Shat Karmas

In Hatha Yoga, the Shat Karmas are six yogic techniques for the purification of the physical body. This process beautifies and cleanses the physical body, and enriches the mind and spirit.

To eliminate any residual energy or waste in a Vedic fashion, follow the Shat Karmas. This practice is best paired alongside your chakra work.

For the best result, practice Shat Karma on an empty stomach in the morning, before or after your morning meditation.

Neti Karma

The first Shat Karma, called Neti, purifies from the heart upwards. Focusing on the sinuses, Neti heals stress, tension, insomnia, and respiration issues. To practice Neti, flush your sinuses out gently with warm water, warm salt water, or a cloth. Afterward, dry and apply almond or sesame oil to the same area. To avoid excess Vata, don’t practice this in a windy place.

Dhauti Karma

Next, the second Shat Karma called Dhauti purifies our intestines. Focusing on the abdominal wall and relieving constipation, Dhauti’s practice involves voluntary vomiting twice a month to regulate Pitta. Safely drink a small amount of saltwater to induce vomiting. Additionally, Dhauti can include deeply swallowing a cloth. Yogis also practice stomach contractions on an empty stomach daily or insert a clean turmeric root into their anus.

Basti Shat Karma

Third, the Shat Karma called Basti purifies our lower intestines. In Ayurveda, the root cause of all problems is constipation. In modern days, Basti includes a one to twice-weekly water enema. However, the original Yogic tradition was to stand in a flowing stream in chair-pose, sucking water up the bum! 

Nauli Shat Karma

Fourth, the Nauli Shat Karma strengthens our stomach muscles and digestive system. Nauli includes practicing belly button contractions every day. First, squeeze the navel towards the spine. Then, repeat to the left and right side-bodies. Finally, rotate belly muscles clockwise and counterclockwise. Some yogis reported swallowing poison unharmed after practicing Nauli. 

Trataka Karma

Fifth, the Trataka Shat Karma purifies our eyes, mental activity, and emotions. Practicing Trataka every day will increase concentration and improve eyesight. To practice Trataka, fix a gaze on the morning sun or a flame until tears well up. Try with eyes open, shut, then half-open. This releases toxins in the sinuses and strengthens the Third Eye. 

Kapalbhali Shat Karma

Finally, the Sixth Kapalbhali Shat Karma purifies our sinuses with water. To practice Kapalbhali, drink warm water through the mouth. Then, spit it out the nose. Reverse the process by sipping warm water through the nose and spitting it out the mouth. Follow the same process with air, breathing deeply and drying out the passageway. 

While some Shat Karma practice seems intense, others can easily fit into our morning routines. Regardless of your practice, Hatha Yoga offers a beautiful and daring side to Ayurveda. 

See which Shat Karma resonates with you, and identify how you feel afterward!

Thanks for taking another step towards wellness!

Namaste