eISSN - 2348-0173 Vol-2 / Issue-2 - March-April - 2014

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VOL 2 eISSN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF AYURVEDA & ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE ISSUE 2 (2014) 2348-0173

REVIEW ARTICLE eISSN 2348- 0173

UNDERSTANDING SHATKRIYAS OF THROUGH AYURVEDA

Guruprasad K.*

1. Assistant professor, Department of Swasthavritta, Sri Jayendra saraswathi Ayurveda College & Hospital, Nazarathpet, Chennai – 600123, E- Mail – [email protected]

Article Received on - 18 th February 2014 Article Revised on - 17 th March 2014 Article Accepted on - 9th May 2014

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Guruprasad K. Understanding Shatkriyas of Yoga Through Ayurved, Int. J. Ayu. Alt. Med., 2014; 2(2):1-6

VOL 2 eISSN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF AYURVEDA & ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE ISSUE 2 (2014) 2348-0173

REVIEW ARTICLE eISSN 2348- 0173

UNDERSTANDING SHATKRIYAS OF YOGA THROUGH AYURVEDA

ABSTRACT: Yoga is an ancient scientific method which is recognized globally and is getting much popularity for its non pharmacological methods. On the observation many of practitioners and teachers of yoga were given much importance for , and Dhyana , ignored basic techniques of yoga like , Bhanda , and Shatkriyas . Shatkriyas are a unique therapy explained as a part of , the purpose of Hatha yoga is to establish perfect harmony between two Pranic flows *Corresponding Author those are Ida and Pingala . When they are perfectly balanced, will begins to flow in Sushumna , the most important Nadi in Psychic body, understanding Guruprasad K, this concept is very difficult for beginners so better understanding purpose Assistant professor humble trial has been made to explain by taking help of Ayurveda . Ayurveda is Dept. of Swasthavritta, one of the ancient medical systems, which explains preventive and curative Sri Jayendra saraswathi aspects of diseases, describes Panchakarma (Penta biopurificatory method) for Ayurveda College & purification of body and prevention of diseases which mimics Shatkriyas of Yoga Hospital, Nazarathpet, hence the present study is selected to make easy understanding the techniques of Chennai – 600123 Shatkriyas through concept of Ayurveda. This review article shows that by Mobile – 07200715452, applying concept of Ayurveda one can easily understand practicality of E-Mail – Shatkarma . [email protected] Key Words : Dhouthi, Basthi, Nethi, Trataka, Nouli, Kapala bhathi .

INTRODUCTION collected and compiled also available websites for Ayurveda is one of the oldest scientific medical yoga have been searched for this article and systems in the world, with a long record of clinical compared with Ayurvedic shodhana karma for experiences to validate it. It is not only a system of better understanding of Shatkriyas . medicine in the conventional sense of curing To conclude the study, all available Ayurvedic disease, it is also a way of life that teaches us how literature referred, and a humble attempt has been to maintain and protect health. Yoga is known made to draw conclusion. ancient system which has many principles to protect health and to overcome diseases by CONCEPT OF SHATKRIYAS fallowing non pharmacological measures like Ayurveda and yoga have impact over each other. Asana , Pranayama , and Shatkriyas . The aim of yoga We find lot of similarities between yoga and is to achieve , which is one of the four Ayurveda as follows: Purusharthas as explained in yoga and Ayurveda . • Ayurveda and Yoga are taken origin of Vedic To achieve the Moksha , maintenance of health is sciences. much important, which can only obtained by • Both have accepted the basic principles of following the principles as explained in the Sankhya philosophy. particular health sciences. • Both have accepted the theory of Omni substances, Trigunas , as the primary AIMS AND OBJECTIVES qualities from which the entire universe is Aim of this study is to make easy understanding of created. 2 Shatkarma by collecting all available literature • Both have accepted the theory of regarding six purificatory procedures from Panchamahabhutas (five primordial Page classical texts of yoga and compare with Penta bio elements). purificatory procedures which are explained in • Both have belief in Psycho-somatic-spiritual Ayurvedic classics. health. To analyze whether there would be a significance • Importance of Vayu explained in both the difference in both purificatory procedures in sciences. curing and preventing diseases. • Both have bio purificatory methods (Panchakarma and Shatkriyas ). MATERIALS AND METHODS For both yoga and Ayurveda , the purification at This article is conceptual, all the available different levels is of primary importance. It is references from yoga literature have been

Guruprasad K. Understanding Shatkriyas of Yoga Through Ayurved, Int. J. Ayu. Alt. Med., 2014; 2(2):1-6

