Dhauti

Internal cleansing. The first of the ṣaṭkarmas, consisting of swallowing and extracting a strip of moistened fine cloth to cleanse the upper digestive tract. The Haṭha Pradīpikā (2.24-25) prescribes it for eliminating kapha, bile, and mucus. The Gheraṇḍa Saṃhitā describes four types (antar, danta, hṛd, mūla), expanding its purifying scope. It is essential preparation for advanced pranayama.