Kriyas

Kriyas-Cleansing Technique

"Dhauti, basti, net, trataka, nauli and kapalbhati; these are known as shatkarma (or six cleansing processes)."

Hatha Yoga Pradipika 2.22

Purity of body encourages purity of the mind. Yoga has developed six cleansing techniques or "Shed Kriyas" for purification of the physical body. Through these simple exercises, nature is assisted in the elimination of waste products and mucus. Many mental and physical ailments may be alleviated through the practice of kryas.

Shatakarmas or six cleansing techniques

            When fat or mucus is excessive, the shatakarmas or six cleansing technique should be practiced before (Pranayama). Others, in whom the doshas (i.e., phlegm, wind & bile) are balanced, need not do them.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  àHatha yoga Pradipika        

            Hatha yoga, as described in the early yoga Upanishads, was made up of the shatakarmas and is a very precise & systematic science. Shat means ‘six’ and karma means action. The Shatakarmas consist of the six groups of purification practices.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

            The aim of Hatha yoga and therefore of the shatakarmas is to create harmony between the two major pranic flows, Ida & pingla, thereby attaining physical & mental purification and balance.

            The shatakarmas are also used to balance the three doshas or humors in the body:  Kapha-mucus; pitta-bile; and vata-wind. According to Ayurveda & Hatha yoga, an imbalance of the doshas will result in illness. These practices are also used before Pranayama & the other higher yoga practices in order to purify the body of toxins and to ensure state 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.

            The six Shatakarmas are as follows:--

1.       Neti:- A process of cleansing and purifying the nasal passages.

2.       Dhauti (internal cleaning) :- A series of cleaning in the three main groups : Anthar dhauti or internal cleaning, Sirha dhauti or head cleaning (traditionally called as dantha dhauti) & hrid dhauti or thoracic cleaning.

3.       Nauli: A method of massaging & strengthening the abdominal organs.

4.       Basti:- Techniques for washing & toning the large intestine.

5.       Kapalbhathi : A breathing technique for purifying the frontal region of the brain

6.       Trataka: The practice of intense gazing at one point or object which develops the power concentration.

 

            The effects of shatakarmas can be summered up in one word purification. When the different systems of the body have been purified, the overall result is that energy can flow through the body freely. One’s capacity to work, think digest, taste, feel, experience etc increases & greater awareness develops. It is no wonder that the greater yogis, who have achieved perfection and know the real extent of human capacity, regard the shatakarmas with great esteem.