What is Shatkriya in Yoga?
Shatkriya (also called Shatkarma) is a group of six powerful yogic cleansing techniques designed to detoxify the body and purify the mind.
In Sanskrit, “Shat” means six and “Kriya” means action. These ancient techniques are mentioned in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika and are still practiced today in yoga ashrams, especially during Yoga Teacher Training Courses (TTC).
At Rishi Adiyog Peeth, these cleansing practices are part of our core TTC curriculum to help students experience deep inner clarity and health.
Why Do We Practice it?
In modern life, we’re surrounded by pollution, stress, and unhealthy food. Shatkriyas help to:
Cleanse the internal organs
Improve digestion and immunity
Prepare the body for deep yogic practices like pranayama and meditation
Remove toxins (ama) naturally
Boost energy and focus
These kriyas are not just physical – they work on mental and energetic levels too.
The 6 Shatkriya Techniques
Here’s a beginner-friendly breakdown of the six traditional yogic cleansing kriyas:
1. Neti (Nasal Cleansing)
Jala Neti: Using warm salt water and a neti pot
Benefits: Clears sinuses, improves breathing, reduces allergies
2. Dhauti (Stomach Cleansing)
Vamana Dhauti (Kunjal Kriya): Controlled vomiting with saline water
Benefits: Removes mucus and toxins, helps with acidity and digestion
3. Nauli (Abdominal Churning)
Rotating the abdominal muscles in a wave-like motion
Benefits: Strengthens digestion, massages internal organs, energizes the body
4. Basti (Yogic Enema)
Colon cleansing with water (not practiced by all beginners)
Benefits: Detoxifies intestines, improves gut health
5. Kapalabhati (Cleansing Breath)
Active exhalation + passive inhalation
Benefits: Clears mind, improves oxygen flow, strengthens lungs
6. Trataka (Candle Gazing)
Concentrated gazing at a candle flame without blinking
Benefits: Improves focus, cleanses eyes, calms the mind
Who Can Practice Shatkriyas?
These practices should be learned under the guidance of an experienced yoga teacher. At Rishi Adiyog Peeth, we teach shatkriyas in a safe and supportive environment, especially during our:
100 Hour Yoga TTC in Bhimtal
200 Hour Yoga TTC in Uttarakhand
Yoga retreats focused on detox and lifestyle
Beginners are introduced to simple kriyas like Jala Neti and Kapalabhati, while advanced students can learn Nauli and Dhauti.
Benefits of Shatkriya in Daily Life
Benefit How it Helps
Better Digestion Cleans stomach, liver, intestines
Clearer Breathing Removes mucus, improves lung capacity
Mental Clarity Removes brain fog, increases alertness
Emotional Balance Releases old stress and tension
Yogic Readiness Prepares for pranayama and meditation
Learn Shatkriya at Rishi Adiyog Peeth, Bhimtal
At our peaceful campus in the Himalayas, students experience the true power of yogic cleansing as part of their TTC journey. We use traditional techniques, sattvic food, nature walks, and personal attention to ensure deep inner healing.
Whether you’re joining our yoga TTC in Uttarakhand, a short retreat, or a lifestyle transformation program — Shatkriyas will help you reset your body, mind, and soul.
Ready to Detox the Yogic Way?
Join our upcoming 100/200 Hour Yoga TTC
Learn traditional kriyas & pranayama
Bhimtal, Nainital – Uttarakhand
WhatsApp us now to reserve your seat! +91 79836 56300
