Yoga In Kathmandu
Yoga In Kathmandu 
Shatkarma bridges spiritual practice and scientific wellness, gaining global relevance. Yoga centers worldwide, including Yoga in Kathmandu, now integrate these ancient cleansing techniques into teacher trainings and detox programs, combining tradition with modern pedagogy to make the practices accessible, safe, and effective for contemporary health and self-development needs.
Also known as Shatkriya is a foundational system of internal purification in the yogic tradition, particularly within Hatha Yoga. These techniques were traditionally prescribed to prepare the body and mind for the deeper, subtler practices of pranayama (breath control), dharana (concentration), and samadhi (absorption).
Derived from the Sanskrit roots ‘shat’ (six) and ‘karma’ (action or process), Shatkarma refers to a set of six cleansing techniques
Using saline water to cleanse the nasal passages, is now widely recommended by ENT specialists for sinus relief and allergy management. It promotes better breathing, reduces inflammation, and enhances oxygen intake. Techniques also involve using Sutra (Cotton threads), Rubber cathedar, Ghee and Milk.
Includes practices like Vamana Dhauti (induced vomiting), Vastra and Danda Dhauti (swallowing and withdrawing a cloth/ cathedar), Danta Dhauti (oral hygiene) and Moolasodhana (Rectal Cleansing with Turmeric and water).
Nauli, though more complex, stimulates the digestive organs and improves peristalsis. When practiced regularly, it can regulate bowel movements and enhance gut health, an area of increasing importance in modern medicine.
Basti is the traditional practice of cleansing the colon by drawing water into the large intestine through the anal canal either via abdominal suction or with the aid of a tube. Technique also involves dry suction of air without water.
Kapalabhati, a vigorous breathing practice, is found to improve pulmonary function, stimulate the brain, and detoxify the respiratory system. It’s even cited in scientific literature as supportive in managing anxiety and metabolic disorders.
Trataka involves fixed, unblinking gazing at a single small/subtle point until tears form, followed by visualization and internal concentration. Techniques also involve gazing on the candle light.This practice has shown to activate the retino-thalamo-cortical pathway, enhancing visual attention and neuroplasticity in the prefrontal cortex.
These practices were first systematized in seminal texts like the Hatha Yoga Pradipika and Gheranda Samhita, where they were considered essential for serious yogic aspirants.
In the modern era, Shatkarma is being revisited not only as a spiritual discipline but also as a powerful tool for holistic health, preventive medicine, and mental clarity.
As interest grows in detoxification, gut health, respiratory care, and stress management, these ancient techniques are proving to be more relevant than ever, offering a bridge between yogic wisdom and modern wellness.
Ancient yogis led extremely disciplined lives waking before sunrise, eating pure and minimal food, maintaining brahmacharya (celibacy), and living in clean natural environments.Modern humans live sedentary, fast-paced, stress-filled lives, often with toxic diets, late-night routines, and chronic health issues. The intensity and depth of traditional Shatkarma practices can overwhelm today’s bodies.
Shatkarma was practiced by renunciates with the aim of awakening Kundalini, preparing for Samadhi, and cleansing the subtle body (nadis, chakras). Most people today practice yoga for health, stress relief, detoxification, or therapeutic benefit. Techniques are adapted for safe, accessible, and therapeutic outcomes, not necessarily for spiritual breakthroughs.
Ancient texts often prescribe intense practices like swallowing and removing a long cotton cloth inducing vomiting drawing water into the colon without tools. These can be risky without expert guidance. Many yoga schools simplify or omit high-risk kriyas. Modern substitutes are used (e.g., enema kits for Basti, saline water instead of river water for Neti). Techniques are practiced under medical supervision or trained yoga therapists.
Other reasons to ponder on includes improving scientific understanding and evidence based modifications, time pace relating ancient ways and modern compatibility, lack of qualified teachers in Classical tradition, cultural sensitivity and Globalization. These and many other factors are responsible for the evolution of Shtakarma as it is common today.
As long as the intention is pure, the teacher is skilled, and the practice is mindful, modern adaptations of Shatkarma can still offer profound physical, mental, and spiritual benefits, safely and effectively.
Though rooted in different traditions, Shatkarma and Panchakarma share a profound underlying goal: the purification of the human system. Shatkarma, from the yogic tradition, consists of six cleansing techniques. Panchakarma, drawn from Ayurveda, employs five detoxification procedures to eliminate doshic imbalances.
Shatkarma originates from the yogic tradition, specifically Hatha Yoga; Panchakarma comes from Ayurveda, the ancient Indian medical system.
Shatkarma purifies the body to prepare for higher yogic practices; Panchakarma detoxifies the body to restore doshic balance and overall health.
Shatkarma uses breath, water, and body control (e.g., Neti, Nauli); Panchakarma uses herbal oils, ghee, purgatives, enemas, and massages.
Shatkarma requires minimal tools—saline water, cotton cloth, breath control; Panchakarma needs medicated oils, herbal preparations, and specialized equipment.
Shatkarma can often be self-practiced with guidance; Panchakarma requires clinical setup and trained Ayurvedic therapists.
Shatkarma can be done in daily short sessions; Panchakarma involves days or weeks of intense, structured therapy.
Shatkarma supports pranic purification and prepares for meditation; Panchakarma is more focused on physical detox and disease management.
Shatkarma is low-cost and self-directed; Panchakarma can be expensive and time-consuming due to specialized treatments.
Shatkarma is growing in yoga schools and wellness programs; Panchakarma is popular in Ayurvedic retreats and spas.
Shatkarma is more adaptable to daily life and urban routines; Panchakarma is best suited for retreat settings under supervision.
From Himalayan solitude to city studio, Shatkarma has evolved, but its essence remains unchanged. As modern life clutters our bodies with toxins and our minds with noise, Shatkarma in Yoga In Kathmandu offer an ancient, accessible, and scientifically respected path back to balance.
To explore authentic Shatkarma training that balances tradition with safety, Yoga in Kathmandu offers guided sessions rooted in classical teachings and adapted for modern wellness. Visit us
