Detoxification goes beyond eliminating physical toxins from the body. Yoga, with its ancient practices of pranayama , asana, and meditation, provides a holistic approach to cleanse both the body and mind of physical and emotional impurities.
There are 6 yogic practices which can help our body to get detoxified by natural means according to “HATHA YOGA PRADEEPIKA” which are considered as “SHATKRIYAS”
SHATKRIYAS:
- Neti
- Dhauti
- Basti
- Nauli
- Trataka
- Kapalabhati
NETI:
It is nasal cleansing which help in cleaning the nasal mucosa and removing excess phlegm in the body. Those who suffer with frequent cold, cough, running nose it is considered as a best yogic kriya to reduce the frequency of catching cold. It is indicated to practice on alternate days for better results. Individuals with deviated nasal septum should not practice Neti. Care and guidance is needed if person is hypertensive or diabetic.
There are 2 types of Neti:
- Jala Neti (Using lukewarm saline water)
- Sutra Neti (Using thin rubber catheter)
DHAUTI:
It includes abdominal, teeth, tongue, ear cleansing for the elimination of impurities and increasing their efficiency. Individuals with indigestion, constipation and metabolic disorders are usually suggested to practice this kriya once in a week. Individuals with stomach or duodenal ulcer should not practice Dhauti. Care and guidance is needed if person is hypertensive or diabetic.
There are 2 types of Dhauti:
- Vamana Dhauti (Regurgitative cleansing with warm saline water)
- Vastra Dhauti (Cloth cleansing technique)
BASTI:
It is yogic enema which cleans and clears old stool and gas from rectum, the ending part of the colon. It is also known as rectal cleansing. Individuals with piles, fistula should not practice basti. Guidance and care is needed during practice of Basti.
There are 3 types of Basti:
- Jala Basti(Yogic enema with water)
- Sthala Basti(Dry yogic enema)
- Moolashodana(Anal cleansing)
NAULI:
It is abdominal organ massaging carried out by careful circular movement of abdominal movements. This kriya helps in improving the functioning of abdominal organs by purifying and eliminating the accumulated toxins in the abdominal organs. Skill is needed during this practice. Guidance and care is needed during the practice of Nauli. Individuals should be consulted with a yoga physician or a qualified yoga practitioner before starting this practice.
There are 4 stages in Nauli:
- Madhyama Nauli (Central abdominal contraction)
- Vama Nauli (Left isolation)
- Dakshina Nauli (Right isolation)
- Abdominal Rotation and Churning
TRATAKA:
It is the practice of gazing at a chosen object and most often it is candle. It includes a set of practices which makes eyes clear and bright. It balances the nervous system and relieves nervous tension, anxiety, depression and Insomnia. Most amazing aspect in practice of Trataka is that it includes gazing at different other objects while the set of practices we practice remains same. It improves eye sight and vision. It also helps in improving focus and concentration in children. Individuals with glaucoma, cataract and recent surgeries on and around eyes should not practice trataka. Proper guidance and care must be taken while practicing trataka.
It is of 2 types:
- Antar trataka (Internal Gazing)
- Bahir trataka (External Gazing)
KAPALABHATHI:
It is a yogic practice that involves frontal brain cleansing. It cleanses the excess mucus produced in the sinuses of the face. This is the best practice for frequent upper respiratory tract infections like cold, cough, running nose, sinusitis and dust allergies. It is also practiced as a post kriya practice in neti for removing excess water retained in the nasal mucosa. Individuals with high blood pressure, glaucoma, nasal bleeding, abdominal ulcer should not practice kapalabhati. Skill is needed during different practices of kapalabhati. Guidance is required during the practice of kapalabhati
There are 3 types of kapalabhati:
- Vatkarma kapalabhati (Air cleansing)
- Vyutkarma kapalabhati (Sinus cleansing)
- Sheetkarma kapalabhati (Mucus cleansing)
