Introduction
Dhauti (धौती) is one of the six classical cleansing techniques (Ṣaṭkarma) described in Haṭha Yoga. The term literally means “washing” or “purification.” It involves various internal and external cleansing methods to remove impurities from the body, particularly from the digestive, respiratory, and sensory systems.
The main purpose of Dhauti is to purify the internal pathways — from the mouth to the stomach and rectum — and to prepare the body for Prāṇāyāma and Dhyāna (meditation) by ensuring unobstructed prāṇic flow. Traditionally, it is regarded as an essential preparatory practice before higher yogic disciplines.
Etymological Meaning
- Dhauti (धौती): Derived from the Sanskrit root dhāv (to wash, cleanse, purify).
- Literal Meaning: “That which cleanses.”
- Philosophical Meaning: The practice of internal purification — physical, mental, and energetic — to attain clarity and readiness for higher yogic practices.
Classical Source & Reference
The concept and practice of Dhauti are deeply rooted in classical Haṭha Yoga texts, where it is mentioned as one of the Ṣaṭkarmas (six purificatory techniques).
Hatha Yoga Pradipika
“Dhautirvamanadandādyaḥ… ṣaṭkarmāṇi pracakṣate”
– Hatha Yoga Pradipika (2.22)
Translation: “The six cleansing actions are Dhauti, Basti, Neti, Trataka, Nauli, and Kapalabhati.”
The Hatha Yoga Pradipika presents Dhauti as a preliminary purification necessary before mastering Pranayama.
Gheranda Samhita
This text elaborates on four major divisions of Dhauti:
- Antar Dhauti (Internal Cleansing)
- Danta Dhauti (Oral and Sense Cleansing)
- Hrid Dhauti (Chest and Esophageal Cleansing)
- Mula Shodhana (Rectal Cleansing)
Historical Background
Historically, Dhauti has its roots in early yogic purification rituals, mentioned even in pre-Hatha yogic traditions where internal purity (antar-śuddhi) was equated with spiritual progress.
By the medieval period, Dhauti became systematized in Hatha Yoga as part of the six purificatory practices, marking the shift from ritual purification to physiological and energetic cleansing.
The techniques were refined and codified by yogis of the Nath and Siddha traditions, who viewed the physical body as a vessel of prāṇa — requiring purification to achieve higher states like Samādhi.
Classification of Dhauti
Antar Dhauti (Internal Cleansing)
- Vatasāra Dhauti – Cleansing by swallowing air.
- Varisāra Dhauti (Shankha Prakshalana) – Cleansing the intestinal tract with saline water.
- Agnisāra Dhauti – Stimulating digestive fire by rapid abdominal movements.
- Bahiskrita Dhauti – Cleansing the lower intestines through special muscular control (advanced).
Danta Dhauti (Oral Cleansing)
- Danta Mula Dhauti – Cleaning teeth and gums.
- Jihva Mula Dhauti – Scraping and cleaning the tongue.
- Karna Dhauti – Cleaning the ears.
- Nayana Dhauti – Cleaning the eyes.
Hrid Dhauti (Thoracic Cleansing)
- Danda Dhauti – Cleansing the food canal using a soft stick or plantain stem.
- Vastra Dhauti – Swallowing and withdrawing a long, soft cloth.
- Vamana Dhauti (Kunjal Kriya) – Cleansing the stomach by induced vomiting with saline water.
Mula Shodhana (Rectal Cleansing)
- Cleansing the anal region with a turmeric stick or finger to purify the root area (mūlādhāra).
Getting into position
Dhauti techniques are practiced in a sitting or standing posture depending on the type:
- For Agnisāra – Vajrasana or Standing
- For Vamana Dhauti – Standing posture, leaning forward
- For Varisāra Dhauti – Tadasana and related movement sequence
- For Vastra / Danda Dhauti – Kneeling or Vajrasana with an erect spine
Step-by-Step Method
Step 1: Early morning, on an empty stomach, prepare lukewarm saline water (1 teaspoon salt per liter).
Step 2: Stand comfortably, feet apart. Slowly drink 5–6 glasses of saline water until you feel full.
Step 3: Bend slightly forward; keep your mouth open. Insert two fingers gently into the throat and stimulate the gag reflex to induce vomiting.
Step 4: Allow the water to flow out completely, clearing the stomach of undigested food, mucus, and acidity.
Step 5: After completion, rest quietly for 10–15 minutes. Avoid eating or drinking for at least 30 minutes.
Tips
- Always practice under expert supervision, especially the internal and esophageal methods.
- Begin with simpler forms like Agnisāra and Danta Dhauti.
- Use clean, boiled and cooled water with the right saline proportion.
- Do not practice after meals or when tired, ill, or emotionally disturbed.
- Always follow Dhauti with relaxation or mild breathing practices (like Nadi Shodhana).
- Maintain hygiene of all materials used (cloth, stick, etc.).
Practice Levels
Basic:
- Agnisāra Dhauti (abdominal churning): Sitting or standing, exhale completely and move the abdomen in and out rhythmically for 20–30 rounds.
