Month: September 2023

Cultivating a healthy way of life has grown crucial for one’s general well-being in today’s hectic and demanding society. Body cleaning, an ancient custom that has been hailed for ages across many cultures, is an important part of this voyage.

Body cleaning up, often referred to as detoxification, is a means of getting rid of hazardous substances and impurities that build up in our systems as a result of stress, junk food, pollution from the surroundings, and numerous other aspects of our lives.

Our internal systems are constantly bombarded with pollutants, which can load our organs and prevent them from operating at their best. Toxins are present in the goods we use, the food we consume, and the air we inhale. These poisons can accumulate in our systems and lead to a number of different health problems. Body cleansing seeks to revitalize and regulate the systems in our bodies, which encourages a feeling of fresh vigor and strength.

One of these techniques for cleaning the body’s inside is shatkarma yoga. Shatkarma means that it is a traditional yogic practices that includes a series of six strategies for cleansing. It emphasises removing contaminants and poisons from various bodily systems. It is crucial to learn this practise from an expert teacher because it is difficult and complicated. Nevertheless, it may be a potent tool for enhancing one’s well-being and health if used properly. Today, we will learn about what is shatkarma and its various methods.

What is the Need for Detoxification of the Body?

There are a number of reasons why purifying the body is important, or what is shatkarma  needed for. It aids in:

• Removal of contaminants from the body that are ingested by food, surroundings, etc.
• Boosting organ performance by getting rid of the body’s waste.
• Boosting general levels of energy by lightening the load on the organism’s systems.
• Gastrointestinal tract purging.
• Boosting the body’s immune response makes it more capable of fighting off illnesses and infections.
• By reducing accumulated fat and accelerating metabolism, one might lose weight.
• Gaining clarity of thought and increasing focus.
• Enhancing the health of the skin through making it more gleaming and vibrant.
• Lowering inflammation in the human body brought on by contaminants.

Various Cleansing Techniques Under Shatkarma:

A major component of Hatha Yoga called shatkarma yoga consists of 6 purification methods. Shatkarma means to cleanse the body and the psyche using these methods. Each approach tackles particular physical parts, which makes it easier to get rid of contaminants. Let’s look at the numerous yoga kriyas cleansing techniques:

• Neti (Nasal Cleansing): 

By making use of a saline solution, the passages in the nose are cleaned. There are two popular techniques: Jala Neti, in which lukewarm salted water is put into one nostril and discharged out of the other nostril, and Sutra Neti, in which the passages in the nose are cleaned using a delicate string (sutra). It facilitates respiration and encourages mental alertness while also assisting in clearing nasal blockages, removing debris, increasing sinus health, and reducing allergies.

• Dhauti (Cleansing of the Digestive Tract): 

It aids in digestive tract cleansing. It entails ingesting a lot of saltwater and engaging in a set of asanas to completely detoxify the entire digestive tract before vomiting the mixture out to clear out more mucus from the food pipe. Another method is to swallow and hold in your stomach for some time a clean muslin cloth that has been soaked in warm water. Then it is removed from the mouth end, bringing the digestive tract’s contaminants with it. 

• Nauli (Abdominal Massage): 

This innovative approach isolates and rotates the muscles of the abdominal region in a circular manner while tightening and releasing them. The digestive system is especially stimulated by this interior massage, which also improves bowel motions. Additionally, it helps to tone the area around the waist and develops the abdominal muscles.

• Basti (Colon Cleansing): 

It is a thorough colon cleansing method that entails performing an enema with certain herbal mixtures or water. This procedure enhances the colon’s functionality and encourages greater intake of nutrients by removing gas, toxins, and built-up waste from the colon.

• Kapalabhati (Forceful Breathing): 

This method of breathing calls for rapid, aggressive exhalations accompanied by quiet inhalations of air. It is regarded as an airway cleansing method since it clears the lungs and exhales stagnant air while also energising the mind and improving attention.

• Trataka (Gazing Meditation): 

It is a method of mind and eye purification. It entails fixed, persistent attention on a certain point, frequently a candle light or an item. This routine assists to strengthen focus, relax the mind, and take care of the eyes.

Amazing Benefits of Shatkarma:

The six yoga kriyas cleansing techniques that make up the Shatkarma program provide several health advantages for the physical being, mind, and soul. Following are a few of the main benefits of this practice:

• The body’s entire purification process is encouraged.
• Enhancement of absorbing nutrients and regulation of the digestive system’s operation in order to enhance digestion.
• Clearing of the airways by easing obstruction and raising respiratory wellness in general.
• Gain in attention, clarity of thought, and mental calmness.
• Increasing vigor and energy.
• Assisting the hormonal levels in the human body to be balanced.
• Weight loss through enhancing metabolism and promoting sound digestion.
• Improving sleep habits and encouraging sound sleep.
• Soothing the neurological system and hence lowering anxiety as well as stress levels.
• Building up the body’s defenses.
• Helps maintain emotional equilibrium and inner peace.
• The vision and condition of the eyes enhance.
• Increasing the abdomen’s muscles’ endurance and tone.
• Removes toxins & contaminants which helps to create cleaner, more youthful skin.
• Gets both the body and mind ready for more difficult yogic practices, which promotes spiritual development and mindfulness.

Precautions Needed to be Taken:

While these practices provide a number of advantages, there are some specific approaches that need to be used with care. Think about the following safety measures:

• Learn about these methods from a certified and experienced instructor who can show you the right motions while offering you individualized instruction.
• Prior to undertaking Shatkarma, speak with a medical expert. For particular individuals, certain practices might not be acceptable or safe.
• Start with simpler, less demanding exercises and work your way up to more complex ones.
• Avoid using force in any situation where it may result in pain or harm.
• It should be performed on an empty stomach or for a minimum several hours after a meal.
• Make careful to use purified water for Basti and Neti procedures, ideally water that has been filtered. Additionally, sterilize and clean the necessary apparatus.
• Stop performing the exercise right away and seek advice from your trainer or a healthcare provider if you feel sensations of pain, discomfort, or disorientation.
• Avoid abusing the cleaning procedures.
• Nauli and Kapalabhati are two practices that should not be performed when you are pregnant or menstruating.
• It should be practiced in a peaceful and quiet environment.
• Be mindful of any restrictions related to certain practices. 

Conclusion:

Shatkarma practitioners aim to acquire bodily equilibrium, clarity of thought, and spiritual progress via their practices, eventually preparing them for a deeper and more transformational yogic adventure. With your practice, be steady and patient. Learning and mastering Santikarma might take some time.