There are six purification techniques which are called Shat kriyas /Shatkarmas e.g. – Dhauti (cleansing of the digestive tract), Basti (colon cleansing), Neti (nasal cleansing), Trataka (blink less gazing), Nauli (abdominal massage), and Kapalabhati (purification and vitalization of the frontal lobes).

The kriyas detox, affect and activate almost all of the vital systems in the body, allowing energy to flow freely throughout the body. These purificatory processes are both preventive and curative from the point of view of physical and mental health. There are three doshas (humours) in the body: kapha (mucus), pita (bile), and vata (wind). If any of these are in excess, an imbalance is created, resulting in illnesses & diseases. Shatkarmas remove toxins, bring the doshas (humours) into balance and restore and maintain good health. These cleansing processes are useful before commencing Pranayama and other higher Yogic practices to avoid any discomfort, fatigue or interruption.