What Are the 6 Shatkarmas? What Is Shatkarma in Yoga and Types of Shatkarma

If you are looking to deepen your understanding of Hatha Yoga, you might have come across the term Shatkarma or Shatkriya. But what is Shatkarma in yoga?

Shatkarma, derived from the Sanskrit words “Shat” (six) and “Karma” (actions), refers to six purification techniques that help cleanse the body, balance energy channels (Nadis), and prepare the mind for higher yogic practices. These techniques are fundamental in Hatha Yoga, focusing on detoxification, improving physical health, and enhancing spiritual well-being.

By performing these Shatkarmas, practitioners can remove toxins, regulate prana (vital energy), and harmonize the three Doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha), according to Ayurveda. This article will provide a comprehensive guide to What is Shatkarma, including its meaning, types, Shatkarma benefits, and practical applications in yogic kriyas class 11 and other levels of yoga practice.

What Is Shatkarma In Yoga? Meaning & Importance

Shatkarma Meaning & Definition

The word Shatkarma literally translates to “six actions,” referring to six cleansing processes that remove toxins and blockages from the body. These practices are outlined in ancient yogic texts such as the Hatha Yoga Pradipika and Gheranda Samhita Shatkarma.

Shatkarmas play a vital role in balancing Ida and Pingala Nadis, ensuring the smooth flow of prana. Hatha Yoga emphasizes purification before engaging in advanced pranayama and meditation, making these techniques essential for a healthy yogic lifestyle.

Why Is Shatkriya Important?

Practicing Shatkarmas regularly can:

✔ Detoxify internal organs and purify the body
✔ Improve digestion, circulation, and respiration
✔ Balance the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha)
✔ Prepare the body for advanced yoga & meditation
✔ Boost mental clarity and emotional stability

Incorporating Shatkarmas into daily practice helps reduce stress, cleanse energy pathways, and enhance overall well-being.

While there are technically six main shatkarmas, each encompasses a variety of specific practices. This article will focus on the most commonly used and understood practices within each category:

The 6 Shatkarmas and Their Practices

1. Neti: This shatkarma focuses on cleansing and purifying the nasal passages. The primary practices within Neti are:
   
   • Jala Neti: Nasal cleansing using water. This involves a special neti pot and saline solution to flush out mucus, pollutants, and allergens from the nasal passages. It’s a common practice in a yogic kriyas class 11 curriculum.
   • Sutra Neti: Cleansing the nasal passages with a thread or a soft rubber catheter. This is a more advanced technique and should only be performed under the guidance of an experienced teacher.
     
2. Dhauti:Dhauti shatkarma encompasses a range of cleansing techniques targeting different parts of the body. It’s broadly classified into:
   
   • Antar Dhauti (Internal Cleansing): Focuses on cleansing the digestive tract. Practices include:
     • Shankhaprakshalana (Varisara Dhauti): Intestinal cleansing using a saline solution and specific movements. Laghoo Shankhaprakshalana is a lighter version.
     • Agnisar Kriya (Vahnisara Dhauti): Activating the digestive fire through abdominal contractions.
     • Kunjal (Vaman Dhauti): Cleansing the stomach by inducing vomiting.
     • Vatsara Dhauti: Intestinal cleansing using air.
   • Sirsha Dhauti (Head Cleansing): Cleansing the head region.
   • Hrid Dhauti (Thoracic Cleansing): Cleansing the thoracic region.
     
3. Nauli: This shatkarma involves massaging and strengthening the abdominal organs through specific movements and rotations of the abdominal muscles. It is a powerful technique for improving digestion and stimulating the internal organs.
   
4. Basti: Shatkarma basti refers to techniques for cleansing and toning the large intestine. It is considered similar to an enema.
   
5. Kapalbhati: Often categorized as a pranayama, kapalbhati shatkarma is a breathing technique that purifies the frontal region of the brain. It involves forceful exhalations followed by passive inhalations.
   
6. Trataka: This shatkarma involves intense gazing at a single point or object. It develops concentration and mental focus.
   

Benefits of Shatkarma

The benefits of shatkarma are extensive, contributing to both physical and mental well-being. These practices can:

• Purify the body: Shatkarma removes toxins and impurities from the body, improving overall health and vitality.
• Balance the doshas: These practices help to harmonize the three doshas, preventing and managing various health issues.
• Improve digestion: Several shatkarma techniques, particularly those within Dhauti and Nauli, enhance digestive function and elimination.
• Strengthen the respiratory system: Neti and Kapalbhati improve respiratory health by clearing the nasal passages and purifying the frontal brain region.
• Calm the mind: Trataka and other shatkarma practices promote mental clarity, reduce stress, and enhance concentration.
• Prepare for higher yoga practices: By purifying the body and mind, shatkarma creates a strong foundation for pranayama and meditation.

Shatkarma in Modern Yoga Schools

Shatkarma in Ayurveda shares the same principles of balancing doshas and promoting health through purification. While some of the specific techniques might differ slightly, the underlying philosophy is consistent. Shatkarma in Tantra also emphasizes the importance of purification for spiritual development. The Gheranda Samhita Shatkarma is a classic text detailing these practices. The difference between Panchakarma and Shatkarma lies in their origin and application. Panchakarma, primarily an Ayurvedic practice, focuses on detoxification and rejuvenation using five therapeutic actions. Shatkarma, rooted in Hatha Yoga, emphasizes six cleansing techniques for internal and external purification, making it a vital practice at the best yoga school in Rishikesh.

FAQs about Shatkarma

1. What Are the 6 Shatkarmas?
The six purification techniques in Hatha Yoga are Neti, Dhauti, Nauli, Basti, Kapalbhati, and Trataka. These cleansing practices help eliminate toxins, balance the Nadis (energy channels), and prepare the body for advanced yoga and meditation. They are essential for maintaining physical health, mental clarity, and energetic balance in the body.

2. What Is Kapalbhati Shatkarma?
Kapalbhati is a powerful breathing technique that detoxifies the respiratory system and stimulates the frontal brain region. It involves rapid, forceful exhalations followed by passive inhalations. Practicing Kapalbhati regularly improves lung capacity, oxygen intake, digestion, and mental alertness, making it a vital part of yogic cleansing techniques.

3. Why Is Shatkriya Important?
Shatkriya (another term for Shatkarma) is important because it removes toxins, clears blockages in the body’s energy channels, strengthens the immune system, and enhances overall well-being. These practices also help balance the three Doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha), ensuring that the body functions optimally. Additionally, Shatkriya prepares the body for deep pranayama and meditation.

4. How Does Shatkarma Help Us to Live a Healthy Life?
Shatkarma contributes to a healthier life by cleansing the digestive system, improving respiratory health, and enhancing blood circulation. It strengthens the immune system, boosts mental clarity, and increases energy levels. Regular practice of Shatkarma helps reduce stress, prevent illnesses, and improve focus and emotional stability, supporting a holistic and balanced lifestyle.

5. Can Anyone Practice Shatkarma?
While some Shatkarmas like Neti and Kapalbhati can be practiced by beginners, others, such as Dhauti, Nauli, and Basti, require proper guidance from a trained yoga instructor. Incorrect practice may cause discomfort or health issues. It is always recommended to learn Shatkarma under expert supervision, especially for deep cleansing techniques.

Conclusion

Shatkarma is a fundamental part of Hatha Yoga, offering physical, mental, and spiritual benefits. Whether you are a yoga practitioner or someone seeking holistic well-being, understanding and incorporating these six purification techniques can enhance your overall health and energy balance.

For structured learning, enrolling in a 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh can provide the expert guidance needed to practice Shatkarmas safely and effectively.