The ancient Yogis developed a wide range of methods for body and mind cleansing. In performing such things, it was only ever their aim to purify and balance the elements of human structure to the highest level for the highest purposes. These amazing ways of external and internal cleansing were not just for health, but in preparation for the higher states of meditation so as to be able to attain enlightenment. self transcendence, Immortality. 

     These days, with our unhealthy environment, impure food stuffs, ailing bodies and disturbed minds, these same techniques can be used just as effectively to improve the quality of our own, somewhat less than enlightened, lives. At first reading, some of the following techniques may seem rather gross or disgusting to Westerners, but after some explanation and practise. the simplicity and efficacy of them becomes evident, and their adaptation into everyday life can become effortless and highly beneficial.


Neti - Dhauti - Nauli - Basti - Kapalbhati - Trataka.

Neti - Nasal cleansing

    Jala Neti Stages 1, 2, 3 (using water)
    Dugdha Neti (using milk)
    Ghrita Neti (using ghee)
    Swamootra Neti (using one's own urine)
    Sutra Neti (using a cord or catheter)

Dhauti - Cleansing of the alimentary canal & sense organs of the head

    Danta Moola Dhauti (teeth and gums cleansing)
    Chaksua Dhauti (eye cleansing)
    Kama Dhauti (ear cleansing)
    Jihwa Dhauti (tongue cleansing)
    Kapal Randhra Dhauti (scalp cleansing)
    Danda Dhauti (cleaning the oesophagus)
    Vyaghra Dhauti or Kriya (emptying the stomach of food)
    Vaman Dhauti or kunjal Kriya (stomach cleansing with water)
    Vastra Dhauti (stomach cleansing with cloth)
    Vahnisar Dhauti or Agnisar Kriya (stomach cleansing by panting air)
    Vatsara Dhauti or Bhujangi Mudra (stomach cleansing by burping air)
    Moola Danti or Mool Shodhan (anus cleansing with tumeric root)
    Varisara or Shankaprakshalana (flushing the whole GIT)

Nauli - Abdominal purification through self massage and churning

    Madhyama Nauli (isolation of the central abdominal muscles)
    Vama Nauli (isolation of the left abdominal muscles)
    Dakshina Nauli (isolation of the right abdominal muscles)
    Rotational Nauli (rotation of left & right abdominal muscles)

Basti - Colon cleansing

    Sthal Basti (using air)
    Jala Basti (using water)

Kapalbhati - Frontal brain purification

    Vatkrama Kapalbhati (using air, same as Kapalbhati Pranayama)
    Vyutkrama Kapalbhati (using water, same as Jala Neti stage 2)
    Sheetkrama Kapalbhati (using water, same as Jala Neti stage 3)

Trataka - Concentrated gazing to purify the optic and psychic faculties

This is done as a meditation practice upon a Yantra or Mandala such as a candle flame, star, photo, statue, gemstone or any other symbol or object.