VOL 2 eISSN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF AYURVEDA & ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE ISSUE 2 (2014) 2348-0173 purification by which one can get physical and preoperative procedures like oil massage, swedana mental strength. etc., and duration of whole of treatment being 7 The following are the Penta bio purificatory days (varies from person and disease) to complete procedures as explained in Ayurveda : [1], [2]. the Vamana course. 1. Vamana – removes vitiated kapha dosha (Prakrutha kapha – Humor responsible for Vamana Dhouthi cannot produce same results like immune function) present all over the body. Vamana karma , but it will bring out all morbid 2. Virechana – removes vitiated Pitta dosha matter (Toxins) present in the stomach by the (Prakrutha Pitta – Humor responsible for process of voluntary vomiting, initially it seems metabolic activities) present all over the body. unnatural but this practice cleanses both upper 3. Basthi – removes vitiated Vata dosha elementary canal and respiratory systems, it may (Prakrutha Vata – Humor responsible for be observed as both stimulates, Samana Vata , nervous function) present all over the body. Pachaka Pitta and Kledaka kapha of the stomach. 4. Nasya – removes vitiated Kapha dosha present Dhouthi removes impurities that can cause in the head. diseases, and enhances general health by 5. Raktha Mokshana – removes vitiated Pitta permitting best possible assimilation of nutrients. dosha present in the Raktha and other local regions. DANDA DHOUTHI These procedures on careful observation will This is the method of cleansing Esophagus, throat mimic some of the purificatory process as and stomach, in which soft core of banana stem explained in the classical text of yoga . about half inch in diameter and two feet long is धौतबित तथा नोतललक ाटकं तथा। used to insert in to the stomach through mouth. [10] कपालभातचैतान षकमाण समाचरेत।।् It is a unique therapy in Shatkarma which cannot According to and Gheranda be correlated with any of the therapies under Samhitha , there are six cleansing techniques called Panchakarma, but looking to the procedure it may as Shat . [3], [4]. They are Dhouthi , Basthi , increases the secretion of stomach by which Nethi , Trataka , Nouli and Kapala bhathi . ‘ Shat’ corrects indigestion and helps as appetizer as it means six and ‘ ’ means therapy effect on Samana Vata and Pachaka Pitta . (Shodhanam /cleansing), these are yogic Kriyas which removes waste material of our internal VASTRA DHOUTHI organs which are not expelled normally. Therefore In this procedure a specially prepared white cotton the aim of Hatha yoga and of the Shatkriyas are to cloth approximately two inches in wide and twenty cleanse the internal organs and there by create feet length soaked in saline water, is swallowed to harmony between the major Pranic flows, Ida - the stomach and removed carefully with in twenty Pingala and attaining a physical and mental minutes of insertion when small portion of cloth [11] purification. remains outside, . By doing so, the excess Kledaka kapha and Aama (Auto toxins) present in DHOUTHI the stomach due to their pichhila (Sticky) property Dhouthi is cleansing procedure of gastro intestinal will get adherent to cloth and comes out with cloth tract, this is of 3 types. [5]. by this it will alleviate Ama and corrects Kledaka 1. Vamana Dhouthi kapha . 2. Danda Dhouthi 3. Vastra Dhouthi In Ayurveda, seat of Kapha dosha is in the mucus

element of chest and stomach, in this practice the

VAMANA DHOUTHI excess mucus from the chest is removed. It 3 It is the process in which the person drinks saline thoroughly scrubs walls of the stomach and water and induces the vomiting [6] . The same stimulates the peristalsis and digestive juices, it Page procedure is performed in Ayurveda called as brings both Pitta and kapha dosha back to balance, Vamana, but vomiting is induced by using herbal improving all conditions related to upper gastro medicines called as Vamana karma . It is done to intestinal tract. flush out the vitiated Doshas from all the parts of the body. Here the person drinks medicated LAGHU SHANKA PRAKSHALANA : decoction with milk etc and induces vomiting after Laghu shanka prakshalana is also called Varisara giving gap of few minutes. [7][8][9] The action of Dhouthi , the word Shanka means conch and Vamana may not be same as Vamana Dhouthi but prakshalana means wash completely. The procedure is same. Before the commencement of technique washes the conch shaped intestine and Vamana the patient will be undergoing some of the entire alimentary canal from mouth to the anus hence is rightly called Shankha prakshalana .

