Cleansing Techniques - Shatkarmas
Those shatkarma which effect purification of the body are secret. They have manifold, wondrous results and are held in high esteem by eminent yogis. (Hatha Yoga Pradipika 2:23)
Cleansing or purification processes of body and mind - Shatkarmas, also called shatkriyas or even kriyas - are well documented techniques in ancient Yoga texts. Yogic science places as much importance on cleansing processes as on asanas and pranayamas as an integral part of Yoga. Because, without purification of the body one will not be ready for the higher practices of yoga. And without regular cleansing one just cannot expect purification and the subsequent the benefit of yogic practices.
Physical cleansing is done through shatkarmas or the six purificatory techniques. The cleansing process balances the doshas, known in ayurveda as the vata, pitta and kapha (wind, bile and phlegm). Automatically you feel relief, you feel lighter, happier and stronger. Not only that, they are also highly effective in curing internal disorders. The six main yogic cleansers are as follows:
1. Jala and Sutra Neti: Nasal cleansing
2. Dhauti: Cleansing of the digestive tract
3. Uddiyana Bandha & Nauli: Abdominal massage
4. Basti: Colon cleansing
5. Kapalbhati: Purification and vitalisation of the frontal lobes
6. Trataka: Blinkless gazing
The shatkarmas cleanse and activate all the vital organs of the body, particularly the digestive, respiratory, circulatory and nervous systems. These processes are known to be both preventive as well as curative. Once your body has been purified, energy is free to flow through your system, unimpeded. Subsequently, one's capacity to digest, taste, feel, work, think, experience, etc., is greatly enhanced.
For optimum benefits, yoga practices should be coupled with a balanced diet, Naturopathy, Ayurveda and Aromatherapy.
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