Vastra Dhauti
Vastra Dhauti (वस्त्र धौति) is a yogic cleansing technique in which a long strip of clean, unbleached cotton cloth (approximately 15-20 feet long and 2-3 inches wide) is swallowed, rinsed in the stomach, and then withdrawn. It is one of the most advanced and potentially dangerous of the shatkarma (cleansing techniques).
Overview
Vastra Dhauti is described in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika (2.26-2.28) and the Gheranda Samhita as a powerful method for purifying the entire digestive tract. The cloth is said to absorb toxins and impurities from the stomach and intestines as it is withdrawn. The practice is considered advanced and should only be attempted under the guidance of a qualified teacher. It is traditionally recommended for practitioners who have mastered the simpler kriyas.
Method
The practitioner prepares a long strip of clean, unbleached cotton cloth (approximately 15-20 feet long and 2-3 inches wide), moistened with warm water. Starting at one end, the practitioner slowly swallows the cloth, taking small bites and allowing it to pass naturally into the stomach. The cloth is swallowed until only a small portion remains outside the mouth. After a brief period (during which the cloth absorbs impurities), the practitioner slowly withdraws the cloth by gently pulling on the external end. The cloth should emerge clean, indicating a clean stomach.
Benefits and Purpose
Traditional texts claim Vastra Dhauti:
- Deeply purifies the entire digestive tract
- Removes accumulated toxins and impurities
- Balances the doshas (particularly kapha and pitta)
- Is the most powerful of the dhauti practices
- Prepares the body for advanced pranayama and meditation
Verification Notes
- Described in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika (2.26-2.28).
- Referenced in the Gheranda Samhita.
- The practice is considered advanced and potentially dangerous without proper guidance.
- Audited against Wikipedia (September 2026).