Guruprasad K. Understanding Shatkriyas of Yoga Through Ayurved, Int. J. Ayu. Alt. Med., 2014; 2(2):1-6

VOL 2 eISSN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF AYURVEDA & ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE ISSUE 2 (2014) 2348-0173

In this procedure person is advised to drink saline the systemic disorders like Asthma, Bronchitis, water stomach full when sitting in Veerasana and Allergies, Epilepsy, Migraine, Anxiety, Depression, then advised to perform particular indicated Eye diseases and Ear Nose Throat Disorders, it is , after that he will get urge of passing stools, also effective in sinusitis and inflammation of same procedure on and off repeated until water is Adenoids. At more subtle level, the Nethi practices free of stool. [12]. engage the other and stimulates the Ajna It is beneficial for constipation, Irritavel Bowel , the mid brain psychic center, which has a Syndrome, Diabetes, and all Gastro Intestinal Tract great influence of psycho- spiritual health. disorders, Relieves Flatulence, constipation. It It is very much difficult to understand its action counteracts the bowel malfunctioning that cause a through contemporary sciences, but if principals of decrease in the natural cleansing of the intestine Ayurveda are applied then one may find it easier to due to low grade food, a sedentary life style, and follow. gradual organic brake down. [17]. Ayurveda explains that नासा ह शरसो वारम ् I.e. If this is grossly observed it mimics Virechana nose is the gate way for brain. This principle is karma , in this the medicated drugs will be given in adopted in one of the Panchakarma called Nasya , the early morning, after which person passes loose in which the vitiated dosha (especially the kapha ) stools for few times. [13] This is better treatment for will be removed from head region. vitiated Pitta and Vata dosha hence by performing Laghu shanka prakshalana will get control over The administration of substances is through nose Vata and Pitta . only, in Ayurveda medicated ghee , oil, decoctions, powders are used but in yoga substances like BASTHI: water, thread (catheter), milk, and ghee are used, It is a procedure in which will stand in flowing principles behind is being the same. water up to the level of novel region, by bending forward expanding sphincter muscles and TRATAKA: simultaneously perform Uddiyana and Word Trataka means -to look or to gaze, this Nouli such that water will be drawn inside the technique can be defined as fixed gazing at one intestine through anal region. point, It is described as the Kriya for eyes in which the person is made to visualize the flame After storing the water for some time and (Jyothisthrataka ), Trataka can also be practiced on performing Nouli it will be passed out, by doing so, a small dot, the full moon, a shadow, a crystal ball, the toxins present in the lower gastro intestinal at the tip of nose, Omkara etc before to which one tract will get flushed out. [14]. Practically it is has to perform eye exercises, by doing so, one can difficult now a day’s, are using rubber get concentration, increases the lacrimal secretion catheter to perform Basthi . It will generate energy, by which cleans the eyes. [18]. removes heat from the systems, and develops the strength, control abdominal muscles, massages Physically Trataka cleanse the eyes, corrects and tones organs and nerves. weakness and certain defects of eyes, mentally it increases nervous stability, removes insomnia and This procedure will mimics Basthi karma of relaxes even most troubled mind. Trataka calms, Ayurveda in which either decoction (in Niruha stills and focuses the mind by this it will develops Basthi ) or oils (in Anuvasana Basthi ) will be concentration and will power it is one of the most [15]. administered through anal route , by this one powerful methods of controlling mind and its can get rid of the diseases in which Vata is thought waves. 4 predominant. Same way, Basthi karma may

controls the Vata . Ayurveda says eyes are the main site of Alochaka Page Pitta [19] as well total head, which not only NETHI: stimulates eyes but also brain, by applying this Nethi is a procedure in which substances like concept we can easily understand Trataka will not water ( Jala Nethi ), thread ( Sutra Nethi ), milk only works on eyes and also brain. (Dugdha Nethi ) are used. In this, substances will be inserted in one nostril and removed through NOULI: another nostril, so as to purify upper respiratory It is an abdominal procedure in which isolated tract including sinuses. [16]. contraction and rolling manipulation of the anterior abdominal, rectal muscles are The benefits of Nethi is not only restricted to upper accomplished. [20]. respiratory tract, effects are also seen in some of

Guruprasad K. Understanding Shatkriyas of Yoga Through Ayurved, Int. J. Ayu. Alt. Med., 2014; 2(2):1-6

VOL 2 eISSN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF AYURVEDA & ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE ISSUE 2 (2014) 2348-0173

