Shatkarma is the Sanskrit term for one of the six yogic purification techniques (kriyas)

as outlined in the "Hatha Yoga Pradipika." The purpose of these cleansing techniques is
to keep the body strong, clean and healthy. They are said to remove toxins and
anything blocking the flow of prana in the body.

Shat means “Six” & karma here is referred to as “Action performed to

achieve some desired results“.
Gheranda Samhita: Maharishi Gheranda has mentioned about Shatkarma as the first
limb of Yoga. He mentioned in the Samhita that without shatkarma practice, no
practitioner can achieve success in Yoga.

As per Maharishi Gheranda, First and foremost in the practice of Yoga is cleansing and
purification of our body. Without it, the progress in other limbs of Yoga will be difficult for
all. Thus he has accepted it as the first step of Yoga.

Hath Pradipika: Swami Swatmarama (author of Hatha Pradipika) has a different view
with regards to Shatkarma. He has recommended these techniques only to those
practitioners, who have excess fat & Kapha in their body.

or others, Swami Swatmarama mentioned shatkarma as an optional practice.

How and Why to learn about Shatkarma?Shatkarma are first step in first rule of
Niyama which is Saucha. Yoga offers a lot as the way of life. You don’t need to follow all
of that to realise the benefits of different practices of Yoga.

As I have heard from many senior teachers of Yoga, people enter into yoga hall from
different doors (reasons), and slowly they explore what all that hall has to offer.
Similarly, you can be here only for body health reasons. By all means, it is good enough
reason to have.

Shatkarma prepares your body for getting maximum benefits out of Asana and
Pranayama practices.

The sequence of Shatkarma in Gheranda Samhita:

धौतिर्वस्तिस्तथा नेतिर्लौलिकी त्राटकं तथा ।

कपालभातिश्चैतानि षट्कर्माणि समाचरेत् ।। ( घे०स 1/12 )

1. Dhauti
2. Basti
3. Neti
4. Nauli
5. Trataka
6. Kapalbhati DBNNTK

The sequence of Shatkarma in Hatha Pradipika:

धौतिर्बस्तिस्तथा नेति: त्राटकं नौलिकं तथा ।

कपालभातिश्चैतानि षट् कर्माणि प्रचक्षते ।। ( ह०प्र० 2/22 )

1. Dhauti
2. Basti
3. Neti
4. Trataka
5. Nauli
6. Kapalbhati DBNTNK

So basically, the difference is in the sequence of fourth and fifth practice.

Yogic purpose of Shatkarma:

Though Shatkarma are called cleansing techniques or shuddhi kriyas, in Yoga, they are
valued for little more than that.

The purpose of Shatkarma is:

● To bring balance to tri-dosh Vata, Pitta & Kapha

● Bring balance to mind & body processes.
● Balance prana flow in Ida and Pingala Nadi. From there to stimulate the flow
through Sushumna Nadi.
● To remove/ excrete toxins from our body.
● To cleanse our body from inside & keep our body healthy.
● Providing strength to our internal systems like blood circulation, digestion,
respiratory system & immunity.

_________________________________________________

1. Dhauti – Cleansing of Digestive Tract

Dhauti is made up of ‘Dho‘ root word which means ‘Washing’ or ‘Cleansing’.
The way, we keep taking shower time to time for cleansing and activeness of
body, internal organs need the same for effective working.
Some common types of Dhauti are:

● Vamana Dhauti – Drinking a large quantity of lukewarm water and then

vomit it out to removes extra mucus from the food pipe. Also called
Kunjal kriya.

● Vastra Dhauti – In this kriya, a clean muslin cloth drowned in tepid

water is swallowed & held in the stomach for a few minutes. Then it’s
pulled out from mouth end that brings out impurities intestinal tract.

Some other simples techniques to perform Dhauti are Danta (teeth) dhauti,
Jihva (tongue) Dhauti & Karna (ear) Dhauti.
The mechanism of Dhauti helps the internal organ system to work efficiently
& remove excess mucus from the stomach. Other than this, consistent
practice of dhauti kriya balances the Kapha, Pitta & Vata dosha in our body.

Dhauti is a preparatory action before involving in any physical practice of

yoga. It cleans complete digestive tract or gastrointestinal tract (GI)1 to
eliminate accumulated bolus (chewed food) 2 from the top of the alimentary
canal to the colon.

Dhauti not only affects the digestive tract but also increases respiratory
system & frontal brain efficiency 3.

