If you are practicing asanas, but still feel stuck somewhere in your life, then you may need something extra. Apart from working out the exterior, interior cleansing is also very important. When your biological organs are stable, you have to spend less effort in their operation. On the other hand, if you have issues with your regular physiological processes, then you might find it difficult to concentrate on higher avenues. If you happen to join a yoga school in Rishikesh, like Gurukul Yogashala, you will find different cleansing and purification processes.
Shatkarma is one of them. These are a set of yogic cleansing procedures, which not only clear the body internally, but also deliver clarity of the mind. You can learn about them in the 200 hour yoga teacher training in Rishikesh. It is a treasure trove of valuable knowledge which has the power to aid you in your yogic journey.
Before discovering the myriad benefits that these Shatkarma kriyas have, you should study about them and know what they are and which areas of the body they target.
Decoding The Shatkarmas
Shatkarmas are a set of body purification techniques, in the realm of Hatha Yoga. These prepare the body for higher pursuits. ‘Shatkarma’ the word signifies six actions. You will find a mention of these in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika. You can call these texts ‘the Bible’ of yoga literally. Additionally, you must also take note that you should learn and practice these kriyas at the best yoga school in India, before you attempt them on your own. Any wrongdoing on your part, can turn the benefits of such kriyas into negative attributes. Gurukul Yogashala is one of the topmost yoga education centres in India, where you can learn these in complete detail.
For now, we have listed the various Shatkarma kriyas underneath, for you to follow and understand. It requires huge commitment on the part of the yoga practitioner, to do these. So, understand them completely, before attempting them.
Types Of Shatkarma Kriyas
Dhauti Kriya
This is the second Shatkarma Kriya that we are going to discuss here. You will read about this in great detail and also get to do hands-on practice in the best yoga teacher training course in Rishikesh. This is an alimentary canal cleansing procedure, in which there are different categories.
Antar Dhauti is a procedure, in which one has to swallow a soft cotton fabric and then draw it out. This brings all the dirt from the throat and stomach.
Varisara Dhauti is another category of Dhauti, in which one has to drink saline water on an empty stomach, which is then eliminated after performing certain yogic postures, through the anus.
Danta Dhauti involves cleansing the gums and the teeth.
Vyaghra Dhauti is another Dhauti procedure, which you can practice on a full stomach, or 3-4 hours after eating. It mainly involves vomiting the undigested food particles, which otherwise leads to uneasiness. The tiger is also believed to eliminate such stale food, in the same manner.
Basti Kriya
It is a colon purification technique, also called yogic enema. This mainly targets the large intestine. It helps in the removal of stale stool and trapped gas. There are primarily two types of Basti. They are Jala Basti and Sthala Basti. The former is a water-based technique, in which one has to sit submerged in water, till the navel. This is followed up with Uddiyana bandha and Nauli Kriya. Water is drawn inside the rectum and released outside. This helps in eliminating harmful toxins. The second process is an air-based approach, in which you are supposed to draw air into the anus, while sitting in a specific yoga posture. The air helps in cleaning the internal organs.
Neti Kriya
It is the kriya that helps in clearing out the nasal pathways. Moreover, it also leads to a balanced mind. If you suffer from sinus issues, then also this is going to help you a lot. There are two types of Net – Jal Neti and Sutra Neti. If you practice any of these procedures without fail early in the morning, you will be able to get rid of excess mucus, and also manage your respiratory illnesses. The nasal pathways are also the pathways for ‘Prana’. So, if they are blocked, fresh ‘Prana’ cannot enter the body.
You have to get hold of a few pieces of equipment, for Jal Neti. They include a Neti pot, warm saline water, and a handkerchief. You need to sit down in a deep squat position, and pour the water through the spout into one of the nostrils. The septum has a hole, through which the water moves out of the other nostril. The same needs to be repeated on the other side as well. Secondly, in the case of Sutra Neti, one needs to pass a cotton thread through the nostril and take the same out through the throat. Gentle pulling accompanies, which is said to help the incumbent get rid of the grime and dust inside. It is also used for several spiritual purposes, and helps in opening the Third Eye.
Trataka
This is a purification technique for the eyes. Moreover, if you practice this regularly, you will get better mental clarity. In this method, you are supposed to gaze at a still flame, or a point on a wall. The gaze has to be blinkless. Apart from improving eye health, it also enhances the functioning of the nervous system.
Nauli Kriya
It is the third type of Shatkarma Kriya, in which you have to massage the abdomen through fast movements. It is a self-massage technique, which not only tones the muscles but also improves the functioning of the internal organs. The process can be segregated into three steps, central isolation, lateral isolation, and abdominal churning. This practice also stimulates one’s appetite.
Kapalbhati
This is a Shatkarma Kriya and also a Pranayama. The inhalation in this procedure is more passive. Whereas the exhalation is active, wherein you throw out stale air from within, with full force. You have to do this in quick succession. It also improves the brain functioning, removes sleeplessness, and also aids in meditation. It is a great practice for respiratory disorders, as well.
Final Words
The above cleansing and purification techniques assume a lot of importance in the yogic realm. The internal organs are continuously exposed to threats, due to lifestyle choices. This imbalance can create disruption in your mental thought processes as well. Thus the practice of Shatkarma Kriyas assume a lot of importance. At Gurukul Yogashala, you will be guided with the right lifestyle practices, diet and cleansing techniques. You can utilize these ancient cleansing techniques, used by the sages and seers. They can help you to reach the higher dimension as well. When the body is clean, you can concentrate on the upliftment of the soul. Joining the top most yoga school in Rishikesh will help you to learn and manage your health better. So, cleanse!