In Hatha Yoga and Ayurveda, Shatkarma are six internal cleansing methods that remove excess Kapha, Pitta, and toxins (Ama) and balance doshas. Ṣaṭkarma -six cleansing actions-technically come from Hatha Yoga, not classical Ayurveda texts. Ayurveda’s main detox system is Panchakarma -five therapies.

 

But in practice today, the two traditions overlap a lot:

 

• Shatkarma:daily/self yogic cleansing
• Panchakarma: deeper clinical Ayurvedic detox

 

So, you can think of Shatkarma as “light, preventive cleansing,” and Panchakarma as “therapeutic, medical cleansing.”

Benefits of Shatkarma – six-cleansing process include:

• Improve digestion
• Detox organs
• Clear respiratory tract
• Regulate bowels
• Boost immunity
• Increase energy
• Reduce brain fog
• Improve focus
• Calm anxiety
• Better sleep
• Emotional stability

Their purpose is to remove Ama (toxins), excess Kapha mucus, stagnant Vata, and metabolic waste so that:

• Digestion or Agni  improves
• Prana flows freely
• Mind becomes clearer

 

In yoga philosophy, they prepare the body for pranayama and meditation.

 

 

Featured Image credit: All images are  created with Microsoft Copilot, February 10, 2026

 

 

Kapalabhati Skull-shining breath – Click here to read more

 

 

 

 

Neti Karma Nasal Cleansing – Click here to read more

 

 

 

 

Dhauti Digestive Tract Cleansing – Click here to read more

 

 

 

 

Nauli Abdominal Churning – Click here to read more

 

 

 

 

Basti Yogic Colon Cleansing – Click here to read more

 

 

 

 

Trataka Is Gazing Meditation For Eyes – Click here to read more

 

 

 

 

Differences Between Shatkarma And Panchakarma – Click here to read more