Anybody who is inclined to learn and practice Hatha Yoga has to learn the shatkarmas or shat kriyas. These are important techniques for complete purification. As mentioned in detail in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, you cannot really learn and master Hatha Yoga without these purification techniques. Join the 200 hour yoga teacher training in Rishikesh to learn about the six purification techniques in complete detail.
Most people who have only seen people practicing yoga assume that it is about asanas. However, yoga is more than just contortions, twists, and inversions. According to traditional and authentic yoga, you have to engage in practices that bring about the union of the mind, body, and soul.
What Are Shat Kriyas Or Shatkarma Kriyas?
To be exact, ‘Shat’ means ‘6’ and ‘Kriyas’ means ‘actions’. So, that translates into six actions. These cleansing procedures have been designed to improve body processes, like digestion, excretion, respiration, blood circulation, and others. These are very simple practices, which have a profound impact on human health. Your energy levels also improve as a result, and you get ready to achieve higher objectives in the field. The six procedures are Neti, Basti, Nauli, Dhauti, Trataka, and Kapalbhati. You will also be able to learn the Shatkarma kriyas as a part of the 100 hour yoga teacher training in Rishikesh.
Let us understand each one in detail.
Shat Kriyas Techniques – 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training In Rishikesh
- Neti Kriya – It is one of the best purification techniques for the nasal passage. So many bacteria, dirt, and dust particles enter the nose through the nostrils that people are falling victim to Asthma, Bronchitis, and other respiratory infections. Through this method, you will be able to cleanse the mucous and dirt from inside the nose.
The most commonly practiced Neti Kriyas are Jala Neti and Sutra Neti. In the former, lukewarm saline water is poured through the nostrils and nasal passages to eliminate dirt and grime. In the latter, a rubber tube is passed through the nose and taken out from the throat, and then drawn back and forth. It helps in cleaning the mucous.
- Basti Kriya – Also called yogic colon cleansing, it is quite similar to an enema. You can practice it if you want to cleanse your large intestine. When done at regular intervals, it also helps in enhancing bowel movements. There are mainly two common practices: basti kriyas, jala basti, and sthala basti. In the former, you have to use water, while in the latter, you have to use air.
- Nauli – Also called abdominal churning, this is an active kriya in which you have to consciously move the muscles of the stomach. This helps in massaging the internal organs and also activates the digestive system. There are several varieties, amongst which the most common ones are madhyama nauli, vama nauli, and dakshina nauli.
- Dhauti – It helps in purifying the digestive tract. The process, when done under trained experts, helps to cleanse the stomach, the food pipe, and the mouth. If you are suffering from digestive issues, stomach acid reflux, or gastrointestinal diseases, you must learn and then practice this. The most commonly practiced dhauti variations are vaman dhauti, vastra dhauti, and danta dhauti. Learn it at the best school in Rishikesh, as a part of the 200 hour yoga teacher training in Rishikesh.
- Trataka – In this Shat Kriya, you must hold your gaze in one single direction. It is a very effective kriya for enhancing focus and concentration. You can either focus on a stationary object or a candle flame. It enhances eyesight, apart from cleansing the eyes. Additionally, it opens the third eye.
- Kapalbhati – This is a Pranayama and a Shat Kriya, too. Most people identify it as the skull shining technique. You will be practicing this on a daily basis, as a part of the yoga sessions.
Benefits Of Shatkarma Kriyas
All students who join the 200 hour yoga teacher training in Rishikesh learn these 6 kriyas.
Neti offers a wide range of benefits, like cleansing of the nostrils, a decrease in sinus infections, and improved oxygen intake.
Dhauti helps to remove toxins from the digestive tract and gives relief from bloating.
Nauli cleanses the abdomen.
Basti helps to flush toxins from the anal channel and removes vata dosha.
Trataka can purify the eyes and strengthen the eye muscles.
And finally, Kapalbhati helps in active energy intake and elimination of toxins in the lungs. It also strengthens your brain and makes you feel fresh.
Conclusion
Learning these is also possible for students who join the 100 hour yoga teacher training in Rishikesh. So, join the best yoga school in Rishikesh to learn about the Shat kriyas in complete detail. Whom you learn from matters a lot.
