In the ancient science of Hatha Yoga, purification is the foundation upon which all higher practices are built. Before the body can become a vessel for inner awakening, before prana (life-force energy) can flow freely, and before the mind can enter stillness, the yogi must first cleanse the inner pathways. This is the purpose of Shatkarma—a set of six powerful techniques designed to purify the body, balance the doshas (bio-energies), and prepare the practitioner for deeper yogic transformation.
The word Shatkarma (also written Shatkriya) comes from Sanskrit:
- “Shat” means six
- “Karma” means action or technique
Together, the six cleansing techniques are a vital component of the classical Hatha Yoga tradition as outlined in texts like the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Gheranda Samhita, and Shiva Samhita.
🕉️ The Purpose of Shatkarma
Shatkarma is not simply about hygiene. It is a holistic purification of the physical, energetic, and mental systems. When practiced correctly, it helps to:
- Remove toxins and mucus from the body
- Stimulate digestion and metabolism
- Balance the three doshas: Vata (air), Pitta (fire), and Kapha (earth/water)
- Enhance the flow of prana in the nadis (energy channels)
- Support concentration, clarity, and meditative absorption
- Prepare the body and mind for pranayama and meditation
In short, shatkarma clears the path for kundalini energy to awaken and rise safely through the sushumna nadi, the central energetic channel of the spine.
✨ The Six Shatkarmas
1. Neti – Nasal Cleansing
Neti is used to clear the nasal passages and sinuses, allowing unobstructed breath and prana flow.
- Jala Neti: Saline water is poured through one nostril and exits the other using a neti pot.
- Sutra Neti: A soft rubber or cotton thread is passed through the nostrils and out through the mouth.
Benefits: Clears allergies, congestion, and improves respiratory function and mental clarity.
2. Dhauti – Digestive Tract Cleansing
Dhauti purifies the esophagus, stomach, and upper digestive tract.
- Vamana Dhauti (Kunjal Kriya): Controlled vomiting of warm saline water to cleanse the stomach.
- Vastra Dhauti: Swallowing and removing a long, thin cloth strip to cleanse the stomach lining.
- Danta Dhauti: Cleansing of the teeth, tongue, and throat.
Benefits: Improves digestion, reduces acidity, and eliminates emotional stagnation stored in the gut.
3. Nauli – Abdominal Churning
A powerful internal massage of the abdominal organs by isolating and rotating the rectus abdominis muscles.
- Performed on an empty stomach with breath retention.
Benefits: Improves digestion, balances the solar plexus, stimulates the organs, and awakens energy in the manipura chakra.
4. Basti – Colon Cleansing
Traditional yogic enema performed using water drawn into the colon via rectal suction while sitting in a yogic posture in water.
- In modern adaptations, Shankha Prakshalana (complete intestinal wash using saline water) is often practiced instead.
Benefits: Removes waste and toxins, relieves constipation, and supports the health of the colon and immune system.
5. Kapalabhati – “Shining Skull” Breath
A vigorous, rapid exhalation technique (active exhale, passive inhale) that cleanses the respiratory system.
- Often considered both a kriya and a pranayama.
Benefits: Clears mucus from the lungs, energizes the brain, improves focus, and awakens the mind.
6. Trataka – Concentrated Gazing
A technique of fixing the gaze on a single point, such as a candle flame, without blinking.
- The practice is followed by closing the eyes and visualizing the image internally.
Benefits: Purifies the eyes, strengthens concentration, calms mental chatter, and opens the third eye.
⚠️ Practice with Caution and Guidance
Although these practices are deeply cleansing and transformative, Shatkarma should be practiced with awareness, and ideally under the guidance of an experienced teacher, especially for techniques like Nauli, Dhauti, and Basti.
Shatkarma is not meant for daily repetition (except for mild forms like Jala Neti or Kapalabhati) and is best approached as a seasonal or preparatory practice.
🧘♀️ Shatkarma in the Context of Hatha Yoga
In the broader scope of Hatha Yoga, shatkarma lays the foundation. Once the internal systems are clear and pranic pathways open, the practitioner can advance into asana, pranayama, mudra, bandha, and ultimately meditation (dhyana) with greater ease and effectiveness.
Without purification, higher yogic techniques may remain superficial or even cause energetic imbalance.
With purification, the body becomes a temple, and the mind a mirror—clear, receptive, and luminous.
🌿 Final Reflection
"Just as a sculptor removes the excess to reveal the form,
the yogi purifies the body and mind to reveal the Self."
Shatkarma is not glamorous, but it is essential.
It is the inner housekeeping of the yogic path—sweeping away what no longer serves, so that clarity, energy, and presence can flow freely.
In the subtle stillness that follows these purifications, something profound begins to stir:
awakening, from the inside out.