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Introduction to Shatkarma
D atha yoga, as described in the early Yoga Upanishads,
was made up of the shatkarmas and is a very precise and systematic science. Shot means 'six' and karma means 'action'; the shatkarmas consist of six groups of purification practices. The aim of hatha yoga and, therefore, of the shatkarmas is to create harmony between the two major pranic flows, ida and pingala, thereby attaining physical and mental purification and balance.
The shatkarmas are also used to balance the three doshas or humours in the body: kapha, mucus; pitta, bile; and vata, wind. According to both ayurveda and hatha yoga, an imbalance of the doshas will result in illness. These practices are also used before pranayama and other higher yoga practices in order to purify the body of toxins and to ensure safe 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. It is essential to be personally instructed as to how and when to perform them according to individual needs.
The six shatkarmas are as follows: 1. Neti: A process of cleansing and purifying the nasal pas
sages. Practices included in this category are: jala neti and
sutra neti. 2. Dhauti: A series of cleansing techniques which are divided
into three main groups: antar dhauti or internal cleansing, sirsha dhauti or head cleansing (traditionally called danta dhauti), and hrid dhauti or thoracic cleansing. The internal
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