Shatkarma
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Shatkarma (Sanskrit: षटकर्मन ṣaṭkarman), also known as Shatkriya[1], refers to the Yogic practices involving purification of the body.
Shatkarma is a compound word consisting of two components: shat meaning 'six' and karma meaning 'art' or 'process'. The word kriya or karma is used in Hatha Yoga in a special technical sense regarding the techniques of cleaning. These practices, outlined by Yogi Swatmarama in the Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā, are[1][2][3]:
- Netī, nasal cleaning.
- Dhautī, cleaning of the digestive tract.
- Naulī, abdominal massage.
- Basti, colon cleaning.
- Kapālabhātī, purification and vitalisation of the frontal lobes.
- Trāṭaka, blinkless gazing.
[edit] More details
- Netī refers to nasal wash. This is the practice of using a neti pot to cleanse the nasal passages. A basic neti wash consists of purified water and non-iodized salt, to create a gentle saline solution. A demonstration of this practice is available through the website of the Himalayan Institute.
- Kapālabhātī refers to skull polishing, and is a pranayama (breathing) practice intended to energize and balance the nadis, and the chakras. Specifically, it is a sharp, short outbreath, followed by a relaxation of the core that allows the body to inhale on its own.
- Naulī refers to intestinal cleansing. The practitioner stands with the feet about hip width apart, hands on knees, and body at about a 45 degree angle. The core is rotated internally by moving the abdominal muscles alternately in a clock-wise, then counterclock-wise direction.
[edit] References
- ^ a b Shatkarmas - Cleansing Techniques, in Yoga Magazine, a publication of Bihar School of Yoga
- ^ Muktibodhananda, Swami. (1985). Hatha Yoga Pradipika. New Delhi India: Thomson Press India, for The Yoga Publications Trust.
- ^ These techniques and their practice are outlined in considerable detail by Swami Rama in his two volume set:
Rama, Swami. (1988). Path of Fire and Light, Volume I: Advanced Practices of Yoga. Honesdale, Pennsylvania. Himalayan Institute Press.
Rama, Swami. (1988). Path of Fire and Light, Volume II: A Practical Companion to Volume I. Honesdale, Pennsylvania. Himalayan Institute Press.
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