Purify the physical body to prepare for advanced pranayama and deeper meditation.
In the yogic tradition, particularly in Hatha Yoga, purification of the body is essential before embarking on the subtle practices of breath work and meditation. These physical purification techniques are called "Shatkarmas" (the six actions).
They are designed to balance the three doshas (humors) in the body, remove energy blockages, and create harmony between the two major pranic flows—Ida and Pingala. The primary Shatkarmas include Neti (nasal cleansing), Dhauti (digestive tract cleansing), Nauli (abdominal massage), Basti (colon cleansing), Kapalabhati (lung and brain cleansing), and Trataka (gazing).