Sometimes Dhauti is also named as Kunjal or Gajakarni kriya. These are

Sanskrit names of ‘elephant‘. Indeed, Yogis learned the idea of Dhauti-kriya
technique from nature. It’s the same as when an elephant expels out
undigested coDhauti:

Dhauti is the cleansing technique for the upper area of food pipe, up to stomach area.
This helps in improving and keeping the digestive system healthy.

There are three types of Dhauti:

1. Vaman dhauti
2. Vastra dhauti
3. Danda dhauti

Benefits: Dhauti has the benefit of cleaning the digestive tract of lingering food
particles, extra mucus. It also helps in removing the problems of gas, acidity &
indigestion.

Contraindications: Not be practised in case there is an internal injury or sensitivity in

the digestive tract or stomach like an ulcer.

Types of Dhauti

There are different types of Dhauti (internal washing) derived for different
parts of the mouth & GI tract. Chosen a particular type, depends upon the
practice level (beginner or advanced) of a seeker & the requirement in a yogic
system. There are mainly 4 types of Dhauti according to functioning on
particular parts of the body.

1. Danta Dhauti
2. Antar Dhauti
3. Hrid Dhauti
4. Moola Shodhana Dhauti
A practitioner who is not comfortable with swallowing cloth (in Vastra Dhauti)
through the mouth, can simply wash the GI tract with drinking lukewarm water
in the beginner level.

An ancient text, Gheranda Samhita 4, on yoga gives an idea of

categorization of Dhauti.

1. Danta Dhauti

Danta Dhauti is the simplest type of Dhauti as it comprises the cleansing of

mouth & head parts. It’s of following 4 types.

(i) Danta Mula Dhauti

Danta means Teeth and ‘Mula’ means Root. This Dhauti kriya consists
cleaning the root of teeth which ensures a long life of teeth. How To Do: In
this Dhauti, the root of tooth rubbed using acacia resin or clean earth. It
cleanses and removes any impurities (if present in the tooth).

(ii) Jhiva Dhauti

Also called Jhiva Shodhana. ‘Jhiva’ means tongue. This Dhauti kriya helps in
elongation of the tongue which is said to destroy the old age and any bodily
diseases. How To Do: To perform Jhiva Dhauti, place your index, middle
and ring finger into the throat and then rub root of throat continuously up and
down (throw phlegm out). This practice activates salivary glands.

(iii) Karna Dhauti

Karna means ear. Practicing this Dhauti regularly can make you listen to the
mystical sounds (Nada). How To Do: To practice it, simply put ring finger
in-ear and rotate it in a circular motion. It cleanses the ear apertures.

(iv) Kapala Randhra Dhauti

‘Kapla’ means Skull or Head. This Dhauti kriya consists massaging the front
head with the thumb. How To Do: To do this kriya, bring your right thumb at
the middle of the eyebrows and rub gently your forehead. Perform this kriya
after waking up in the morning, in the evening, and after night meal. It reduces
stress, insomnia, and increases vision.

2. Antar Dhauti (Internal Dhauti)

Antar Dhauti is the washing of the lower part of the stomach region or large
intestine. It’s of following 4 types.

(i) Vatsara Dhauti

Vatsara means ‘Drinking of air’. Air is the medium of washing in this kriya. How To
Do: To perform Vatsara Dhauti, the air is swallowing slowly into the stomach
through the mouth in Kaki mudra. Then upper stomach and the intestine filled with
this air, respectively. After holding it in the intestine for a period, released it out
through the anus.

(ii) Varisara Dhauti

It is also called Shankhaprakshalana Dhauti. This practice washed the entire

digestive tract from mouth to the anus. Water is the medium of washing in this kriya.
How To Do: In Varisara Dhauti, lukewarm salty water is drunk in excess & then
letting it out through the anus. After drinking a little water in the beginning some
asanas are performed for easy flow of water.

(iii) Agnisara Dhauti

Commonly it’s known as Vahinsara Kriya. Vahinsara Dhauti is the practice of

stimulating heat energy of the navel region. This kriya does the washing by means
of ‘Fire‘. How To Do: In Vahinsara Dhauti, abdominal muscles rapidly contract &
expand while sitting in Vajrasana. Sometimes this kriya also performed with rapid
breathing along with abdominal movements. These rapid movements produce heat
in the stomach (Digestive fire).

(iv) Bahiskrita Dhauti

This kriya does the cleaning of the intestine through held air. Practicing this Dhauti
can get Godlike Body 5. How To Do: In this Dhauti, Crow seal (Kaki Mudra) is
made to suck the air in and held this air in for 90 minutes. After 90 minutes, stand in
clean water equal to the navel level and pulled the long intestine out. Then washed
intestine carefully with hands and draw it again in the abdomen.

