Shatkarma

Shatkarma is a Sanskrit word that refers to the Yogic practices involving purificaton of the body. These practices, outlined by Yogi Swatmarama in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, and include neti, dhauti, basti, kapalabhati, trataka, and nauli. These techniques and their practice are outlined in considerable detail by Swami Rama in his two volume set, Path of Fire and Light.

• Neti 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.

• Kapalabhati 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.

• Nauli Nauli 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.

See also

• Asana
• Hatha Yoga Pradipika
• Patanjali
• Yoga
• Yoga Sutra