षट्कर्म
Ṣaṭkarma
The six purification processes (ṣaṭ = six, karma = action) of Haṭha Yoga. These practices cleanse the body of impurities and prepare for advanced prāṇāyāma and meditation.
Foundation in the Texts
"When fat or mucus is excessive, the six karmas should be practiced before prāṇāyāma. Others, in whom the doṣas are balanced, need not practice them."
— Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā 2.21
The ṣaṭkarmas balance the three doṣas (vāta, pitta, kapha) and eliminate impurities that obstruct the flow of prāṇa. They are essential preparatory practices, not ends in themselves.
The Six Techniques
Dhauti
Internal Cleansing
Variants: Antar Dhauti · Danta Dhauti · Hṛd Dhauti · Mūla Śodhana
Basti
Colon Cleansing
Variants: Jala Basti · Sthala Basti · Moola Shodhana
Neti
Nasal Cleansing
Variants: Jala Neti · Sutra Neti · Dugdha Neti · Ghrita Neti
Trāṭaka
Steady Gazing
Variants: Bahir Trāṭaka · Antar Trāṭaka
Nauli
Abdominal Churning
Variants: Madhyama Nauli · Vama Nauli · Dakshina Nauli
Kapālabhāti
Skull Shining
Variants: Vātakrama · Vyutkrama · Śītkrama
⚠️ Important Notes
- Supervision: Some techniques (Vastra Dhauti, Basti, Nauli) require direct guidance from an experienced teacher. Do not attempt to learn them from texts or videos alone.
- Progression: Start with the more accessible techniques (Jala Neti, Kapālabhāti, Trāṭaka) before attempting the advanced ones.
- Contraindications: Each technique has specific contraindications. Check each practice page and, if in doubt, consult a healthcare professional.
- Purpose: The ṣaṭkarmas are preparatory. Their goal is to create the conditions for effective prāṇāyāma, not to be a perpetual practice.
Traditional Practice Sequence
The Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā suggests this progression:
- Ṣaṭkarma (purification) → balance the doṣas
- Āsana (posture) → stabilize the body
- Prāṇāyāma (breath control) → purify the nāḍīs
- Mudrā and Bandha → direct the prāṇa
- Pratyāhāra → interiorization
- Dhāraṇā, Dhyāna, Samādhi → deep meditation