3. Hrid Dhauti

Hrid means Heart. This Dhauti consists of the techniques to wash organs
related to the heart i.e. the upper stomach organs. It’s of following 3 types.

(i) Danda Dhauti

‘Danda’ means stick. This Dhauti kriya removes phlegm and bile from deep
down of throat (esophagus). It cures all heart-related problems. How To Do:
To perform Danda Dhautii kriya, Insert core of a banana tree stem or turmeric
root into the throat and let it reach below the throat. Now slowly pull it out. It
comes out with mucus, phlegm from the esophagus.

(ii) Vastra Dhauti

‘Vastra’ means Cloth. In this Dhauti kriya, a cloth is used to wash the upper
stAs the name of every other posture in yoga, the name ‘Vastra’ is also taken
from the Sanskrit language. Vastra means ‘A Piece of Cloth’ & Dhauti referred
here for ‘Cleansing’. This practice is pretty much like Vamana Dhauti, except
that here a Vastra (A Piece of Cloth) is used in place of water.

Theoretically, the practice of Vastra Dhauti firstly described in ancient yogic

scripture ‘Hatha Yoga Pradipika’ verse 2.24. In the practice of Vastra Dhauti, a
loosely made moist cotton cloth is swallowed into the stomach. After
completely swallowing cloth into the stomach, some abdominal movements
(Nauli) are performed. After this, the cloth is slowly pulled out thereby cleaning
the stomach.

1. The dimension of Vastra Dhauti Cloth

Length – 20 to 25 feet, Width – 2 to 3 inches (Less than the width of the
tongue)
2. The cloth used in this practice should be made up of finely woven
cotton, not a synthetic material.
3. All the corners of the cloth should be neatly trimmed so that no fraying
takes place.

How to do Vastra Dhauti: A step by step guide

1. Preparing a water solution for cloth

2. Swallowing the cloth
3. Performing abdominal movements (Nauli)
4. Pulling cloth out

Benefits of Vastra Dhauti

The stomach in the body is the input receptor of all food & beverages, further which
on processed finally converts in the form of energy & maintains our health. If the
path through food reaches the stomach (esophagus) is not clean, somehow food is
affected & so on our health. There are following health benefits of Vastra dhauti.

1. Vastra dhauti cleans the mucus & other sticky substances from the
esophagus. Now food wouldn’t be accumulated throughout the way to
stomach & hence it relieves asthma, phlegm & cough related problem.
 2. Different yogic breathing (Pranayama) requires breathing from the throat
region & hence, the throat can be cleaned using vastra dhauti before
commencing these pranayamas.
3. Functioning of the stomach can affect many skin disorders as whole energy is
spread through this region. Vastra dhauti cleanses the stomach from toxins
stuck there & can relieve acne, itching, & other skin disorders.
4. A healthy and clean stomach also helps in effective working of the digestive
system as well as liver and spleen. Hence, vastra dhauti can also relieve
from gas, acidity & indigestion related problem.
5. The practice of vastra dhauti activates the Manipura chakra which is
responsible for building up the digestive fire of practitioner.
6. A consistent & regular practice of vastra dhauti strengthen the organs of the
respiratory system. It also helps to keep active the immune system.

Vastra Dhauti Precautions

1. The moist cloth should be touched only over the tongue, not the upper
palate of the mouth.
2. People suffering from ‘Pitta Dosha’ should use milk to dip the cloth
instead of water.
3. Vastra Dhauti is practiced after 3 hours the meal.
4. Vastra dhuati should be performed only under the guidance of an expert
yoga teacher.
5. People suffering from high blood pressure & heart diseases should not
be performed vastra dhauti.

(iii) Vamana Dhauti OR Kunjal Kriya

‘Vamana’ means vomiting. In this Dhauti, after drinking excessive water throat
induced to vomit out this water. Along with water, undigested food particles
and phlegm comes out in Vamana Dhauti.

Kunjal Kriya is a yogic purification technique of Hatha Yoga to flush out the
impurities from the upper digestive tract by voluntarily induced vomiting.
In this kriya, saline lukewarm water is drunk more than normal capacity. Then
after keeping it inside for a few minutes water is thrown out of the stomach
using finger-inducing.

This kriya is highly beneficial for acidity or indigestion related problems.