The rolling, rotation and agitation of the entire a teacher who will explain from the books but abdomen gives deep massage and profound toning difficult to find Yogi. to the abdominal muscles, benefit of this procedure is that it will improves blood circulation DISCUSSION to whole trunk and internal organs, cures A number of experiments conducted on Shatkarma Constipation, Indigestion and controls Diabetes. will reveal that either diseases can be cured or the This part of abdomen is the main site of Vata as patient’s condition vastly improved by regular explained in Ayurvedic classics, If it is corrected practice. many of the physiological functions of the body will be in equilibrium [21]. , because Vata carries Dr Bhole MD of Lonavala institute, who has other biological entities to their destination. investigated the influence of yogic techniques in Regular practice of Nouli will control the Vata and normal and Asthmatic individuals, has reported balance other physiological functions. the following findings. Nethi and Kapalabhathi directly influence the respiratory centers of the KAPALA BHATHI : brain, by this powerful method voluntary influence One of the Kapala bhathi is Vata karma Kapala on the brain activity, the patient gain the higher bhathi , in which one should perform the flopping level of control over the movements of respiratory of the abdomen by active exhalation and passive muscles, and the patterns of thought, feeling and inhalation, the benefits are [22]. general behavior. This is the fundamental in • It provides nice massage to abdominal management and cure of Asthma in Yoga . Nethi organs Kriya cleanses nasal passages, releasing • Corrects the digession constructed upper airways and increasing the flow • Cleans the whole respiratory tract of breath, it should be routinely performed in the • Brain gets stimulated cases of Asthma. (Especially of allergic origin) [26]. By looking towards its benefits, it can be assumed that, this Kriya acts on Agni and Vata , this Agni is of The study conducted by Dr Kamathya kumar, three types: [23]. Effect of Shatkarma practices on serum glucose • Jataragni – present in stomach, and serum cholesterol level of the human subjects , responsible for digestion an observation, the impact of the practice of • Bhutagni – present in liver, responsible for Shatkarma showed a significance reduction on metabolic activities their serum glucose and serum cholesterol level. [27]. • Dhatvagni – present in their specific dhatus (Bodily tissues) As this Kriya acts on Vata , this will stimulates After referring all yogic literature, it shows that regular practice of Shatkarma makes purification Vatavaha Nadis there by curing mental disorders. [24]. of the body (षकमाणां शोधनं च ) RESULTS The Shatkarmas are yogic cleansing techniques According to the ancient text Gheranda Samhitha which cleanse the subtle channels as well as there are seven steps which every spiritual remove the impurities and restore the proper aspirant must qualify for attainment of self functioning of physiology of the body. These are realization ( Moksha ) in that first step is the preparatory procedures in the most part which Shodhanam i. e purification of body through prepare the body for the process of next level. Shatkriyas . Using the knowledge given in Ayurveda these procedures can more deeply understood as when Ayurveda also opines shodhana is important for 5 and how to balance the body and mind. maintaining Swasthya . In a context of Yoga , Acharyas explained person having excess sleshma Page There are two classes of students in Yoga one who and medas should practice Shatkarma otherwise it study theoretically and others who combine theory is not necessary when Doshas are in equilibrium and practical, Shatkriyas are very little use if [25]. studied theoretically, practical approach is also required to understand these purificatory After referring all available classical texts and procedures. The literatures of Yoga will give studies conducted in the field of yoga it can stated instruction and as far as possible express the that the regular practice of Shatkarmas will help to methods in words but for beginners it is very purify the body, and maintain perfect health. difficult to fallow practically, such persons require teacher who is versed in practical, it is easy to find

Guruprasad K. Understanding Shatkriyas of Yoga Through Ayurved, Int. J. Ayu. Alt. Med., 2014; 2(2):1-6

