Shatkarmas (cleansing practices)
These practices are used to balance the flow of prana (life force) in the body and to cleanse the body and mind of toxins…believed to be essential actions to support a student’s successful progression along the spiritual path.
On a physical level, they can also help to balance the three humours or doshas … according to both Ayurveda (traditional Indian medicine) and Hatha Yoga, an imbalance in the doshas can lead to disease.
The shatkarmas are six groups of purification practices…” Shat” means six and “karma” means action. Described in the early Yoga Upanishads, only a handful of these Hatha Yoga practices are regularly taught in the Satyananda Yoga tradition that we practice in the West.
“When fat or mucus is excessive, the shatkarmas or six cleansing techniques should be practised before pranayama. Others, in whom the doshas (i.e. phlegm, wind and bile) are balanced, need not do them.”
Chapter 2, Verse 21 “Hatha Yoga Pradipika” Swami Muktibodhananda Yoga Publications Trust, Munger, Bihar, India. 2006. p. 185
Jala Neti is a nasal cleansing practice. Using a Neti pot, a warm saline solution is poured into one nostril to flow through the sinus cavity and out of the other nostril. Wonderful for hayfever sufferers to remove irritants from the nasal cavity and during colds and flu when there is excessive mucus.
Laghoo Shankhaprakshalana is a short intestinal wash where two glasses of a warm saline solution are swallowed quickly and a series of Yoga postures are practised to sequentially open the sphincters in the digestive tract. A total of two litres of solution is consumed in this manner and passed out of the body… cleaning the intestines as it goes. A useful practice to flush out the kidneys and to encourage the normal functioning of the intestines – so excellent for relieving constipation.
The full version of this practice, Shankhaprakshalana, involves the consumption of more of the saline solution and is accompanied by a special diet designed to be gentle on the digestive system until a protective layer of mucus can be restored. The full practice is usually conducted on retreat or in a Yoga centre where supervision and plenty of rest can be provided.
Kunjal Kriya is the practice of vomiting water. Using a warm saline solution once again, two litres are consumed quickly and then the vomiting reflex is induced – if it hasn’t already engaged. An amazing practice for clearing blocked emotions.
These last three practices can be practised separately or together for a complete cleanse
Kapalbhati or frontal brain cleansing can be practiced with or without a saline solution. In our tradition, we practice the technique using just air as a pranayama (breathing) practice. The practice involves the forceful exhalation of air from the lungs followed by a passive inhalation…taking the volume of the air in the lungs to below the base level on the out-breath and returning it just to the base level on the in-breath. This action is said to have a cleansing effect on the lungs, tones the organs of digestion, and balances and strengthens the nervous system. It may also help to energise the mind, remove drowsiness, and prepare it for mental work.
Trataka or concentrated gazing is an amazing practice designed to cleanse the mind of unwanted thoughts and improve concentration in preparation for meditation. Generally done at the end of a Yoga Sadhana, it is often used as a meditation practice in and of itself. Great to do before bed or when sleep is elusive due to overthinking. Most commonly, the object gazed upon is a steady candle flame. However, any object may be used if a candle flame is unsuitable/impractical.
Sources:
Muktibodhananda, Swami “Hatha Yoga Pradipika” Yoga Publications Trust, Munger, Bihar, India. 2006.
Saraswati, Swami Satyananda “Asana, Pranayama, Mudra, Bandha” Yoga Publications Trust, Munger, Bihar, India. 1969.