Moreover, Gherenda Samhita claims that this practice when performed
consistently can cure ailments of the liver and spleen 1. The reason is, in
kunjal kriya, the undigested food particles which create toxins in the stomach
are thrown out by the gush of water. If these undigested food particles are not
removed from the stomach lining, later it creates a sticky yellowish-white
substance called ‘Ama’

It’s also called vyaghra kriya (tiger-like action); Just as a tiger vomits its
food after a few hours of eating it, in the same way, vomiting is done in the
Vaman dhauti to flush out undigested food particles. Vaman dhauti is also
known as ‘Jala dhauti’ and ‘Gaja karni kirya’. However the procedure of
both kriyas are identical, the difference is based on the timing and purpose.
Vaman dhauti is done after 3 or 4 hours of having a meal whereas kunjal kriya
is a morning practice that is advised to perform on empty stomach.

Vaman is also a part of popular therapy of Ayurveda called panchakarma.

Here it’s practiced using some ayurvedic medicine to induce the vomit. It
eliminates the excess of Kapha dosha which causes an increase in mucus,
congestion in the lungs, bronchitis, cold, and cough.

Contraindications

kunjal kriya should not be performed in some physical conditions where it may
cause harm. Common conditions it’s contraindicated are; In case of
pregnancy, menstrual cycle, hernia of stomach, heart disease, hematemesis
(blood vomiting), and abdomen tumor.

4. Moola Shodhana Dhauti

Moola Shodhana Dhauti kriya is the cleansing of the rectum using a soft
turmeric root. The practitioner inserts the middle finger or turmeric root into the
rectum and rotates it clockwise and anticlockwise. It clears the extra feces
from the rectum. Use olive oil for easy insertion of turmeric root & lubrication
of anus. Stands in utkatasana while doing moola shodhana dhauti.
https://www.fitsri.com/articles/kunjal-kriya-or-vaman-dhauti

Benefits of Dhauti Kriya

Dhauti karma is washing the complete alimentary canal. Different organs are
connected on the way of the alimentary canal. Thus the practice of dhauti
kriya is beneficial in many ways.

● Mucus in a human body is responsible for diseases like the spleen,

leprosy, cough, and asthma. Dhauti eliminates excessive mucus from
the stomach. Hence, dhauti kills coughs, asthma, leprosy disease.
● Dhauti flush out rests food residue from the stomach, hence it increases
the efficiency of the digestive & respiratory system.
● Dhauti balances Kapha, pitta & Vata doshas in the body.
● The practice of dhauti karma removes different infectious bacteria from
the stomach, hence reducing constipation, poor digestion problem.
● The consistent practice of dhauti karma helps to cure the acidity
problem.
● Functioning of dhauti also helps in glowing the skin & removing dark
circle.
● Danta dhauti removes the bacteria of mouth & increase the efficiency of
salivary glands.
_____________________________________________________________
2. Basti:

Basti is second in the sequence of shatkarma that treats almost 50% of

abdominal diseases.

It directly works on the purification of the central organ of the body called
colon (large intestine) that nourishes almost all tissues of body.

Unlike enema which cleans only lower 8 to 10 inches of colon, Basti purifies
the whole colon system to the rectum (attached to the anus). The colon is a
long tube-like organ in the lower belly that removes water from digested food
and is mostly disturbed by solid waste (feces).
Basti Kriya (Yogic Enema): Cleansing of Intestines
basti kriya cleanses the lower abdomen (large intestine) by sucking in water or air
through the anus. Basti is what we call as the enema in modern medical terminology.
In texts, two types of Basti are mentioned:

1. Jal basti
2. Danda Basti

Basti helps in cleaning out large intestine. The water which is pulled or pushed (in
enema) churns around in large intestine and makes passage smooth for undigested
food.

The term “Basti” is used to describe something “that resides within a cavity
surrounded by four walls.” Basti also means “to hold” or sometimes used to
refer to the urinary bladder.

In Hatha yoga pradipika basti is defined as, “Sitting in utkatasana, navel deep
in water, insert a tube into the anus and contract the anus. This cleansing with
water is called basti karma.“

This cleansing technique is beneficial in curing several digestive, urinary, and

eliminating disorders like flatulence, etc.
There are two types of performing Basti kriya, i.e. Jala Basti (with water) and
Sthal Basti Kriya (with air). Let’s get into their practice one-by-one:

1. Jala Basti

Traditionally, jala basti was practiced squatting in a river, however, using a

bucket or tub filled with water will do. “Jala” is a term denoting “water”, since
the water is used to cleanse the bowels here, hence the name.