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CONCLUSION 12. Swamy Satyananda Saraswaty, Asana Pranayama Mudra • The word Kriya and Karma are synonymous Bandha , , Munger, Bihar, India, seventh edition, 1989, p. 374 which shows the impact of one over the other. 13. Cheriya Narayana Nambudari, Ashtanga Hridaya • The effect of Kriyas and karmas are different Samhitha, Choukamba Krishnadas Academy, Varanasi but the idea behind them is same. 2007, p. 106-107 • 14. Swamy Satyananda Saraswaty, Asana Pranayama Mudra It may be considered, that these Kriyas are Bandha , Bihar school of Yoga, Munger, Bihar, India, short cut of Panchakarma or Panchakarma seventh edition, 1989, p. 386 may be the modified form of Shatkriya . 15. Cheriya Narayana Nambudari, Ashtanga Hridaya • Further studies are required to understand Samhitha , 21/1, Choukamba Krishnadas Academy, Varanasi 2007, p. 1109 Shat Kriyas through Ayurvedic perspective. 16. Swamy Satyananda Saraswaty, Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha , Bihar school of Yoga, Munger, Bihar, India, REFERENCE seventh edition, 1989, p. 370 1. Dr Himasagara Chandra murthy, Sharangadhara Samhitha , 17. Dr Ravidatta Tripathy, Ashtanga Sangraha , 29/3, Choukamba Sanskrith Siries, 2010, Uttarakhanda 8/ 63, p. Choukamba sanskrith prathishtana, Varanasi, 1996, p. 528 361 18. Swamy Satyananda Saraswaty, Asana Pranayama Mudra 2. Cheriya Narayana Nambudari, Ashtanga Hridaya Bandha , Bihar school of Yoga, Munger, Bihar, India, Samhitha , Choukamba Krishnadas Academy, Varanasi seventh edition, 1989, p. 388 2007, p. 88 19. Cheriya Narayana Nambudari, Ashtanga Hridaya 3. Pancham Sinh, The Hatha Yoga Pradipika , Translated to Samhitha, 12/13, Choukamba Krishnadas Academy, English, 2nd Chapter, 4th edition, Munshiram manoharlal Varanasi 2007, p. 75 publishers PVT. LTD, New Delhi. 1992, p. 16 20. Pancham Sinh, The Hatha Yoga Pradipika , Translated to 4. Goswami Prahlad Giri, Gheranda Samhitha , Krishnadas English, 2nd Chapter, 4th edition, Munshiram manoharlal Acadamy, Varanasi, 2001, 1/ 12, p. 4 publishers PVT. LTD, New Delhi. 1992, p. 18 5. Dr. Ravi R Javalgekar, Yoga Science, - for everyone, 21. Vaidya Yadavji Trikamji Acharya, Charaka Samhitha , Choukamba Samskritha Samsthana, Varanasi, 1990, p. 88 Choukamba Prakashana, Varanasi, 2007, p. 105 6. Mrs.Sweta Bhat, edited by Goswamy prahlad giri, 22. Pancham Sinh, The Hatha Yoga Pradipika , Translated to Gheranda Samhitha , Krishnadas Acodomy, Varanasi, First English, 2nd Chapter, 4th edition, Munshiram manoharlal edition, 2001, p. 12 publishers PVT. LTD, New Delhi. 1992, p. 18 7. Cheriya Narayana Nambudari, Ashtanga Hridaya 23. Vaidya Yadavji Trikamji Acharya , Charaka Samhitha , Samhitha , Choukamba Krishnadas Academy, Varanasi Choukamba Prakashana, Varanasi, 2007, p. 512 - 513 2007, p. 104 24. Mrs.Sweta Bhat, edited by Goswamy prahlad giri, 8. Vaidya Yadavji Trikamji Acharya, Charaka Samhitha , Gheranda Samhitha , Krishnadas Academy, Varanasi, First Choukamba Prakashana, Varanasi, 2007, p. 654 edition, 2001, p. 4 9. Dr Ravidatta Tripathy, Ashtanga Sangraha , Choukamba 25. Pancham Sinh, The Hatha Yoga Pradipika , Translated to sanskrith prathishtana, Varanasi, 1996, p. 486 English, 2 Chapter, 4th edition, Munshiram manoharlal 10. Dr. Ravi R Javalgekar, Yoga Science - for everyone, publishers PVT. LTD, New Delhi. 1992, p. 16 Choukamba Samskritha Samsthana, Varanasi, 1990, p. 89 26. M V Bhole and M L Gharote, Yoga Mimamsa, “Effect of 11. Dr. Ravi R Javalgekar, Yoga Science - for everyone, yogic treatment on breath holding time in Asthamatics”, , Choukamba Samskritha Samsthana, Varanasi, 1990, p. 88 - April-1977; (1): 19 89 27. Dr Kamathya kumar, International journal of yoga and allied science, 2278- 5159 06/ 2013, p. 11- 15

CITE THIS ARTICLE AS – Guruprasad K. Understanding Shatkriyas of Yoga Through Ayurved , Int. J. Ayu. Alt. Med., 2014; 2(2): 1-6 Source of Support – Nil Conflict of Interest – None Declared

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Guruprasad K. Understanding Shatkriyas of Yoga Through Ayurved, Int. J. Ayu. Alt. Med., 2014; 2(2):1-6

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