The Hatha Yoga Pradipika lays out six core cleansing practices—shatkarmas—that act like a spring cleaning for body and mind:

1. Neti (nasal cleansing)
   • Jala Neti: A gentle rinse with lukewarm saline water, flushing out allergens and seasonal sniffles.
   • Sutra Neti: Guiding a soft thread or rubber catheter through the nostril to clear stubborn blockages—definitely not for the faint-hearted, but remarkably effective.

2. Dhauti (digestive tract purification)
   • Danta Dhauti: Brushing and scraping the tongue, teeth, gums and throat to sweep away toxins accumulating overnight—think of it as your personal detox squad.
   • Vamana Dhauti: Swallowing and regurgitating water to cleanse the stomach lining, reminiscent of a mild “colon cleanse” craze, yet rooted in centuries-old wisdom.
   • Vastra and Shankha Dhauti: Using a cloth or conch shell to ‘scrub’ the inner walls of the digestive tract, a deep-clean that might make modern colonic irrigation seem like child’s play.

3. Nauli (abdominal churning)
   Rotating the abdominal muscles in a rhythmic massage, stimulating digestion and wringing out stagnant energy. It’s like doing internal Pilates—core strength meets detox.

4. Basti (colon cleansing)
   • Jala Basti: Drawing water into the colon via a tube, then releasing it, to purify the lower digestive passage.
   • Sthala Basti: Using muscle control alone—no water—to tone the colon, something of a lost art until recent gut-health trends revived interest in microflora balance.

5. Kapalabhati (skull-shining breath)
   Forceful exhalations followed by passive inhalations, clearing mucus, sharpening focus, and serving up a literal “breath of fresh air” in busy lives dominated by screen time.

6. Trataka (steady gazing)
   Fixing the eyes on a candle flame or point, strengthening concentration and soothing overstimulated minds—perfect for anyone craving a calm oasis in today’s digital whirlwind.

By weaving these ancient rituals into modern routines, a profound balance unfolds: mind becomes as clear as a mountain stream, energy flows freely, and the body feels truly at home in its own skin.