Shatkarma

The shatkarmas, also known as shatkriyas, are a set of Hatha yoga purifications of the body, to prepare for the main work of yoga towards moksha. These practices, outlined by Svatmarama in the Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā as kriya, are Netī, Dhautī, Naulī, Basti, Kapālabhātī, and Trāṭaka.

Their purpose is to remove "gross impurities", cure a range of diseases, and prepare the body for pranayama, trapping the breath so as to force the vital energy prana into the central sushumna channel, allowing kundalini to rise, and so to attain moksha, liberation.

Types of Shatkarma

1. Neti : This is nasal passage cleansing using neti pot with salt lukewarm water.

2. Dhauti : This is cleansing of the digestive tract.

3. Basti : This is colon cleansing.

4. Trataka : This is gazing practice. We focus on a fixed single point or a candle light flame.

5. Nauli : This is self administered abdominal massage. The core rotates internally by moving the abdominal muscle alternately in a close wise and counter clockwise direction.

6. Kapalabhati : This is a pranayama which means skull shining. The inhalation is passive, but the exhalation is active/forceful. Energize and balance the nadis. This helps in respiratory ailments, reduce weight, enhance lung capacity, increase heat and improves digestion, and also remove tireness and makes one active.