Shatkarma The Six Purification Methods in Hatha Yoga

The Shatkarmas are the six purification techniques mentioned in Hatha Yoga Pradeepika. Shatkarma
makes the body clean, strong, free of diseases. It removes toxins and improves concentration. It improves
the flow of prana into the organs.
The six techniques are Dhauti, Bhasti, Neti, Trataka, Nauli and Kapalabhati. Some of the techniques
have more than one variation. Shatkarma techniques should be learned from an experienced yoga
master.

Neti

is an important part of Hindu Shatkarma (sometimes known as Shatkriya), the yogic

system of body cleansing techniques. It is intended mainly to the cleaning of the air passageways in
the head. Both the Hatha Yoga Pradipika and other sources[1]usually attribute to Neti many beneficial
effects that range from profound physiological ones on the body, mind and personality to
evenclairvoyance. The two main variants are jala neti using water and the more advanced sutra neti
using string.

1Jala neti

2Sutra neti

3See also

4Notes

5Further reading

Jala neti[edit]
See also: Nasal irrigation
For this technique, sterilized and lukewarm isotonic salt water is poured into one nostril, so that it
leaves through the other. The procedure is then repeated on the other side, and the nose is dried by
bending forward and by rapid breathing.[2]
It is also possible to sniff the water in so that it runs into the mouth, and to spit it out. In a more
advanced reverse variant, the water is taken in through the mouth and snorted out of the nose. [2]

Sutra neti[edit]
In sutra neti, a length of wet string or thin surgical tubing is carefully and gently inserted through the
nose and into the mouth. The end is then pulled out of the mouth and while holding both ends at

once the string is alternately pulled in and out of the nose and sinuses. It is used to clear the nose
and also to remove nasal polyps.[2]
Sutra neti is an advanced form of yogic nasal cleansing and requires an experienced teacher.
Sensations of gagging, nausea, and weakness may occur. In case of persistent blockage after jala
neti, sutra neti should only be performed after a medical consultation.[2]

SHATKARMA

PURIFICATION METHODS IN YOGA

Jala Neti

Sutra Neti

Nauli
is one of the Kriyas or Shatkarma (cleaning exercises)
from Yoga. The exercise is claimed to serve the
cleaning of the abdominal region - digestive
organs, small intestineand is based on a massage of
the internal belly organs by a circular movement of the
abdominal muscles.
Nauli is an exercise of the classical Hatha Yoga but is
not taught often in yoga schools. Nauli is considered
as a difficult exercise, which can be learned only with
perseverance and patience. There are four different
variations, which are gradually learned one after
another:
1. madhyana nauli: the isolated contraction of

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the central muscles of the abdominis

2. vama nauli: the isolated contraction of the left
part of the central muscles of the abdomen
3. daksina nauli: the isolated contraction of the
right part of the central muscles of the
abdomen
4. nauli kriya: the circular movement of the
central muscles of the abdomen
In yoga, Nauli generally recommended for the
recovery of constipation. The exercise may clean the
small intestine and eliminate digesting problems. [1]
Nauli is generally done standing but it is possible to
do it in other position like lotus, whereby the trunk is
bent forward and is supported by the hands at the
thighs. After a complete breath out the entire belly is
strongly brought in and then the middle belly muscle
is contracted and moved in a circle.

Madhya Nauli

Vama Nauli

Dakshina Nauli

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Vaman Dhauti

Also called Kunjal Kriya

Dhauti is an important
part of
the Shatkarma (sometime
s known as Shatkriya),
the yogic system of body
cleansing techniques. It is
intended mainly to the
cleaning of the digestive
tract in its full length but it
affects also the respiratory
tract, external ears and
eyes. According
to Gheranda Samhita,[1] it
is divided into four parts:
Antar (internal) dhauti,
Danta (teeth) dhauti, Hrid
(cardiac or chest region)
dhauti and Moola
shodhana (rectal
cleansing).
Antar Dhauti is further
divided into four parts:
Vatsara, Varisara,
Agnisara, Bahishkrit.
Danta Dhauti: Danta Mula,
Jivha Mula, Karna
Randha, Kapola Randha.
Hrid Dhauti: Danda
Dhauti, Vaman Dhauti,
Vastra Dhaut

raka traka, tratak, trataka: "to look, or to gaze") is a method

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of meditation that involves staring at a single point such as a small

object, black dot or candle flame. It is said to bring energy to the "third
eye" (j chakra) and promote various

Trataka