Introduction
If you are practising asanas regularly but still feel stuck—physically, mentally, or emotionally—then your body may be asking for something deeper. Yoga is not only about movement; it is about purification. Cleansing the exterior through asanas is important, but purifying the interior is what brings true transformation.
When your internal organs function smoothly, your energy flows effortlessly, your mind becomes clearer, and your practice becomes more powerful. However, if your physiological processes are disrupted, it becomes difficult to progress in yoga or experience higher states of awareness.
At Gurukul Yogashala, a traditional yoga school in Rishikesh, students are introduced to the ancient yogic purification practices known as Shatkarma Kriyas. These internal cleansing processes are an essential part of Hatha Yoga and are deeply rooted in yogic scriptures like the Hatha Yoga Pradipika. They are also taught in detail in the 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh.
Shatkarma prepares the body for pranayama, meditation, and spiritual awakening. Before discovering the profound benefits of these kriyas, let us decode what they are and how each technique purifies specific areas of the body.
Decoding the Shatkarma Kriyas
The word Shatkarma comes from Sanskrit:
- Shat = Six
- Karma = Actions
Thus, Shatkarma means six cleansing techniques.
These powerful yogic kriyas help eliminate toxins (known as ama), balance the doshas, enhance organ function, and prepare the mind for deeper yoga practices. The Hatha Yoga Pradipika mentions these kriyas as compulsory for any serious student of yoga.
It is essential to learn and practise them under expert guidance at a reputed yoga school in Rishikesh. Improper practice can cause harm. At Gurukul Yogashala, students learn the classical approach, correct techniques, contraindications, and deeper purpose behind each kriya.
Below are the primary Shatkarma kriyas explained in detail.
Types of Shatkarma Kriyas
1. Dhauti Kriya
— Cleansing the digestive tract and upper alimentary canal
Dhauti Kriya purifies the digestive system and removes long-standing toxins.
There are different categories of Dhauti:
● Antar Dhauti
This involves swallowing a long, soft cotton cloth and pulling it out. The cloth absorbs mucus, harmful bacteria, and undigested residues from the throat and stomach.
● Varisara Dhauti (Shankha Prakshalana)
A powerful digestive system cleansing practice performed by drinking large quantities of warm saline water and performing specific asanas until the water is eliminated through the anus. It removes toxins, improves digestion, and enhances metabolism.
● Danta Dhauti
Cleansing of teeth, gums, and tongue to remove bacteria and improve oral health. Ayurveda considers oral hygiene vital for holistic well-being.
● Vyaghra Dhauti
This practice imitates the way a tiger cleanses its stomach by vomiting undigested food. Practised 3–4 hours after eating, it relieves indigestion and gastric discomfort.
At Gurukul Yogashala, students learn safe and traditional approaches to all Dhauti practices during advanced cleansing sessions.
2. Basti Kriya
— Colon cleansing/ yogic enema
Basti Kriya purifies the large intestine and removes trapped stool, gas, and toxins.
There are two major types:
● Jala Basti
The practitioner sits in water up to the navel and uses yogic locks (bandhas) such as Uddiyana and Nauli to draw water into the rectum. This water is then expelled to flush out impurities.
● Sthala Basti (Dry Basti)
A more advanced air-based technique in which the practitioner draws air into the rectum while sitting in specific asanas. The air helps clean the colon and abdominal organs.
Regular Basti practice enhances digestion, reduces bloating, and strengthens the abdominal region.
3. Neti Kriya
— Nasal cleansing and purification of the respiratory tract
Neti Kriya purifies the nasal passages, enhances breathing capacity, and balances mental functions.
There are two types:
● Jal Neti
A warm saline solution is poured into one nostril using a Neti pot, allowing it to flow out through the other nostril. This clears mucus, dust, and allergens.
● Sutra Neti
A thin thread or catheter is gently passed through one nostril and pulled out from the mouth. This technique removes deep-seated blockages and improves sinus health.
Neti helps in the free flow of Prana, making it an essential kriya before pranayama. Sutra Neti is also known to stimulate the third-eye region and enhance mental clarity.
