Cleansing of the Digestive system, Abdominal organs & Large intestine by Dhauti, Basti and Nauli Shatkarma techniques.

Shatkarma is a group of yogic purifications and cleansing techniques for the body, aimed at removing accumulated impurities. It helps cure diseases and prepares the body for higher practices of asana and pranayama. Shatkarma is an important part of yoga sadhana. The term “Shata” means “six,” and “karma” is defined as “to obtain a desired result.”

Dhauti, Basti, Neti, Trataka, Nauli, and Kapalabhati are the six techniques that comprise Shatkarma.

Today’s blog will cover Dhauti, Basti and Nauli Shatkarma techniques.

Dhauti – Cleansing of the digestive system

Dhauti is a yoga practice that focuses on cleansing the digestive system by using various techniques to flush out toxins and undigested food particles from the internal organs. This technique helps the internal organ system work more efficiently and removes excess mucus from the stomach.
Dhauti offers numerous benefits such as

Enhancing the efficient functioning of the internal organ system and eliminating excess mucus from the stomach.
Frequent practice of Dhauti also balances the Kapha, Pitta, and Vata doshas in the body.
There are various types of Dhauti, including
Vamana Dhauti
Vastra Dhauti.

Vamana Dhauti

Involves drinking lukewarm water and inducing vomiting to eliminate excess mucus from the food pipe. This technique is also known as Kunjal Kriya.

Vastra Dhauti

Involves swallowing a clean muslin cloth dipped in lukewarm water and retaining it in the stomach for a few minutes. The cloth is then taken out through the mouth, which removes impurities from the intestinal tract.

• It is essential to exercise caution when performing Dhauti.
• It is advisable to learn the techniques of Dhauti from a qualified yoga instructor to avoid any adverse effects.
• Patients with medical conditions such as ulcers, high blood pressure, or heart disease should avoid Dhauti.
• Dhauti should not be practiced during pregnancy, menstruation, or after a meal. One should practice Dhauti only after ensuring proper preparation, including an empty stomach and adequate hydration.

2. Basti (cleansing of the large intestine)

Basti is a Shatkarma technique focused on cleansing the large intestine, which can help cure stomach ailments and purify the colon system up to the rectum. The colon is a long tube-like organ in the lower abdomen that removes water from digested food.

Benefits of Basti:

• Cleanses the stomach
• Cures various types of stomach diseases
• Strengthens the large intestine
• Balances all three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha)

The technique of Basti Kriya involves:

• Standing in water up to the navel or sitting in Utkatasana with one hand in deep water
• Offering water into the large intestine while doing Uddiyana Bandha
• Shaking the stomach
• Expelling the water through the anus.

Precautions for practicing Basti:

• Learn the technique from a qualified yoga instructor to avoid adverse effects
• Ensure proper preparation such as an empty stomach and adequate hydration
• Use clean and filtered water to avoid infections
• People with medical conditions such as colon inflammation, ulcers, or hemorrhoids should avoid
• Basti to prevent complications
• Not recommended during pregnancy or menstruation.

Nauli Kriya(Cleansing of Abdominal Organs)

Nauli Kriya is a technique for massaging the abdominal muscles, which increases the activity of the abdomen and can help with gastritis.

Technique:

• Stand with legs spread apart and slightly bent knees.
• Bring both hands to the front and place them on the knees and thighs.
• While exhaling, repeatedly inflate and contract the stomach muscles.

Benefits:

• Relieves constipation and reduces obesity.
• Increases appetite.
• Cures urinary disorders and reduces frequent urination.
• Provides relief in diseases related to the spleen, liver, and stomach.
• Helps with various stomach problems and air disorders.
• Helps with menstrual disorders in women.

Precautions:

• Learn the technique from a qualified yoga instructor.
• Practice on an empty stomach and avoid eating for at least two hours afterwards.
• Avoid practicing during pregnancy or menstruation.
• Do not force the movement and stop immediately if you feel any pain or discomfort.