● Take a tub filled with water and sit or squat over it in utkatasana. The
level of water must come up to the navel.
● Lean forward resting your hands on the knees.
● Suck the water into the large intestine via anus by expanding the anal
sphincter muscles.
● Exhale and perform uddhiyana bandha and nauli kriya simultaneously.
This will create a vacuum-like suction to draw the water into the lower
abdomen and abdominal muscles undergo contraction and churning
motion.
● Stand up holding the water inside the bowel for 5-30 minutes
● Then, exhale and expel the water out through the anus. This is the
completion of the first round, you can repeat it for 3-5 rounds until the
bowels are cleansed.
Tips to Ease the Jala Basti Kriya

● It is an advanced technique therefore beginners insert a catheter into

the rectum for drawing the water in. Traditionally, people used to prefer
bamboo tubes over plastic tubes or catheters.
● The catheter has to be at least 13-15 cm long, perfectly smooth, and
hollow.
● About 4cm or above of the catheter is inserted into the anus. It is
suggested to lubricate it with beeswax or non-irritating oil, viz. Vaseline
or ghee for easy insertion.
● It is crucial to remove the catheter from the anus without exhaling as
soon as you reach your limit of kumbhaka (breath retention).
 ● In the advanced stages where the tube is not required the rectum is
pushed out opening the sphincter muscles with fingers. It is then drawn
in performing uddhiyana bandha then the hand is removed followed by
retention of breath and then exhalation.
● When you are prepared to expel the water out from the anus, always
squat over the toilet as the stool will also be evacuated from the lower
intestine.
● Ensure that the water is completely removed from the bowels.
Follow-up Practice (After Jala Basti Kriya)

● Lie down in shavasana on a blanket then gradually assume pashinee

mudra. This helps in evacuating any retained water in the bowels via
releasing air.
● Then again assume the shavasana followed by bringing the knees to
the chest and rocking side to side on the floor. Alternatively, you can
rock side to side by opening the arms on the shoulder level.
● Again rest in shavasana for a while and then practice bhujangasana 3-5
times to expel any remaining water or air.
● Also, you can add mayurasana to the sequence for better experiences.

2. Sthala Basti

● Lie down on your back at a 60-degree angle to the floor assuming

viparita karani mudra.
● Now, draw the knees down towards the chest and push the sphincter
muscles out and in to fill in the air into the bowels.
● The sucked-in air is held inside and pulled upwards towards the colon
performing nauli kriya. Meanwhile, the air (Apana Vayu) rises upward
exerting pressure on the navel region.
● Retain the air inside for a few minutes and then expel it through the
anus.
● It forms one round of sthala basti and can be repeated 3-5 times as per
convenience.
Sthala Basti Variations

Some texts also mentioned that sthala basti can also be practiced assuming
pashinee mudra. Advanced practitioners also perform it holding
paschimottanasana for 2-3 minutes along with practicing ashwini mudra 20-25
times.

In the beginning, while performing nauli kriya, uddhiyana bandha can also be
applied, similar to jala basti, to suck the air in.

“Sthala” means “ground”, since this basti kriya is performed in the ground,
therefore named so. People also refer to it as Pavana Basti or Vata Basti kriya
because air is used for cleansing the colon.

Keeping in mind that the air used here is dry, sometimes it is also known by
the name of Shushka Basti.

Basti Kriya Precautions

1. People with high blood pressure, hernia, or any severe digestive

disorder must avoid basti kriya.
2. Avoid the consumption of food for about 72 minutes after performing
basti kriya.
3. Ensure that you have expertise in nauli kriya and uddhiyana bandha.
4. For the jala basti kriya, always use a sterilized catheter tube and use
only clean water neither too hot nor cold.
5. It is best to avoid this practice in cloudy, rainy, windy, or stormy
weather.
6. This practice must be performed in the morning on an empty stomach.

Basti Kriya Benefits

1. Replenishes the bowels

Basti kriya washes away or cleanses the entire colon. It removes any harmful
bacteria, toxic impurities, accumulated stool, threadworms, and heat from the
intestines.
This way basti kriya is great practice to flush out impurities of lower intestine
that generally doesn’t removed in daily life. Hence it serves in weight loss and
detoxification of the body.

2. Cures digestive disorders

Basti kriya practice benefits the abdominal organs, as pressure is exerted on

the stomach. It stimulates the digestive organs and improves the efficiency of
the digestive system.

Besides facilitating improved digestion, it cures digestive disorders. People

suffering from constipation, nervous diarrhea, flatulence, and irritable bowel
syndrome gets therapeutic benefits from Basti kriya. It also comes in handy
while treating chronic colitis and dysentery with the doctor’s consent.

