Within the Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā, the six ṣaṭkarmas are presented as foundational purificatory disciplines that prepare the body and subtle system for deeper yogic practices. The first is **Dhauti**, a cleansing of the digestive tract and upper pathway, which includes methods such as swallowing and withdrawing a cloth strip, as well as other variations that purify the stomach and related regions. **Basti**, the second, is a yogic enema in which water is drawn into the lower intestine through the anus, traditionally while in a squatting position in water, to cleanse the colon. These two practices are directed primarily toward the internal organs of digestion and elimination, supporting the refinement of the physical vessel.

The next pair of techniques turns attention to the head and sensory gateways. **Neti** is a nasal cleansing practice, classically involving the threading of a string through one nostril and out through the mouth, then moving it back and forth to purify the nasal passages. **Trāṭaka** is steady gazing at a small object, often likened to a point or flame, maintained without blinking until tears flow, thereby cleansing and strengthening the eyes and supporting concentration. Through these practices, the avenues of breath and perception are clarified, which in turn supports more subtle work with prāṇa.

The final two ṣaṭkarmas work deeply on the abdominal region and the vital forces. **Naulī** consists of isolating and rotating the abdominal muscles in a churning motion, massaging the internal organs and stimulating the inner fire. **Kapālabhātī**, sometimes described as “skull-shining,” is characterized by forceful exhalations driven by rapid abdominal contractions, functioning as a cleansing breath for the frontal region. Taken together, these six actions are said to purify the body and balance internal humors, thereby preparing the practitioner for prāṇāyāma and higher yogic disciplines, especially where there is a tendency toward excess phlegm or other bodily imbalances.