Body Elements and Cleansing

Our Body is made of  earth, water, fire, air, and space. The Shatkarmas or the Six Cleansing Techniques are described in the Yoga Upanishads. It balances the five elements of the body. While cleansing and detoxifying the body.

The internal organs, which come into contact with the external matters  need to be purified. The trachea comes into contact with the external air. The food pipe comes into contact with the external food products. And the mind comes into contact with the thoughts of the external world. Thus, purification of these elements is necessary.

The Shatkarmas are used to balance the three doshas in the body; that is Kapha, Pitta and Vata.

Shatkarmas: Six Cleansing Techniques

These cleansing methods help in cleansing the body, removing toxins, improving concentration and keeping the body healthy. Also, they improve the flow of prana into the organs and the nadis.

1. Neti

Cleanses and purifies the nasal passages. The practices include: Jal neti and Sutra neti.

2. Dhauti

A series of Cleansing Techniques that are used for internal cleansing, head cleansing and thoracic cleansing. The four practices are:

• Shankhaprakshalana and Lagoo Shankhaprakshalana
• Agnisarkriya
• Kunjal kriya
• Vatsara Dhauti

3. Nauli

A method of massaging and cleansing the abdominal organs.

4. Kapalbhati

A purifying technique for the frontal brain region.

5. Trataka

Intense gazing at a point which cleanses the eyes and improves concentration.

All these techniques should be learned from an experienced teacher. Practicing them promotes the health of the practitioner and balances the prana in the body.

Like we always say, wellness begins from the inside. Be healthy inside, it will be reflected outside!

Iti Jain

The post Shatkarma: Six Cleansing Techniques appeared first on Total Yoga is a Yoga style pivoted on Fitness Mindfulness!.