yahooyoga: Shatkarma

Hatha Yoga, as described in the early Yoga Upanishads, was made up of the Shatkarmas and is a very precise and systematic science. Shat means ‘Six’ and karma means ‘Action’; the Shatkarmas consist of six groups of purification practices. The aim of Hatha yoga and, therefore, of the Shatkarmas is to create harmony between the two major Pranic flows, Ida and Pingala, thereby attaining physical and mental purification and balance.

The Shatkarmas are also used to balance the three humours in the body: Kapha(Mucus); Pitta(Bile); and Vata(Wind). According to both Ayurveda and Hatha Yoga, an imbalance of the humours will result in illness. These practices are also used before Pranayama and other higher yoga practices in order to purify the body of toxins and to ensure safe and successful progression along the spiritual path. These powerful techniques should never be learned from books or taught by inexperienced people. According to the tradition only those instructed by a guru may teach others. It is essential to be personally instructed as to how and when to perform them according to individual needs.

Note: Most of the practices require expert guidance. Please don't forget to take help of a good Yoga teacher before you start any of these practices, It is very important.

. Purifying the Nasal passages (Jala Neti)
. Washing of the Intestines (Varisara Dhauti)
. Abdominal massaging (Nauli)
. Yogic enema with water (Jala Basti)
. Frontal brain cleaning (Kapalbhati)
. Concentrated gazing (Trataka)