Health Benefits of Shatkarmas – purification Techniques in Yoga

Shatkarma – The Six purification Techniques in Yoga

The word shatkarma comes from the sanskrit language . ‘Shat’ means six and ‘Karma’ means action. called Shat Karma Kriyas or Shat Karmas: Neti, Dhauti, Nauli, Basti and Shanka Prakshalana, Kapala Bhati Pranayama, Trataka

The aim of performing these actions is to create harmony between the two major pranic flows , Ida and pingala thereby attaining physical and mental purification and balance. These practices are also used before pranayama and other higher yoga practices in order to purify the body toxins . Shatkarmas are performed to promote the health of yogis and to awaken , direct the energies in the body , mind and deeper psyche. These practices should never be learned from books or taught by inexperienced people . It is essential to be personally instructed as to how and when to perform the Shatkarmas.

The six Shatkarmas Techniques and Benefits of Shatkarmas Techniques

Neti :

A process to cleanse and purify the nasal passage . Practices included in this category are ‘jal neti’ and ‘sutra neti’.

Benefits of Shatkarmas Neti :

Jala neti removes mucus and pollution from the nasal passages and sinuses. It helps to maintain good health of the tears ,eyes and throat .It alleviates anxiety ,anger and depression.

• Clean nostrils to allow good breathing.
• helps to maintain good health
• Reduce anger and depression.
• Remove the excess mucous.
• Reduce pollen or allergens in nasal passages.
• Relieve nasal dryness.
• Reduce cold and flu symptoms.
• Alleviate sinus headaches.
• Improve sense of smell and taste.
• Reduce snoring.
• Elimination of harmful bacteria

Dhauti :

The dhauti techniques in this section clean the entire alimentary canal from mouth to the anus. 

Benefits of Dhauti :

This practice removes stale gas and stimulates the digestive system.

Nauli :

A method of massaging and strengthening the abdominal organs . 

Benefits of Nauli :

Nauli helps to balnce the adrenal component of the endocrine system. It helps to increase mental clarity and power of harmonizing the energy flows in the body.

Basti : 

The word Basti is a general term pertaining to the lower abdomen, belly ,pelvis and bladder. Basti is a method for washing and toning the large Intenstine.

Benefits of Basti:

It removes the old stool and gas expelled. It is also used to cool down the abdominal heat produced by their practices.

Kapalbhati :

The word ‘Kapal’ means forehead or frontal brain and ‘Bhati’ means light . A breathing technique for purification of the frontal region of the brain . 

Benefits of Kapalbhati:

It alleviates anxiety ,anger and depression. It helps in cleansing the frontal part of the brain.

Trataka :

The word tratak means ‘to look’ or ‘to gaze’. Trataka is the practice of intense gazing at a point or object which develops the power of concentration . 

Benefits Of Trataka :

Helps in concentration ,makes the eyes clear and bright . It improves the memory and helps to develop strong willpower.