What Is Shatkarma? | Six Different Yoga Techniques | Benefits Of Shatkarma
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Six purification techniques under Shatkarma with their benefits
Shatkarma is a set of six yogic purification techniques. These cleansing yoga techniques make the body active and energetic by keeping it clean and healthy. It is significantly providing a health benefit to the yogis and practitioner by removing harmful toxins and anything blocking the flow of prana in the body. There are six different yoga postures with different and prominent health benefits under the head of the Shatkarma. All of these yoga techniques have specific benefits.
The six purification techniques performed for a clean and healthy body are mentioned below with their respective benefits and importance.
Neti
This cleansing technique is based on the purpose of cleaning the nasal blockage. This cleaning process is intended to purify the nasal passage as it bathes the sinuses, which generally causes acute infections and also causes breathing issues. Neti can be performed in two different ways. Either by using by a nasal pot to cleanse the nasal passage with saline solution or by using a particular thread passed through the nostrils and out through the mouth. These techniques are also called jala neti [performed with help of pot and saline water ] and sutra neti [ performed with the help of thread ] respectively.
Dhauti
This cleaning technique performs the process of cleaning the alimentary canal of the human body thoroughly, including the esophagus, the mouth, the stomach, the intestines, and the rectum. It is mainly divided into four types of Dhauti techniques: Antar [internal ] Dhauti, Danta [ teeth] Dhauti, Hrid [ cardiac or chest region ] dhauti and Moola shodhana [ rectal cleansing]. But the most popular way to perform dhauti is to swallow down a length of clean cloth. To remove impurities, phlegm, bile and other harmful and unwanted viruses from out esophagus and the stomach. It mainly cleanses the digestive tract in its length but may also affect the respiratory system tract, external ears, and eyes.
Nauli
Nauli yoga done for cleaning the abdomen of the human body by using abdominal muscles, as this practice is about massaging and stimulating the digestive system especially the small intestine by the circular movement of all the abdominal muscles. The muscles of the abdomen are projected forward stiffly and then contracted inward in a wave-like motion that increases “bodily fire.”This is a difficult technique and is generally not taught in yoga schools. It may take a lot of time and practice as it is all based on high abdomen control. This technique cleans small intestine and eliminates digesting problems.
Basti
This shatkarma yoga cleansing technique helps in cleaning the lower abdomen; it is a difficult technique and is to be prepared by the professional yogis. It is not practiced or taught in yoga schools either. Basti can be performed in two ways : Sthala Basti [sushka Basti or vata basti] [without water] it cleans the colon by sucking air the body without the help of any catheter or tube and Jala Basti [Vati Basti ] [with water] this technique helps in sucking water into the anus through the help of a catheter or pipe.
Kapalabhati
Kapalbhati is a Sanskrit word where Kapal means skull and Bhati means Bhati in whole it means a shinning skull this cleansing technique is also known as the breadth of fire. This practice is intended mainly for the cleaning of cranial sinuses but it also has many other effects like curing Anaemia, strengthening abdominal muscles, removing the stiffness from the body. The technique of Kapalbhati involves short and forceful exhalation, and inhalation takes place eventually. There are three forms of Kapalbhati: Vatakrama [ similar to pranayama, bhastrika], Vyutkrama [similar to Jala neti], Sheetkrama [can be considered as the reverse of vyutkrama].
Trataka
The English meaning of Sanskrit word Trataka is to look or to gaze. This practice is also known as a Blinkless stare. It is a prominent method of meditation by staring at an opted focus it may be a small object, a black dot or a candle flame for a long time. It is said that this technique brings energy to the third eye and also promotes many psychic abilities in an individual. This cleansing technique helps in cleaning the eyes and improving the mental focus and concentration of an individual. It helps in increasing the blood circulation to the eyes, and it helps to strengthen the eyes.
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