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Students practicing yoga purification practices at Manjushree Yoga Vidyalaya

What Are Yogic Kriyas?

Yogic kriyas — derived from the Sanskrit word “kri,” meaning “to do” or “action” — are six traditional purification practices, also known as Shat Kriyas or Shatkarmas, that prepare the body and mind for deeper yoga and meditation. Each kriya targets a specific system in the body, supporting detoxification, balance, and clearer energy flow. These techniques are described in classical texts like the Hatha Yoga Pradipika and Gheranda Samhita, which detail both their methods and their role in preparing a practitioner for higher states of practice.

The Six Yoga Purification Practices (Shat Kriyas)

1. Neti (Nasal Cleansing)

Jala Neti — a yogic purification practice using a neti pot

Neti kriya helps in easing nasal congestion and preparing the breath for pranayama. It’s typically the first kriya introduced to new students, since it’s gentle and immediately noticeable in effect.
Jala Neti — water-based nasal cleansing using a neti pot
Sutra Neti — thread-based nasal cleansing, considered a deeper practice than Jala Neti Ghrita Neti / Dugdha Neti — lesser-practiced variants using ghee or milk, mentioned in classical texts

2. Dhauti (Cleansing of the Digestive Tract)

Dhauti kriya, a traditional yoga purification technique

Dhauti encompasses several techniques for cleansing the stomach and digestive tract. It supports healthy digestion and is traditionally taught only under a qualified teacher’s direct guidance, given its more advanced nature.
1. Antar Dhauti (Internal Cleansing) — four sub-techniques:

  • Vatsara Dhauti — swallowing air and expelling it through the digestive tract
  • Varisara Dhauti — drinking water and moving it through the entire digestive system, generally regarded as the origin of the modern practice known as Shankhaprakshalana
  • Vahnisara Dhauti — a churning/contraction technique focused on generating internal heat, closely related to Agnisara Kriya
  • Bahiskrita Dhauti — an advanced technique involving drawing the intestines out through the mouth using a specific breathing and abdominal method; described in classical texts but exceptionally advanced and rarely taught today

2. Danta Dhauti (Dental/Root Cleansing) — cleaning of the teeth, gums, tongue, ears, and cranial cavities:

  • Danta Moola Dhauti — cleaning the teeth and gums
  • Jihva Moola Dhauti — tongue cleaning and scraping (this is the traditional root of your Copper Tongue Cleaner product)
  • Karna Dhauti — cleaning the ears
  • Kapal Randhra Dhauti — cleaning the forehead/cranial region

3. Hrid Dhauti (Chest/Throat Cleansing) — three sub-techniques:

  • Danda Dhauti — using a soft stem or stalk to cleanse the throat
  • Vamana Dhauti / Vyaghra Kriya — a technique traditionally described for cleansing the stomach via controlled expulsion; this is an advanced practice requiring direct, in-person supervision from an experienced teacher, and is not something to attempt from written instructions alone
  • Vastra Dhauti — swallowing and withdrawing a length of cloth, the practice already described on your page and sold in your shop

4. Moola Shodhana (Rectal Cleansing)
A technique for cleansing the lower rectum, traditionally described using a stem or the finger with turmeric or oil. Like Vamana Dhauti, this is an advanced, supervision-only practice.

3. Nauli (Abdominal Churning)

Nauli involves isolating and rolling the abdominal muscles in a churning motion, stimulating digestion and strengthening the core. It’s considered one of the more physically demanding kriyas and is usually introduced once a student has built comfort with basic breath control.
The Gheranda Samhita and Hatha Yoga Pradipika describe Nauli in four stages/forms:

Nauli Chalana — the full churning movement, rolling the isolated muscles from side to side; considered the complete expression of the practice, usually developed only after mastering the three isolations above

Madhyama Nauli — isolating and contracting the central abdominal muscles

Vama Nauli — isolating the muscles toward the left side

Dakshina Nauli — isolating the muscles toward the right side

4. Basti (Yogic Enema)

Basti is a traditional technique for cleansing the lower intestines, historically performed using water and specific postures. It requires experienced supervision and is taught progressively, not as a first practice.
Jala Basti — performed using water, traditionally in a seated position in water (such as a river or specially prepared tub)
Sthala Basti (also called Sushka Basti or Vayu Basti) — a “dry” version performed using abdominal and pelvic floor manipulation to draw in air rather than water, without needing to be submerged

5. Kapalabhati (Skull Shining Breath)

Kapalabhati is a rapid, forceful breathing technique that energizes the body, clears the respiratory passages, and sharpens mental focus.
Vatakrama Kapalabhati — the most commonly practiced form today, involving rapid forceful exhalations through the nostrils with passive inhalation.
Vyutkrama Kapalabhati — drawing water in through the nose and expelling it through the mouth, closely related to nasal cleansing practices.
Sheetkrama Kapalabhati — the reverse of Vyutkrama: water is taken in through the mouth and expelled through the nose.

6. Trataka (Steady Gazing)

Group Trataka meditation, part of the six yoga purification practices

Trataka involves fixed, steady gazing at a single point, often a candle flame to improve concentration, calm the mind, and strengthen the eyes. It’s frequently used as a bridge practice between physical kriyas and seated meditation.
Bahiranga Trataka (external gazing) — steady, unblinking gazing at an external object, most commonly a candle flame.
Antaranga Trataka (internal gazing) — after the external phase, closing the eyes and holding the retained image or focal point in the mind’s eye, considered a bridge toward deeper meditative concentration.

Practicing Kriyas at Manjushree Yoga Vidyalaya

At Manjushree Yoga Vidyalaya, these yoga purification practices are taught progressively and always under direct guidance — never rushed and never practiced by a student before they’re ready. We introduce simpler techniques like Neti and Trataka early, building toward more advanced practices like Nauli and Dhauti as a student’s comfort and control develop.

Practice at home: For students continuing their kriya practice outside of class, or those simply wanting to begin, our online shop offers traditional tools including neti pots, copper tongue cleaners, and vastra cloth for Vastra Dhauti — the same tools we use ourselves in daily teaching. Whether you’re new to yoga purification practices or continuing your training, our shop has the traditional tools you need. Visit our shop →

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