Shatkarma: The Ancient Yogic Cleansing Techniques That Transform Your Practice

Soham Yoga School Rishikesh, India

Shatkarma: A Body, Mind, and Soul Deep Cleanse

Shatkarma: The Ancient Yogic Cleansing Techniques That Transform Your Practice. When we hear “yoga,” most of us picture flowing poses, deep bends, or serene meditation. But prior to all of that, the ancient yogis understood something very important — the body and mind need to be cleansed and balanced in order to reap the rewards of any spiritual or physical practice. That’s where Shatkarma comes in.

At Soham Yoga School, in the very center of Rishikesh, we take students on these profound practices in our teacher trainings and retreats. These are not mere ancient tricks of dry scriptures — they are profoundly practical methods that introduce clarity, lightness, and genuine change.

What is Shatkarma?

Shatkarma: The Ancient Yogic Cleansing Techniques That Transform Your Practice, Shatkarma (or Shatkriya) is a Sanskrit term which means “six actions” or “six activities”. What’s their aim? To cleanse the body’s internal systems — physically, energetically, and mentally — in order for your prana (vital energy) to circulate freely.

These techniques might appear unusual or even intense at first, but once experienced, most students feel a powerful shift — like hitting a reset button from the inside out.

The Six Shatkarmas Explained

Shatkarma: The Ancient Yogic Cleansing Techniques That Transform Your Practice. Let’s consider the six techniques we practice and teach:

1.Neti – Clearing the Nasal Passages

We start with Neti, which rinses out the nasal passages with warm saline water (Jala Neti) or a soft rubber thread (Sutra Neti). It removes mucus, enhances breathing, and even alleviates allergies and sinus conditions.

“Students frequently tell us they’ve never breathed so clearly in their life after Neti.”

2. Dhauti – Cleansing the Digestive Tract

One of them we walk you through with care is Vamana Dhauti, where you consume saline water and allow it to return back out — purging toxins, acidity, and emotional weight from the stomach.

It’s brutal, but with care, it’s extremely relieving.

3. Nauli – Massaging the Abdomen

This is the most astonishing and exhilirating kriya. Nauli is rolling the abdominal muscles to induce digestion and inner fire (Agni) awakening. It is time-consuming to master, but it’s profoundly empowering once mastered.

4. Trataka – Still Viewing

Trataka is a beautiful meditation kriya in which you continuously gaze at one point of concentration or candle flame. After a while, it strengthens eyes, calms your nervous system, and produces laser-like attention.

5. Kapalbhati – Purification of the Brain Area

You may have done this in pranayama class — rapid, forceful expirations that energize and cleanse.Kapalbhati purifies your mind, raises energy, and clears awareness. For a good cause, it’s known as the “skull shining breath”!

6. Basti – Yogic Colon Cleanse

Imagine Basti as a yogic enema — but less artificial. Historically practiced using water (Jala Basti) or merely air, this method detoxes the colon and aids digestive wellness. We present this practice in a gentle, respectful, and voluntary manner, depending on the student.

Why Practice Shatkarma?

In our modern world, we bear so much – physically through poor diet, pollution, and sitting too long; and mentally through stress, anxiety, and overstimulation.

Shatkarma is a means to lighten the load. It assists you:
Detoxify your body
Enhance breathing and digestion
Increase mental clarity
Prepare for deeper meditation and pranayama
Your feeling is elevated clean and light, as though appearing in the skin of self.

At Soham Yoga School, we don’t rush you into these practices. We guide you step-by-step, ensuring you feel supported, secure, and confident.

Our Way at Soham Yoga School

Each student is unique. Some are ready to immerse themselves in these kriyas immediately; others require time. That is perfectly fine.

Within our:

100-Hour Yoga Teacher Training
200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training
300-Hour Advanced Training
500-Hour Advanced Training
5, 7, and 10-day Yoga Retreats

we introduce Shatkarma in a gentle, respectful way. You’ll learn the science behind each technique, how to do it properly, and when to avoid it. And you’ll always have guidance from experienced teachers who’ve practiced these techniques for years.

Final Thoughts

Shatkarma isn’t merely bodily cleansing. It is about making space, in your thoughts, emotions, and body. So you can sit still and not be restless. Your mind gets clear like water flowing in a mountain stream.
If you’re interested, I invite you to join us at Soham Yoga School in Rishikesh — where ancient yogic tradition comes together with down-to-earth, heart-based teaching.