Dhautī

Dhautī (धौती) is a shatkarma (purification) practice that involves internal cleansing of the digestive tract, particularly the esophagus and stomach. The name means “washing” or “cleansing.” The Hatha Yoga Pradīpikā (2.21–2.23) treats it as the first of the six purification practices.

Dhautī is one of the more intense purification practices and requires proper instruction to perform safely.

Origins

The Hatha Yoga Pradīpikā (2.21–2.23) describes Dhautī as the first of the six purification practices. The text explains the technique of swallowing a cloth strip to cleanse the upper digestive tract. The Gheraṇḍa Saṃhitā provides the most detailed description of the practice, dividing it into four parts — antara dhautī (internal cleansing), danta dhautī (teeth), hṛd dhautī (cardiac or chest region), and mūla śodhana (rectal cleansing). The Shiva Saṃhitā also mentions it as a purification method. In the Hatha Yoga Pradīpikā sequence, dhautī precedes bastī and netī.

Technique

The most common form is vastra dhautī (cloth cleansing), where the practitioner swallows a long strip of soft, unbleached cotton cloth. The Hatha Yoga Pradīpikā (2.21–2.22) prescribes a strip of soft white cloth, about three inches wide and roughly fifteen cubits long.

After the cloth is swallowed, it is allowed to remain in the stomach briefly before being withdrawn by pulling the end. Other forms include danda dhautī (stick cleansing) and hasta dhautī (hand cleansing).

Benefits (as claimed by tradition)

Traditional texts claim Dhautī:

• Cleanses the esophagus and stomach
• Removes excess mucus and toxins
• Improves digestion and appetite
• Balances the doṣas (Ayurvedic constitution)
• Purifies the upper digestive tract

The Hatha Yoga Pradīpikā states that it “destroys diseases of the stomach” and “purifies the throat region.”

In modern practice

Dhautī is rarely practiced in modern yoga due to its invasive nature and the potential for injury if performed incorrectly. Some traditional schools still teach vastra dhautī as part of advanced shatkarma practice. The practice is not recommended without proper instruction and supervision. Medical professionals generally advise against self-administered versions of this practice due to risks of esophageal perforation or choking.

Verification notes

• The Hatha Yoga Pradīpikā verses (2.20–2.23) follow the critical edition (Sinh 1914, GRETIL).
• The Gheraṇḍa Saṃhitā reference follows the Saraswati (1996) edition.
• This practice should only be attempted under the guidance of an experienced teacher.
• The practice carries significant risks and is not recommended for beginners.
• Audited against Wikipedia (September 2026).