Shuddhikriya in Yoga: The Art of Inner Cleansing

Introduction

In yoga, physical and mental purity is very important for a healthy and peaceful life. The process of cleansing the body from within is called Shuddhikriya or Shatkarmas. These are six yogic purification techniques that help remove toxins, improve digestion, and balance the body's energy.

As stated in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika:

"शुद्धिहीनस्य धीरस्य योगाभ्यासः न सिद्ध्यति।"
"For one whose body is impure, the practice of yoga does not succeed."

Thus, before practicing higher levels of yoga, purification is necessary.

The Six Shuddhikriyas (Shatkarmas)

The six main purification techniques in yoga are:

धौतीर्वस्तिस्तथा नेतिः, त्राटकं नौलिकं तथा।  
कपालभातिश्चैतानि, षट्कर्माणि समाचरेत्॥

“Dhautir-vastis-tatha netir, tratakam, Naulikam tatha;

Kapal-bhatis-c-aitani, Sat-karmani samacaret !!"

The body is cleansed with the help of the following six procedures:

(1) Dhouti, (2) Basti, (3) Neti, (4) Loukiki (nauli), (5) Trataka, and (6) Kapal bhati.

1. Dhauti (Cleansing the Digestive Tract)

Dhauti is a method to clean the stomach and digestive system. It removes toxins and improves digestion.

• Vaman Dhauti: Drinking warm saline water and vomiting it out.
• Vastra Dhauti: Swallowing and removing a cloth strip to clean the stomach.

2. Basti (Yogic Enema)

Basti is a cleansing technique to purify the intestines. It is similar to an enema and removes toxins from the colon.

3. Neti (Nasal Cleansing)

Neti cleanses the nasal passages and sinuses, improving breathing and preventing respiratory diseases.

• Jala Neti: Using warm saline water with a Neti pot.
• Sutra Neti: Passing a soft thread through the nostrils and out of the mouth.

4. Trataka (Concentration and Eye Cleansing)

Trataka is focusing on a single point (like a candle flame) to improve eyesight and mental focus.

5. Nauli (Abdominal Massage)

Nauli is a technique of rotating the abdominal muscles to improve digestion and activate energy centers.

6. Kapalabhati (Skull-Shining Breath)

Kapalabhati is a breathing technique that removes toxins, clears the lungs, and energizes the mind.

Asanas to Support Shuddhikriyas

While Shuddhikriyas are purification techniques, some yoga asanas help enhance their effects.

1. Pavanamuktasana (Wind-Relieving Pose)

Helps in digestive cleansing and removes gas from the stomach.

2. Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend)

Stimulates the digestive organs and detoxifies the intestines.

3. Matsyasana (Fish Pose)

Opens the respiratory tract, helping in nasal cleansing.

4. Vajrasana (Thunderbolt Pose)

Aids digestion and supports Dhauti and Basti practices.

5. Uddiyana Bandha (Abdominal Lock)

Supports Nauli Kriya by strengthening abdominal muscles.

Conclusion

Shuddhikriyas are powerful cleansing techniques that prepare the body for higher yogic practices. Regular practice of these kriyas, along with proper asanas, enhances physical health and mental clarity.

As the Hatha Yoga Pradipika says:

"शुद्धे काये तु योगस्य प्रभावो जायते ध्रुवम्।"
"When the body is purified, the benefits of yoga manifest fully."

Start with simple practices like Jala Neti and Kapalabhati, and gradually include other kriyas under expert guidance for a complete yogic experience.