Basti: Medicated Enema Therapy
Vata’s predominant site is the colon. Ayurvedic basti involves the introduction into the rectum of herbal substances like oil and decoction etc in a liquid medium. Basti, is the most effective treatment of vata disorders, although many enemas over a prescribed period of time are usually required. This is one of the five pradhana karma of panchakarma.
Mode of action:
Basti Chikitsa works mainly by balancing Vata dosha, which controls all movements in the body. The medicine is given through the rectum, where it gets absorbed quickly and starts acting on the whole system. It helps remove toxins, nourish the body, and improve functions like digestion, circulation, and nerve activity. Basti is gentle yet powerful, and especially helpful in chronic and Vata-related disorders.
There are Eight main types of basti, according to traditional texts, each with their own indications and contra-indications as listed below.
1. Anuvasana Basti (oil enema) is used to nourish and balance vata disorders usually given after food and helps to relieve dryness weakness and constipation.
2. Brumhana Basti (nutritional enema) is used for providing deep nutrition in selected conditions. Traditionally, highly nutritive substances have been used, such as warm milk, meat broth, bone marrow soup and herbs like shatavari or ashwagandha.
3. Niruha Basti is a herbal decoction enema used for detoxification and Vata balancing. It is given on an empty stomach and provides cleansing and therapeutic effects.
4. Uttara Basti is a special type of basti administered through the urethra or vagina. It is mainly used for treating genito-urinary and reproductive disorders and helps in fertility, urinary issues, and menstrual problems.
5. Matra Basti is a gentle oil enema given daily in small doses, usually without any dietary or activity restrictions. It is ideal for mild Vata imbalance, weak or elderly patients, and helps in nourishment, strength, and lubrication.
6. Kala Basti is a type of therapeutic basti regimen consisting of 16 bastis—10 Niruha (decoction) and 6 Anuvasana (oil). It is used in moderate-strength patients.
7. Yoga Basti is a short basti regimen consisting of 8 bastis—5 Niruha (decoction) and 3 Anuvasana (oil). It is suitable for mild to moderate conditions.
8.Karma Basti is a therapeutic basti schedule combining both Niruha (decoction) and Anuvasana (oil) bastis. It usually consists of 30 bastis—18 Anuvasana and 12 Niruha—given in a specific sequence. It is used for deep detoxification and Vata balancing.
Benefits:
Basti helps in eliminating toxins, balancing Vata dosha, and improving digestion and metabolism. It strengthens the nervous system, relieves joint and muscle pain, enhances fertility, and promotes overall rejuvenation and vitality.
General Indications for Basti:
1) Any type of joint and muscle pain
2) Inflammatory disorders like Gout, rheumatism
3) Neurological disorders like sciatica
4) Nervous disorders like vata headache
5) Obesity
6) Emaciation
7) sexual weakness, infertility
8) Muscular atrophy
General Contra-Indications for Basti (are not limited to the following):
Enema therapy should not be used if the patient is suffering from diarrhoea, bleeding of the rectum, chronic indigestion, breathlessness, diabetes, fever, emaciation, severe anaemia, pulmonary tuberculosis, old age or for children below the age of seven years.