Students at Gurukul Yogashala learn Neti techniques safely and in a guided environment.
4. Trataka Kriya
— Eye cleansing and concentration practice
Trataka is a meditative cleansing technique involving steady, blinkless gazing at a fixed point—usually a candle flame.
Benefits include:
✔ Strengthened eye muscles
✔ Improved concentration
✔ Nervous system activation
✔ Emotional stability
Trataka also enhances intuition and prepares the mind for deep meditation.
5. Nauli Kriya
— Abdominal massage and purification
Nauli is a powerful abdominal churning technique that massages the digestive organs and tones the core.
There are three forms:
- Madhyama Nauli – Central isolation
- Vama Nauli – Left side isolation
- Dakshina Nauli – Right side isolation
Regular Nauli practice:
✔ Strengthens digestive fire (Agni)
✔ Reduces bloating
✔ Improves metabolism
✔ Supports hormonal balance
This advanced kriya is taught systematically at Gurukul Yogashala.
6. Kapalbhati Kriya
— Cleansing the brain and respiratory system
Known as “Skull-Shining Breath,” Kapalbhati cleanses the lungs and energizes the mind.
It involves:
- Passive inhalation
- Strong, forceful exhalation
Benefits include:
✔ Improved brain function
✔ Reduced stress
✔ Better lung capacity
✔ Detoxification
✔ Relief from insomnia
Kapalbhati is both a Shatkarma Kriya and a Pranayama, making it one of the most powerful yogic cleansing practices.
FAQs – Shatkarma Kriyas
1. What are Shatkarma Kriyas in yoga?
Shatkarma Kriyas are six yogic cleansing techniques mentioned in Hatha Yoga to purify the body internally. They include Dhauti, Basti, Neti, Trataka, Nauli, and Kapalbhati.
2. Why are Shatkarma practices important?
They remove toxins, improve organ function, balance energy, prepare the body for pranayama, and support mental clarity. Without Shatkarma, deeper yoga practices become difficult.
3. Can beginners practise Shatkarma?
Beginners should only practise basic kriyas like Jal Neti or Kapalbhati under guidance. Advanced techniques like Nauli, Sutra Neti, or Dhauti should only be learned from trained teachers at a yoga school like Gurukul Yogashala.
4. Is Shatkarma safe to do at home?
Only simple kriyas are safe at home. Advanced cleansing practices can cause harm if done incorrectly. Always learn from certified yoga instructors.
5. Does Shatkarma help in spiritual growth?
Yes. Internal purification calms the mind, enhances pranic flow, and prepares the practitioner for meditation, pranayama, and deeper states of awareness.
6. When is the best time to practise Shatkarma Kriyas?
Early morning (Brahma Muhurta) on an empty stomach is ideal for most cleansing practices.
7. Can Shatkarma cure digestive problems?
Practices like Dhauti, Basti, and Nauli significantly improve digestion, constipation, bloating, acidity, and overall gut health.
8. What equipment do I need for Shatkarma?
Common items include a Neti pot, catheter for Sutra Neti, clean cloth for Dhauti, and saline water. Your yoga school will provide proper tools and training.
9. Is Kapalbhati a Shatkarma or Pranayama?
Kapalbhati is both—a cleansing kriya and a pranayama. It detoxifies the lungs and energizes the brain.
10. Can I learn Shatkarma in a Yoga Teacher Training course?
Yes. The 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh at Gurukul Yogashala includes detailed Shatkarma training with demonstrations, safety guidelines, and practical sessions.
Final Words
Shatkarma Kriyas hold immense importance in the yogic journey. The internal organs constantly face stress due to modern lifestyle, diet, and emotional fluctuations. Without inner cleansing, progress in pranayama, meditation, and spiritual awakening remains limited.
Practicing these techniques under trained teachers at Gurukul Yogashala, one of the top yoga school in Rishikesh, provides a safe and structured pathway to purification, balance, and transformation. These kriyas help harmonize the mind-body system, preparing practitioners for higher yogic pursuits.
Cleanse the body—and the soul will naturally rise.