Health and therapeutic benefits of Shatkarma: A narrative review of scientific studies

Abstract

Shatkarma , also known as Shatkriya are a set of six yogic cleansing techniques described in the Hatha Yoga texts. Several health benefits of these procedures are indicated in the traditional texts of Yoga . However, there is no comprehensive literature about the scientific evidence on Shatkriya . Hence, we searched in PubMed, PubMed Central and Google Scholar databases to review relevant articles in English. The search yielded a total 723 references, published from 1976 to April 2020. Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 37 articles were included in this review. We found scientific studies on four out of six cleansing techniques. The limited evidence on Shatkriya suggests positive effects on various physiological and clinical domains. The practice of dhauti was found to enhance respiratory functions and was useful in digestive disorders. Nasal cleansing, neti was particularly found beneficial in managing the rhinosinusitis in age groups ranging from children to adults. Although trataka practice was found to enhance cognition and bring a state of relaxation, but there was no evidence supporting its role in eye disorders. Kapalabhati practice appears to have a beneficial role in the activation of sympathetic nervous system, enhance cognition, and improve overall metabolism. Further large-scale clinical trials with robust designs are warranted to evaluate the effects of Shatkriya in health and disease.

Jalaneti as primary intervention in suspected rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis helps improving the recovery: A case report

“…Jala neti is a simple nasal lavage technique using lukewarm isotonic saline water to clean the nasal passage. Originating from the texts of Yoga and having a reference to shatkarma (six procedures), neti is one among 6 cleaning procedures recommended to prepare the body and mind for higher stages of Yoga [ 10 ]. In recent years, j alaneti has received sufficient attention of physicians, ENT specialists, and veterinarians for its beneficial effects in cases of acute and chronic sinusitis, nasal polyp, upper respiratory tract infections and sino-nasal aspergillosis [ [11] , [12] , [13] , [14] , [15] , [16] , [17] ].…”

Effect of Trataka (Yogic Visual Concentration) on the Performance in the Corsi-Block Tapping Task: A Repeated Measures Study

“…Trataka practice is indicated to positively influence cognition from both classical texts of yoga (Muktibodhananda, 1999) and empirical studies (Swathi et al, 2020). Although classified as a cleansing procedure, the practice of Trataka is similar to focused meditation techniques.…”

“…The classical texts of Hathayoga described the profound impact of the six cleansing techniques on various aspects of one's personality, which are also validated through empirical studies (Muktibodhananda, 1999;Swathi et al, 2020). Trataka (Yogic Visual concentration) is one of the cleansing techniques considered to enhance vision and positively influence cognitive processes.…”

Effect of Yoga-based breathing practices on depression, anxiety, stress, and fear of COVID-19 positive hospitalized patients: A randomized controlled trial

“…Yoga, a mind-body technique, has been used extensively for its health benefits and therapeutic applications in recent times [ 16 , 17 ]. Yoga is proposed to be beneficial for COVID-19 patients [ 18 ].…”