Types of Shatkarma – The Six Pillars of Yogic Purification

When we talk about deep transformation in yoga, we’re not just talking about postures or flexibility. True yogic evolution begins with cleansing the internal body and mind. This is where the types of Shatkarma come in—ancient practices from Hatha Yoga designed to detoxify the body and prepare it for higher spiritual work.

???? What is Shatkarma?

Shatkarma (or Shatkriya) is a Sanskrit term that translates to “six actions.” These are six yogic purification techniques meant to cleanse the body from the inside out. Practicing these regularly enhances physical health, boosts energy, and calms the mind—making space for meditation, breath control, and mental clarity.

???? The 6 Types of Shatkarma in Yoga

Let’s break down each Shatkarma, its process, and how it helps:

1. Neti – Nasal Cleansing

• Jala Neti: Using a neti pot filled with warm saline water to clear nasal passages.

• Benefits: Clears sinuses, improves breathing, relieves allergies, and enhances mental clarity.

2. Dhauti – Digestive Tract Cleansing

• Includes Vamana Dhauti (cleansing the stomach by induced vomiting) and Vastra Dhauti (swallowing a cloth).

• Benefits: Improves digestion, removes toxins, balances the gut, and relieves acidity.

3. Nauli – Abdominal Churning

• Involves rolling and contracting abdominal muscles in rhythmic motion.

• Benefits: Stimulates digestive fire, tones the abdominal organs, balances hormones, and strengthens core muscles.

4. Basti – Yogic Enema

• A traditional water enema technique to cleanse the colon.

• Benefits: Eliminates waste, relieves constipation, detoxifies the intestines, and balances the root chakra.

5. Kapalabhati – Skull Shining Breath

• A dynamic breathwork technique with forceful exhalations.

• Benefits: Energizes the mind, clears respiratory pathways, and improves focus and mental alertness.

6. Trataka – Concentrated Gazing

• Fixing the gaze on a candle flame or object without blinking.

• Benefits: Improves eyesight, calms the mind, enhances concentration, and prepares for meditation.

???? How Shatkarma Supports Yoga Practice

These six kriyas are the foundation of yogic discipline. By removing impurities from the physical and subtle body, they:

• Enhance asana (posture) performance

• Deepen pranayama (breath control) effects

• Clear mental and emotional blockages

• Improve energy flow (prana) through the nadis (energy channels)