Shatkarma

Updated on Nov 30, 2023

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Shatkarma (Sanskrit: षटकर्मन ṣaṭkarman), also known as Shatkriya, refers to the Yogic practices involving purification of the body.

These practices, outlined by Yogi Swatmarama in the Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā as kriya, are:

Netī

Dhautī

Naulī

Basti

Kapālabhātī

Trāṭaka

More details

Netī refers to nasal wash. This is the practice of using a neti pot to cleanse the nasal passages. A basic neti wash consists of purified water and non-iodized salt, to create a gentle saline solution. A demonstration of this practice is available through the website of the Himalayan Institute.

Kapālabhātī refers to skull polishing, and is a pranayama (breathing) practice intended to energize and balance the nadis, and the chakras. Specifically, it is a sharp, short outbreath, followed by a relaxation of the core that allows the body to inhale on its own.

Naulī refers to intestinal cleansing. The practitioner stands with the feet about hip width apart, hands on knees, and body at about a 45 degree angle. The core is rotated internally by moving the abdominal muscles alternately in a clock-wise, then counterclock-wise direction.

References

Shatkarma Wikipedia

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