Shat-Karma

What is Shatkarma?

The Six Yogic Purification Techniques

Shatkarma (also known as Shatkriya) refers to the six yogic purification techniques described in ancient Hatha Yoga texts like the Hatha Yoga Pradipika and Gheranda Samhita. The word “Shat” means six, and “Karma” means action — thus, Shatkarma translates to six cleansing actions.

These practices are designed to purify the body, stimulate energy flow, and prepare the practitioner for higher yogic practices like pranayama, meditation, and kundalini awakening. Without internal purification, subtle energy cannot move freely, and higher states of consciousness remain blocked.

“Shatkarma removes the tamas (impurities), ignites the agni (digestive fire), and awakens the nadis (energy channels).”
— Yog Guru Shree Ashish Yogi Ji

Why Shatkarma Is Essential in Yoga?

  • Prepares the body and mind for asana, pranayama, and dhyana

  • Removes toxins, phlegm, and blockages from internal systems

  • Boosts immunity, digestion, and energy levels

  • Balances doshas (vata, pitta, kapha) according to Ayurveda

  • Purifies chakras and subtle energy bodies

The Six Shatkarmas Explained

1. Neti

Neti is a technique to cleanse the nasal passages, essential for proper breathing, pranayama, and mental clarity.

Types of Neti:

  • Jala Neti: Using warm saline water with a neti pot

  • Sutra Neti: Using a soft rubber catheter or cotton thread

Benefits:

  • Clears sinuses, treats allergies and cold

  • Enhances concentration and clarity

  • Awakens the Ajna Chakra

  • Prepares for deep pranayama and Tratak meditation

Precautions:

  • Use sterile, lukewarm, saline water only

  • Don’t perform when suffering from severe nasal congestion

  • Learn from a qualified guide initially

2. Dhauti

Dhauti is a set of cleansing techniques that purify the stomach, esophagus, and intestines.

Types of Dhauti:

  • Vamana Dhauti (Kunjal Kriya): Induced vomiting using warm saline water

  • Vastra Dhauti: Swallowing a long, thin cloth and removing it

  • Danta & Jihva Dhauti: Cleaning of teeth, tongue, and oral cavity

Benefits:

  • Removes toxins, excess mucus, acidity

  • Improves digestion and gut health

  • Calms mental agitation and emotional blockages

Precautions:

  • Perform on an empty stomach only

  • Dhauti Kriya should be done under expert supervision

  • People with ulcers or severe digestive issues should avoid or consult a teacher

3. Nauli

Nauli Kriya is a dynamic practice of massaging and churning the abdominal organs using the rectus abdominis muscles.

Method:

  • Uddiyana Bandha is practiced first (abdominal lock)

  • Then muscles are moved left, right, and in circular motion

Benefits:

  • Stimulates digestive fire (Agni)

  • Removes constipation, bloating, and stagnation

  • Balances solar (Pingala) energy

  • Strengthens core muscles and digestive organs

Precautions:

  • Avoid during menstruation, pregnancy, or after meals

  • Learn under supervision to avoid strain or injury

4. Basti

Basti is a yogic enema technique for cleansing the colon and large intestine.

Types:

  • Jala Basti: Using water

  • Sthala Basti: Using air (advanced yogis only)

Benefits:

  • Flushes toxins and gas from the colon

  • Balances Vata dosha

  • Clears blockages in Apana Vayu (downward pranic flow)

  • Helps in Mooladhara chakra cleansing

Precautions:

  • Use clean, filtered water and hygienic tools

  • Avoid excessive practice; once a week is enough

  • Not suitable for people with IBS or hemorrhoids

5. Tratak

Trataka is steady gazing at a single point (e.g., deepak flame, point etc) without blinking, followed by internal visualization.

tratak meditation by ashish yogi ji

Method:

  • Sit in darkness

  • Gaze at a flame for 2–3 minutes without blinking

  • Close eyes and visualize the flame at the Ajna Chakra

Benefits:

  • Cleanses and strengthens eyes

  • Removes mental distractions and anxiety

  • Sharpens Dharana (concentration) and psychic powers

  • Gateway to Yog Nidra and Shambhavi Mahamudra

Precautions:

  • Avoid excessive practice if you have weak eyesight

  • Blink gently if tears form; it’s natural in early stages

6. Kapalbhati

Kapalbhati Pranayama is a forceful exhalation technique to cleanse the cranial region and energy channels.

Method:

  • Rapid, forceful exhalation through the nose

  • Inhalation is passive

  • Practiced in seated meditative posture

Benefits:

  • Removes CO₂ and mental fog

  • Activates third eye (Ajna chakra)

  • Burns fat, boosts metabolism

  • Awakens dormant prana

Precautions:

  • Avoid if pregnant or with high blood pressure

  • Stop if dizziness or discomfort arises

  • Start with a few rounds under guidance

Shatkarma is a powerful foundation of the yogic lifestyle. It prepares your vessel — body, breath, and mind — for the deeper journey of self-realization and divine connection. When done with devotion, precision, and guru’s guidance, these six yogic kriyas become the keys to unlocking higher consciousness.

“Shatkarma is not just cleansing the body; it is the purification of your karma and consciousness.”
— Yog Guru Shree Ashish Yogi Ji

Shatkarma
( Advance Course )

( By Yog Guru Shree Ashish Yogi Ji )
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