauti also termed cloth-swallowing, These activities are supposed to get the mucus, bile, and toxins out of the stomach. Practitioners claim better digestion, less acidity, and a feeling of mental lightness.
Dhauti will clear the stomach and esophagus of foreign matter, that is, undigested food particles mixed with mucus. Occurrence of such foreign matter in the stomach hampers digestion and causes constipation. This, when treated, will help cure such disorders as acidity and asthma.
Types of Dhauti include:
- Vaman Dhauti
- Vastra Dhauti
2. Basti – A Shatkarma Practice to Cleanse the Colon
Basti is an enema prepared naturally. It is prepared to clean and purify the colon so as to ensure proper bowel movements and to balance the vata dosha in the body. It especially works wonders for constipation, flatulence, and bloating.
Basti purifies the lower intestine. The yogis used water or air to clean the colon in a manner very much similar to an enema, though more subtle. Beneficial in constipation, detoxifying the large intestine, and improving intestinal health, improper technique can lead to strain or injury.
Types of Basti include:
- Jala Basti
- Sthala Basti
3. Neti – Shatkarma for Nasal and Sinus Detox in Yoga
Neti keeps nasal passages and sinuses clean. It improves respiration and washes off the allergens and pollutants from the nose.
In it, Jala Neti, Rubber or Sutra Neti and Ghrita Neti are performed to clear nasal passages and sinuses and enhance respiratory functioning. Daily neti practice is going to reduce allergies and headaches and increase mental clarity. You should always use clean water and sterile equipment. Otherwise, infections might be caused.
Two major forms:
- Jala Neti
- Rubber or Sutra Neti
- Ghrita Neti
4. Tratak – A Shatkarma in Yoga for Mental Focus
Tratak means keeping one’s eyes fixed upon a certain point or flame without blinking. It could strengthen the eyes, increase concentration, and calm the nervous system. It also helps in curing insomnia and stress by providing mental clarity.
5. Nauli – Shatkarma for Abdominal Detox and Energy Flow
Nauli churns and massages abdominal internal organs by means of circular movements of the abdominal muscles. It works on digestion, hormone regulation, and will power. Learn this only from an expert, as it requires intense abdominal control. Nauli energizes the solar plexus with prana.
Rotating and isolating abdominal muscles cleanse the internal organs via Nauli. It improves digestion, balances hormones and invigorates the body.
6. Kapalbhati – Yogic Shatkarma for Brain and Lung Detox
Kapalbhati is a forceful breath technique with the emphasis on exhalation, It acts as a detoxifier for the lungs and brain.
While exhaling forcefully and inhaling naturally, this method undergoes credit for purifying the lungs, sharpening brain activity and awakening dormant energy (Kundalini). An empty stomach is important for this practice.
➤ Mental and Physical Benefits of Practicing Shatkarmas in Yoga
- Enhances immunity and gut health
- Balances emotional fluctuations
- Removes chronic fatigue and brain fog
- Clears respiratory blocks and improves oxygen intake
- Aids in spiritual development by calming the mind
Shatkarmas prepare the body-mind complex for the higher stages of Ashtanga Yoga like Dharana and Dhyana.
➤ Precautions Before Practicing Shatkarmas in Yoga
- Always practice on an empty stomach
- Use clean and sterilized equipment
- Never overdo a kriya, follow your teacher’s advice
- Avoid if you’re unwell, pregnant, or post-surgery
- Hydrate well before and after sessions
➤ Who Should Avoid Shatkarmas?
- Pregnant women
- Individuals with heart conditions
- People with ulcers or hernias
- Children under 12
Anyone under psychiatric medication (unless advised by a yogic therapist)
➤ Daily Integration Tips for Beginners
Start with Jala Neti and Kapalbhati as they’re beginner-friendly.
- Practice early morning after bowel movement.
- Pair with light asanas and pranayama.
- Keep a journal to note effects, feelings, and progress.
Key Benefits of Practicing Shatkarmas
| Benefit | Description |
| Physical Detox | Removes waste, toxins, and mucus from the body |
| Mental Clarity | Reduces stress, increases concentration |
| Energy Flow | Clears blockages in energy channels (nadis) |
| Spiritual Progress | Prepares body-mind for deeper yogic states |
| Immunity Boost | Strengthens internal systems against illness |
➤ Precautions and Recommendations
- Always practice Shatkarmas under the guidance of a trained yoga teacher.
- Not all kriyas are for everybody. For instance, someone with heart disease, ulcers, or high blood pressure should avoid certain practices.
- Work slowly and increase frequency only as the body adapts.
➤ FAQs About Shatkarmas
Q. 1. Can beginners practice Shatkarmas?
A: Yes, but under trained supervision. Basics can be Jala Neti or Kapalbhati.
Q. 2. How often should Shatkarmas be practiced?
A: Some like Neti may be practiced daily, others like Dhauti, should be according to body type and health, weekly, or monthly.
Q. 3. Are there any side effects?
A: Ideally, no side effects are expected to arise if performed well. However, improper practice may cause discomfort, slight dizziness, or tiredness.
Q. 4. Do I need special tools or equipment?
A: Some do need a few very simple tools, such as a Neti pot, a rubber catheter for nauli, or an enema kit.
Q. 5. Are these religious practices?
A: No. Shatkarmas are yogic techniques for health, so anyone can benefit from these, irrespective of background.
Q. 6. Can children or older people do them?
A: Only gentle kriyas such as Neti and Kapalbhati may be suitable. Always consult a yoga teacher before.
➤ Conclusion
Beyond being ancient rituals, Shatkarmas are potent methods of detoxification, self-mastery, and spiritual elevation. With the right guidance, anyone can derive powerful benefits from them. Don’t just read about them, experience them consciously, and unlock a higher level of wellness.
These ancient practices are more than just a set of stretches , they are deep healing rituals based in yogic science. In our upcoming blog post, we will examine each kriya in full detail, step-by-step.
Make sure you don’t miss our next article: Dhauti: The Ultimate Cleansing of the Digestive System.