3. Balances the doshas

Basti kriya brings equilibrium among Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. It removes
excess disease-causing dosha and balances the tissues (dhatus). It purifies
the body and all the senses work efficiently.

4. Enhances skin tone

By purifying the body internally this practice improves your appetite. Due to
this, the body gains proper nourishment and it reflects well in the skin. Basti
hydrated the body which enhances the glow, tone, and texture of the skin.

5. Stimulates solar plexus

This yogic practice exerts pressure on the abdomen which stimulates and
strengthens the solar plexus. It improves the overall well being of the body by
influencing the nervous system. It enables the efficient working of the
stomach, kidneys, liver, and adrenal glands.

6. Acts as a remedial practice

Diseases like Splenomegaly (spleen enlargement), dysuria (urinary
disorders), colon cancer or tumors which is very common in male can be
cured by performing basti kriya.

Conclusion

Basti Kriya is an advanced yogic cleansing of the body that cures most
ailments. Its significance can be well understood by its description as “Ardha
chikitsa“, i.e. half of all treatments of the world put together.

Thus, prepare your body physically, mentally, and spiritually for the advanced
yogic practices along with revitalizing all your senses performing basti kriya.

Benefits: Basti helps in indigestion, gastric troubles among other issues related to the
large intestine. Those with the sedentary lifestyle and digestive issues can get a lot of
help with Basti. The enema is one of the main treatment therapies used in Ayurveda
and even by Medical Science as Enema.

Contraindications: Acute diarrhoea, Hemorrhoids or rectal polyps etc are some

extreme cases as well as sometimes shortness of breath is also mentioned as a
contraindication for the practice of Basti.

___________________________________________________________

3 Neti:
The technique of nasal cleansing, which is one of the important components
of the yogic shatkarmas is known as Neti Kriya. It cleans the sinuses, ease
the headache, tones up the optic nerves and thus improves sight. [~ HATHA
YOGA PRADIPIKA 2.30]

Neti is a Sanskrit expression which means “Neither this” or “Not this”. In

the context of the purification process, it relates to the removal of the toxin. It
implies, “No Toxins”.
Essentials

1. Neti pot – A Neti pot is an instrument usually small with a long spout on
one side, meant to be inserted gently into one of the nostrils. It is also smaller
in size and the shape is kept slender.

2. A pinch of salt and lukewarm water ( Jal Neti)

3. Rolled thread dipped in beeswax or a special type of rubber tube known as

a catheter (Sutra Neti)

4. Lukewarm milk ( Dugdha Neti)

5. Lukewarm ghee ( Ghritha Neti)

Types of Neti

There are mainly 4 types of Neti kriya described and implemented in the
yogic means used for cleansing of nasal cavities. They are as follows:

1. Jal Neti – It is a technique of nasal cleaning with the use of saline

water.
2. Sutra Neti – In this type of Neti Kriya, a roll of thread dipped in beeswax
and then used for the nasal cleaning.
3. Dugdha Neti – This technique is similar to the Jal Neti in which warm
milk is used instead of warm saline water.
4. Ghritha Neti – It is a technique of clearing the nasal passages with the
help of warm ghee.
Note: First perform sutra neti, then perform Jal neti.

Dugdha Neti

Dugdha or milk Neti is an alternative to Jal Neti and recommended for the
people who may feel severe irritation by saline water.
It can also be done in addition to Jal Neti to soothe the nasal lining after its
exposure to the salty water. It is suitable for cases of chronic nasal bleeding or
inflamed nasal lining.

In this Neti, fill the Neti pot with lukewarm milk (of body temperature) and
unlike Jal Neti, half of the pot doesn’t need to flow through one side to other.
Rather, milk is allowed to fill in one nostril and after that, it is withdrawn from
another side.

Ghrita Neti

In this, use ghee instead of milk or water. Unconcentrated oil without added
chemicals can also be used instead of ghee.

Steps for performing this Neti is same as Jal Neti. Fill the Neti pot with warm
ghee and tilt your head in one side. Now, Insert the spout into one of the
nostrils and allow the ghee to pass through the opposite nostril.

Ghrita Neti can help to prevent the soreness of the nose caused due to saline
water used in Jal Neti.

