Dhauti (Cleansing of the Digestive Tract): Ancient Yogic Purification

A healthy stomach is the key to a healthy body and mind. If digestion is weak, it can lead to problems like acidity, constipation, low energy, and even mood swings. 

The ancient yogis of India understood this very well. That is why they developed special cleansing practices called kriyas to keep the body clean inside and out.

One of the most important kriyas in Hatha Yoga is Dhauti, which means “washing” or “cleansing.” Dhauti focuses on cleaning the digestive tract, starting from the mouth to the stomach and intestines. 

By removing impurities, it improves digestion, increases energy, and prepares the body for higher yoga practices.

What is Dhauti?

The word Dhauti comes from Sanskrit and means “to wash” or “to purify.” In yoga, it refers to techniques that clean the digestive system and related organs.

Dhauti is described in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika and Gheranda Samhita as one of the six main Shatkarmas (cleansing actions). It is considered a powerful tool to detoxify the body and balance the internal system.

Types of Dhauti

There are different kinds of Dhauti, each targeting a specific part of the digestive tract. Traditionally, Dhauti is divided into internal and external cleansing methods.

1. Vamana Dhauti (Kunjal Kriya)

• Also called “regurgitative cleansing.”
• You drink lukewarm salty water and then vomit it out voluntarily.
• This clears the stomach of undigested food, mucus, and toxins.
  

Benefits: Relieves acidity, indigestion, and heaviness in the stomach.

2. Danta Dhauti (Teeth and Mouth Cleansing)

• Involves brushing the teeth, cleaning the tongue, gums, and throat.
• Traditionally done with herbal sticks like neem or with fingers.
  

Benefits: Improves oral health, prevents bad breath, and strengthens gums.

3. Hrida Dhauti (Throat Cleansing)

• A soft wet cloth is swallowed into the stomach and then gently pulled out.
• This removes mucus and impurities from the throat and stomach.
  

Benefits: Strengthens the throat, clears phlegm, and improves digestion.

4. Varisara Dhauti (Intestinal Cleansing)

• Also called Shankhaprakshalana.
• Involves drinking warm salty water and performing yoga poses to flush water through the entire digestive tract.
• Water exits naturally through the bowels.
  

Benefits: Complete cleansing of the stomach and intestines, relief from constipation, and improved metabolism.

5. Moola Shodhana (Rectal Cleansing)

• Cleansing of the rectum using water or herbal sticks.
• Traditionally practiced for hygiene and detoxification.
  

Benefits: Prevents constipation, hemorrhoids, and intestinal blockages.

How to Practice Vamana Dhauti (Step by Step)

Among all Dhauti practices, Vamana Dhauti (Kunjal Kriya) is the most commonly practiced and safe for beginners.

What You Need:

• 1–2 liters of lukewarm water
• 1 teaspoon of salt per liter
  

Steps:

1. Prepare the Water
   • Mix salt in lukewarm water until fully dissolved.
2. Drink Quickly
   • Drink the water glass by glass until your stomach feels full.
3. Induce Vomiting
   • Bend forward slightly, open your mouth, and press your abdomen.
   • The water will come out, carrying mucus and undigested food.
4. Rest and Relax
   • Sit quietly for a few minutes.
   • Avoid eating heavy food for at least 30 minutes.
     

Benefits of Dhauti

1. Physical Benefits

• Removes toxins from the stomach and intestines
• Improves digestion and metabolism
• Reduces acidity, gas, and bloating
• Prevents constipation and indigestion
• Cleanses the mouth, throat, and stomach
  

2. Mental Benefits

• Reduces stress caused by digestive issues
• Improves clarity and focus
• Gives a feeling of lightness and freshness
  

3. Spiritual Benefits

In yoga, a clean stomach is seen as the base for higher practices like pranayama and meditation. Dhauti removes blockages in the body so that prana (life energy) flows freely.

Scientific Support

Modern science agrees with many benefits of Dhauti:

• Saline water helps balance stomach acid.
• Cleansing reduces harmful bacteria in the digestive system.
• Improves gut health, which is linked to better mental health through the gut-brain connection.
  

Doctors even recommend saline rinses for certain digestive problems, which is similar to yogic methods.

When to Practice Dhauti

• Best Time: Morning, on an empty stomach.
• Frequency: Once a week or once every two weeks is enough for most people.
• Before Pranayama: A clean digestive tract helps in better breathing control.
  

Safety Tips and Precautions

• Practice under the guidance of a yoga teacher, especially for advanced methods.
• Pregnant women, people with ulcers, high blood pressure, or heart problems should avoid Dhauti.
• Always use clean, boiled, and cooled water for practices involving drinking.
• Start with simple types like Danta Dhauti (mouth cleaning) before advanced ones like Varisara or Hrida Dhauti.
  

Dhauti in Modern Life

In today’s world, where fast food, stress, and pollution affect our health, Dhauti is more relevant than ever. Even if you don’t practice all the techniques, some simple forms like:

• Brushing and tongue cleaning (Danta Dhauti)
• Vamana Dhauti once in a while
• Drinking plenty of water and keeping digestion light
  

…can keep the stomach clean and body full of energy.

Conclusion

Dhauti, the yogic practice of cleansing the digestive tract, is a powerful tool for health and inner balance. From simple mouth cleaning to advanced intestinal flushing, each type of Dhauti has unique benefits.

By removing toxins, improving digestion, and balancing energy, Dhauti helps the body feel light, the mind stay calm, and the spirit grow.

For beginners, starting with Danta Dhauti and Vamana Dhauti is a safe way to experience the benefits. With guidance and regular practice, Dhauti can become a key part of your journey toward better health and deeper yoga.

A clean stomach means a clean mind—and that is the true gift of Dhauti.

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