Basti Treatment
Vata is the main etiological factor in the manifestation of diseases. It is the motive force behind the elimination and retention of feces, urine, bile and other excreta. Vata is mainly located in the large intestine, but bone tissue (asthi dhatu) is also a site for vata. Hence the medication administered rectally effects asthi dhatu. The mucus membrane of the colon is related to the outer covering of the bones (periosteum), which nourishes the bones. Therefore, any medication given rectally goes into the deeper tissues, like bones, and corrects vata disorders.
Vata’s predominant site is the colon. Ayurvedic basti involves the introduction into the rectum of herbal concoctions of sesame oil, and certain herbal preparations 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. It relieves constipation, distention, chronic fever, cold, sexual disorders, kidney stones, heart pain, backache, sciatica and other pains in the joints. Many other vata disorders such as arthritis, rheumatism, gout, muscle spasms and headaches may also be treated with basti.
There are eight main types of basti, according to traditional texts, each with their own indications and contra-indications as listed below.
Anuvasana (oil enema) is used in pure vata disorders and when a person is having excess hunger or dryness related to vata imbalances.
Niruha-Asthapana (decoction enema) is used, among other conditions, for evacuation of vata, nervous diseases, gastro-intestinal vata conditions, gout, certain feve conditions, unconsciousness, certain urinary conditions, appetite, pain, hyperacidity and heart diseases.
Uttara Basti (through the urethra with men or vagina with women) is used for selected semen and ovulation disorders and for some problems involving painful urination or bladder infections. This is not to be used for someone with diabetes.
Matra Basti (daily oil enema) is used by someone emaciated by overwork or too much exercise, too much heavy lifting, walking too long of a distance, too much sexual activity or someone with chronic vata disorders. It does not need to be accompanied by any strict dietary restrict ion or daily routine and can be administered, in the appropriate cases, in all seasons. It gives strength, promotes weight and helps elimination of waste products.
Bruhana Basti (nutritional enema) is used for providing deep nutrition in select conditions. Traditionally, highly nutritive substances have been used, such as warm milk, meat broth, bone marrow soup and herbs like shatavari or ashwagandha.
Basti is very effective in paralysis. Patients suffering from paralysis and paraplagia can walk within 8 to 10 days after undergone basti.
BASTI CLASSIFIED BY FUNCTION
- Shodhana Basti – Detoxifies – penetrating deeper up to 7 dhatus.
- Shulahar /Vedananashak /Vaathar Basti-Useful to reduce pain from
joints like shoulders,knees,lower backache etc.[Sandhivaat,Aamvaat
etc.] - Krumighna Basti-Useful especially for small children for Deworming[Removing worms from stomach ] and hence improving their appetite.
- Kandughna Basti-To reduce itching and rashes of skin.
- Shaman Basti – Palliative, restoring doshic performance.
- Lekhan Basti – Useful for kapha and medh disorders.
- Bruhan Basti – Strengthens the dhatus and their metabolism.Especially useful in children to increase Immunity,Resisting power etc.
- Snehan Basti – For cracking joints and dry skin etc.
- Rasayan Basti – With ashwagahan, shatavati
- Vajikaran Basti – Increases virility, fertility, vigour, and vitality.
- Matra Basti – To pacify aggravation from travel, exercises and work stress.
- Tiktaksheer Basti-To reduce Hairfall etc,especially useful in Aloepecia Areata,Aloepecia Totalis etc.