The path of Yoga is a systematic approach to unveiling the full spectrum of human potential--physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. In traditional Indian Yoga, the first step on this path is purification of the body. This readies the aspirant for the higher practices of Yoga, namely pranayama and meditation. To accomplish the goals of cleansing the body of impurities and toxins, increasing the body's resistance to disease, and strengthening the body's internal energy system, numerous scientific yogic techniques were developed and tested over thousands of years by the ancient yogis.
These techniques are called Shat Karma (six actions). The Shat Karma are referred to as kriyas, and are a branch of the system of yoga called Hatha Yoga (which includes asana, pranayama, mudra, bandha, and more). Below, you'll find a list of some of the most common Shat Karma exercises and some of the benefits that can be gained through proper practice.
This information is not intended to be instructional, but as an inspiration to learn these amazing self-healing techniques. Please do not try to do the practices listed below without first learning from a competent teacher.
Danta Dhauti - Massage of the teeth, gums, tongue, ears, eyes, and forehead
Benefits: Gently stimulates all the openings of the head to invite removal of excess mucus. Sharpens the senses, clears the mind, and evokes a smooth flow of prana (vital energy).
Jala Neti - Nasal cleansing with water
Benefits: Gently stimulates harmonious function of the nasal lining, removes excess mucus (stopping acute and/or chronic sinusitis) and corrects dryness (stopping chronic bloody nose), reduces kapha dosha.
Sutra Neti - Nasal cleansing with a soft rubber tube or cotton string
Benefits: Corrects deviated septum; opens obstructed nasal airways; balances ida and pingala nadis (correcting conditions of heat or cold); develops the nasal sensitivity necessary for the practice of pranayama.
Vamana Dhauti - Washing by vomiting warm salt-water
Benefits: Cleanses the upper digestive tract of excess acid and mucus; stimulates a strong digestive function; removes indigestion; assists with the removal of cough and sore throat; eliminates minor respiratory ailments; and reduces excess kapha and pitta.
Nauli - Internal abdominal massage
Nauli is the crown of all the kriyas of Hatha Yoga. It strengthens weak digestion, balances the gastric fire, brings a deep sense of well-being, and removes all disorders caused by imbalance of the humors (doshas).
- Hathapradipika of Svatmarama, Chapter 3 Verse 21
There are numerous stages to the practice of Nauli: Uddiyana, Agnisara, Madhyama Nauli, Vama Nauli, Dakshina Nauli, and Nauli Chalana. Cain has developed a simple method for learning this once difficult to acquire secret of yogis.
Benefits: This is the most powerful yogic method for removing all abdominal ailments. It stimulates the abdominal organs, making them strong and healthy, removes constipation, and eliminates minor reproductive ailments. Spiritually, it awakens manipura chakra.
Kapala Bhati - Skull Shining Breath
Benefits: Removes ailments originating in the region of the head and neck, charges the brain with prana, super-oxygenates the blood, deepens concentration, and prepares the mind for meditation.
Trataka - Gazing
Benefits: Physically, Trataka corrects weakness and various defects of the eyes, such as shortsightedness. Mentally, it increases concentration (good for kids with ADHD). It also removes insomnia, and relaxes the troubled mind. Trataka is one of the most powerful techniques for preparing for meditation.
The Shat Karma exercises can be learned in a one or two day workshop. Once you know how to properly perform these rejuvenative exercises, they are yours for a lifetime. For people who prefer to take charge of their own well-being, and don't like to rely on doctors and expensive medicine, these practice are indispensable.
This is yogic health insurance!
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