Benefits of Neti Kriya

1. Neti drains the sinuses and the nasal cavity. It stimulates various center
in the brain regulating its functions.
2. Removes all the dirt, foreign particles or antigen, e.g. bacteria which can
cause infections.
3. Avoids episodes of allergy and rhinorrhea.
4. Reduces the tendency for mouth breathing as it cleans the nasal
passageways.
5. Thorough cleansing of the upper respiratory tract. The complaints of
common cold, cough, and tonsils can be reduced.
6. It relieves asthma and bronchitis.
 7. It is helpful in treating headaches, migraine, epilepsy, depression and
mental
tension.
8. It is helpful in hysteric personalities and it has a smoothening effect on
the brain.
9. It clears the tear ducts and is beneficial for problems related to the eyes.
10. Ear disorders like tinnitus and middle ear infection can be taken
care of.
11. Not only nasal lining is benefitted but it also affects olfactory
nerves. It restores a sense of smell and creates a balance between
taste and digestive processes.
12. Brings harmony in the function of pineal and pituitary gland. The
hormonal system becomes subtle.
13. Helpful in de-addiction and reduction in the urge to smoke.
14. Helps to reduce irritating behavior and control anger.
The mode of action of Neti also summarized in this study.

1. Mechanical action: removal of dust, foreign particles, and allergens with

the flow of water.

2. Osmotic action: the salt used in Jal Neti has an anti-swelling effect on the
nasal mucosa.

3. Thermal action: the warm water usually near 42◦ C proves to be

bactericidal and prevents the infection from rhinovirus.

4. Neurovegetative action: It stimulate the receptors and also have effects

on vagal responses. It is proved to be beneficial in the treatment of Bronchial
Asthma.

5. Psychological action: unwanted and disturbing feelings are alleviated. A

relaxed state of emotional stability is achieved.
The benefits and effects of Neti are far beyond being just physical. As it is a
component of hatha yoga, it also reflects the metaphysical effects.

The procedure of performing Neti is not just about the flow of

water/milk/thread/ghee inside the nasal cavity, but it is the flow of energy.

Ajna Chakra or the third-eye chakra also activated through its consistent
practice.

Neti is the cleansing technique for nasal passage. There are three types of neti:

1. Jal Neti
2. Sutra Neti
3. Ghrit Neti

Benefits: A clean nasal passage, especially in city’s air condition is something of a

boon these days. Plus, you are able to breathe fuller with each breath when you nasal
passage is clean. This takes care of cold, flu etc. too.

Contraindications: The salt in the water is contraindicated for heart patients. This
practice is also contraindicated in case of cold or flu. Sutra neti is not recommended
when you have stuffed nose, sensitive mucus or some issue with central bone of the
nose.

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4.Trataka – Cleansing of Eyes

Trataka Shatkarma is an eye exercise that involves steady and continuous gazing of
eyes at any reference point. The reference point in the trataka practice could be any
external object. The most common object used in Trataka for reference point is an
Illuminated Candle.

Among 6 shatkarma, trataka is known for its simple procedure. Consistent & correct
practice of trataka increases concentration power and purifies the mind from
fluctuated thought patterns.
Types of Trataka
Base on the reference thing to gaze upon, whether you take an external
object or internal point, trataka can be classified into 2 categories.

● Internal Tratak is when the focus is kept on the trikuti or Third eye
(a place between eyebrows) inward or upward. Internal trataka
helps to awaken the third eye or Ajna chakra.
● External Tratak is the practice of gazing on some external objects
continuously. External objects could be anything literally which
gives you pleasure hence easy to forcefully gaze on that
Trataka:

Trataka is gazing based technique for eyes. In this cleansing technique, you place a
light source like a candle at arm’s length from yourself. Then look at the tip of the flame
without blinking your eyes till your tears start to flow.

Benefits: Improves eyesight, concentration.

Contraindications: Not recommended for people suffering from depression. Low BP

people are also asked to avoid it.

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5. Nauli:Cleansing of Abdominal Organs

Nauli is churning of abdominal muscles to clean stomach and small intestine. This is
one of the difficult techniques to master.

Nauli Shatkarma, the movement of the lower abdominal muscle is ensured

that stimulate the digestive fire.

It is a necessary yogic kriya that maintains movement in all muscles of the

body. Like flowing water is a sign of its purity, in the same way, Nauli practice
purifies the liver, spleen, urinary bladder, pancreas, gall bladder, and the
intestines by its massaging effect. When all these internal organs regularly
movements, the practitioner’s digestion system and appetite improve.
Nauli is of three types:

1. Pachima nauli
2. Madhyama nauli
3. Vama nauli

It requires control of abdominal muscles. Though, when you are able to do it, it is very
beneficial practice.

Nauli helps in massaging the abdominal muscles, thus strengthening the abdominal
walls.

