Practices of Shat Karma

Shat Karma consists of six purificatory processes developed by ancient Hatha Yogis for the purpose of eliminating poisonous substances accumulated in various parts of the human body. The body constantly expels waste matter in the form of perspiration, urine, excretion and breath through various mechanisms. If this waste matter is not properly and completely thrown out in the regular processes the body would be loaded with disease­carrying poisons. So, in order to maintain perfect health, it is necessary to purge all impurities from the body. This is achieved by the practise of Shat Karma, given below:

1. Neti (Nasal Cleansing)
   (a) Jala Neti
   (b) Dugdha Neti
   (c) Sutra Neti
2. Dhauti (Cleansing of the digestive tract)
   (a) Kunjala or Gajakarni
   (b) Vastra Dhauti
   (c) Varisara Dhauti or Shankha Prakshalana
3. Basti (Colon Cleansing)
4. Nauli (Abdominal Massage)
5. Kapalabhati
6. Trataka (Blinkless Gazing)