Intermediate:
- Vamana Dhauti (water vomiting): Drink saline water and expel gently to cleanse stomach.
Advanced:
- Vastra Dhauti (cloth swallowing) or Danda Dhauti (stick cleansing): Only with expert guidance after mastery of intermediate levels.
Preparatory Practices
Before performing Dhauti, practitioners are advised to prepare the body with:
- Jala Neti – Nasal cleansing.
- Kapalabhati – Lungs and sinus cleansing.
- Agnisara Kriya – Strengthens abdominal muscles and stimulates digestion.
- Asanas – Especially forward bends and twists for abdominal mobility.
Precautions & Benefits
Benefits of Dhauti
Physical Benefits
- Cleanses the entire digestive tract and removes mucus, bile, and toxins.
- Enhances digestive fire (Agni) and appetite.
- Removes gastric problems, acidity, and constipation.
- Improves respiratory function by clearing phlegm from the chest.
- Boosts immunity and vitality by improving absorption and metabolism.
Physiological Benefits
- Strengthens the abdominal and respiratory muscles.
- Stimulates parasympathetic nervous system, inducing calmness.
- Enhances gut–brain communication, promoting emotional balance.
- Increases circulation and pranic flow to internal organs.
Psychological & Spiritual Benefits
- Promotes mental clarity by removing heaviness and lethargy.
- Prepares the mind for meditation and pranayama.
- Balances pranic energy (Ida–Pingala) by removing internal stagnation.
- Encourages a sense of
Precautions of Dhauti
- Supervision Required: Do not attempt Vastra, Danda, or Varisara Dhauti without expert guidance.
- Medical Conditions: Avoid during pregnancy, ulcers, heart or lung disease, hernia, or post-surgery.
- Avoid Overpractice: Excessive repetition may irritate the mucous membranes.
- Timing: Practice early morning, on an empty stomach.
- Aftercare: Rest and avoid cold food/drink immediately after practice.
- Contraindications: Do not perform when sick, fatigued, or emotionally distressed.
Postural Effects on the Body Systems
Digestive System
- Cleanses stomach and intestines; enhances enzyme secretion and gut motility.
- Strengthens abdominal walls and diaphragm.
- Balances appetite and relieves indigestion, acidity, and bloating.
Respiratory System
- Removes phlegm from throat and chest.
- Improves breathing capacity and clears airways.
Cardiovascular System
- Enhances blood purification and circulation.
- Indirectly stabilizes blood pressure by reducing toxins and stress.
Nervous System
- Stimulates vagus nerve, inducing parasympathetic dominance and calmness.
- Improves neural tone, focus, and concentration.
Endocrine System
- Balances digestive and adrenal hormones.
- Regulates metabolism through improved pranic flow in the abdominal region.
Energy System (Prāṇamaya Kośa)
- Purifies energy channels (nāḍīs), especially the suṣumnā, through removal of blockages.
- Promotes energetic balance and readiness for higher sādhanā.
Objectives of This Practice
- Always practice under expert supervision, especially the internal and esophageal methods.
- Begin with simpler forms like Agnisāra and Danta Dhauti.
- Use clean, boiled and cooled water with the right saline proportion.
- Do not practice after meals or when tired, ill, or emotionally disturbed.
- Always follow Dhauti with relaxation or mild breathing practices (like Nadi Shodhana).
- Maintain hygiene of all materials used (cloth, stick, etc.).
Practice Levels
Basic:
- Agnisāra Dhauti (abdominal churning): Sitting or standing, exhale completely and move the abdomen in and out rhythmically for 20–30 rounds.
Intermediate:
- Vamana Dhauti (water vomiting): Drink saline water and expel gently to cleanse stomach.
Advanced:
- Vastra Dhauti (cloth swallowing) or Danda Dhauti (stick cleansing): Only with expert guidance after mastery of intermediate levels.
Preparatory Practices
Before performing Dhauti, practitioners are advised to prepare the body with:
- Jala Neti – Nasal cleansing.
- Kapalabhati – Lungs and sinus cleansing.
- Agnisara Kriya – Strengthens abdominal muscles and stimulates digestion.
- Asanas – Especially forward bends and twists for abdominal mobility.
General Rules of Practicing Dhauti
- Perform early in the morning on an empty stomach.
- Ensure clean environment and hygienic water/materials.
- Always prepare with mild asanas or kriyas (like Neti, Kapalabhati).
- Avoid if the weather is too cold or if body is weak.
- Follow up with relaxation (Śavāsana) and light diet.
- Practice under experienced supervision when learning advanced forms.
- Combine with yogic diet, moderation, and ethical living (Yama–Niyama).
Symptoms of Progress in Dhauti Practice
- Feeling of lightness and clarity in the body.
- Improved digestion and energy throughout the day.
- Calm, alert, and centered mind.
- Enhanced breath control and pranic awareness.
- A sense of internal cleanliness and spiritual elevation.