Benefits: Nauli benefits in strengthening the muscles structure of and around the
abdominal area. As an additional effect, Nauli also helps in regulating blood pressure.
Hatha Pradipika mentions Nauli to be very beneficial for digestive system & related
issues with indigestion.

Contraindications: Quite frankly, don’t practice Nauli if you have any sensitivity or
issue in your abdominal area. This is a strong practice and requires the presence of an
experienced teacher to learn properly.

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6. Kapalabhati:
Kapala means ‘skull’ & Bhati means ‘shining’, thus the complete meaning of
kapalabhati is shining skull. This meaning is derived from benefits given by regular
practice of Kapalabhati.

Benefits: As kapalabhati is active exhalation followed by passive inhalation, it helps in

cleaning out the respiratory system. Moreover, this helps in improving capacity of your
lungs.

Contraindications: Not to be done by epilepsy patients, asthma patients and high BP

patients.

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Why Purify Body? Importance of Shatkarma

Consider the human body as a computer system. The external body which we
can touch or see is like the hardware of the computer system while the
internal body works as a software.

External body or hardware is easy to come in contact thus it gets purified

through daily routine activities like wash, bath & brushing, etc. While the inner
body organs come in contact with the external matters regularly ( through
food, vision, touch, smell) and don’t have any specific routine activities to get
purified.

1. It is important for a yoga practitioner to purify their inner body organs

from time to time so as to make sure the proper working of yogic
practices on the body. Shatkarma removes impurities of internal
body
2 organs which got accumulated by regular intake of external matter
through different sensory organs.
2. To make sure the proper flow of Prana (life force) Shatkarma ensures
there isn’t any physical/mental knot present in Nadis. Shatkarma,
especially Kapalbhati & Nauli balances Prana flow within two
important Nadis i.e. Ida & Pingala.
3. Usually, our mind is cluttered from many unwanted thoughts which in
the yogic language are called Vrittis. By the practice of Shatkarma
(more especially trataka), we can bring a state of steadiness in mind.
There are mainly 2 traditional texts “Hatha Yoga Pradipika” & “Gheranda
Samhita” that have described Shatkarma in a detailed manner. Whereas both
texts belong to the teachings of Hatha Yoga, their idea of performing
Shatkarma is completely different.

Shatkarma In Hatha Yoga Pradipika (HYP)

Swami Swatmarama, Author of classical Hatha Yoga text HYP has prescribed
the practice of Shatkarma only for these people:

1. People who have excessive fat or mucus accumulation in the body

 2. When there is an imbalance comes in doshas
Swami Swatmarama clearly stated that if 3 doshas lie in correct proportion &
no extra fat accumulated in the body, Yoga Sadhak (practitioner) has no need
to practice Shatkarma. However, learning practices of Shatkarma is
necessary so one can practice it when needed.

Apart from this, the sequence of individual practice of Shatkarma in HYP is

mentioned in this verse:

Dhautirbastistathā netistrātakam naulikam tathā Kapālabhātiśchaitāni

shatkarmāni prachakshate – HYP 2.23

Meaning – Dhauti, Basti, Neti, Trataka, Nauli and Kapalabhati are called
shatkarma.

Shatkarma In Gheranda Samhita

Sage Gheranda is another foremost author of Hath Yoga teachings who
emphasized to practice Shatkarma at the very first stage of yoga.

The Yoga Sage Gheranda propagated is also called Ghatastha Yoga which
has 7 limbs, in contrast to eight-limbed yoga that came from Yoga Sutra. 7
Limbs mentioned in Gheranda Samhita are:

● 1st limb – Shatkarma – for purification of body

● 2nd limb – Asana – Strengthens the body
● 3rd limb – Mudra – Bring Steadiness in body
● 4th limb – Pratayahara – Withdrawal of senses from the outer world
● 5th limb – Pranayama – Bring lightness in the body
● 6th limb – Dhyana – for inner perception
 ● 7th limb – Samadhi – the ultimate goal of yoga
According to Sage Gheranda, our body & mind is like a vessel (combinedly
called as Ghata) that carry our soul & characteristics Gunas as water inside
a vessel.

Ghatastha Yoga firstly aims to purify the body or vessel that carries a soul,
through 6 purification techniques contains in Shatkarma. This purification of
body & mind is termed in Gheranda Samhita as Ghata Shuddhi.

Thus, the practice of Shatkarma is important for every person who has just
begin the journey of yoga as per Gheranda Samhita.
Dhauti is the first Shatkarma that literally translates as ‘washing‘. In this kriya,
different techniques are used to flush out toxic & undigested food particles
from internal organs.

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