In authentic classical Hatha Yoga, advanced pranayama and intense meditation cannot be practiced safely in an encumbered body riddled with excess phlegm, bile, and intestinal waste. Before embarking upon breath retention, the foundational scripture Hatha Yoga Pradipika mandates the practice of the Shatkarmas (The Six Internal Cleansing Kriyas). Designed to harmonize the three doshas and cleanse the respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems, the six purification rituals are: Dhauti (internal digestive cleansing), Basti (colonic water wash), Neti (nasal and sinus irrigation), Trataka (candle-gaze ocular focus), Nauli (abdominal visceral churning), and Kapalabhati (respiratory sinus purification). The Kriyasya Shatkarma Studio details each cleansing action with authentic shastric protocols and modern safety guidance.
The 6 Classical Purification Actions (Shatkarma)
- Neti (Nasal Cleansing): Jala Neti (lukewarm saline water passed through nostrils using a neti pot) and Sutra Neti (cleansing with a lubricated rubber/cotton thread). Eliminates allergic sinus debris, pollens, and chronic rhinitis.
- Dhauti (Digestive Cleansing): Vamana Dhauti (Kunjal Kriya – drinking warm saline water and voluntarily regurgitating) and Vastra Dhauti (swallowing a thin cotton strip). Cleanses excess Pitta, mucus, and hyperacidity.
- Nauli (Abdominal Visceral Churning): Isolating and rolling the rectus abdominis muscles in rapid waves (Dakshina, Vama, and Madhyama Nauli). Tones inner visceral organs, stimulates digestive enzymes, and cures constipation.
- Basti (Yogic Colonic Purification): Drawing water into the colon via pelvic contractions to cleanse accumulated fecal toxemia.
- Kapalabhati (Frontal Brain Purification): Rapid rhythmic abdominal expulsions clearing carbon dioxide from the lower lobes of the lungs.
- Trataka (Steady Gaze Focus): Unblinking gaze at a ghee lamp flame until tears emerge, followed by inner visualization. Cleanses tear ducts, relieves eye strain, and activates the Ajna Chakra.
Study the Classical Shatkarmas on Kriyasya
Discover detailed preparatory stages, shastric texts, and safety contraindications.
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