“Why Basti is Known as the King of Panchakarma Therapies?”
In Ayurveda, basti is considered an Ardha Chikitsa, or “half treatment”, when it’s administered with proper planning and the right medicines.Varsha rutu is the ideal season for Basti therapy as Vata dosha is aggravated in this rutu. The treatment of Basti is compared with watering of roots of the plants. The way when the roots of the plants are watered and the rest parts of the plant get nourished, in a similar way, Basti administered through the anal canal nourishes the entire body.Basti is one of the five procedures of panchakarma in Ayurveda.It is the best treatment modality for all types of vata diseases.
Basti is the introduction of herbal decoctions and medicated oils, ghee, milk etc into the colon through the rectum,urinary opening or vaginal opening. This Ayurvedic therapeutic treatment has both preventive as well as curitive perspective. It boost immunity and promotes longevity. It helps in delaying ageing process, strengthens body and mind, fortifies tissues, cleanses the body of its impurities, acts as best rejuvenator and aphrodisiac and a great remedy also for psychosomatic disorders.
According to the classical texts basti administration is done with the help of animal bladder (bastiputaka) and specially prepared metal/wooden nozzle/catheter (bastinetra), the whole assembly is called as bastiyantra.The type of basti where decoction is the major part is called as asthapana basti or niruha basti and the basti in, which major part is oil or other sneha (oleaginous substance) is called as anuvasana.
Types of Basti in Ayurveda
There are different types of Basti treatments based on various factors as described below:
Based on the Site of Administration:
Pakwashaya Gata : Large Intestine through the anal route
Garbhashaya Gata: Vaginal route
Mutrashaya Gata: Urethral route for both men and women
Vrana Gata : Directly to ulcers or wounds
Based on the Type of Medicine Used
Niruha Basti : Herbal decoction
Madhu Tailika Basti : Honey and Oil
Anuvasana Basti : Medicated fats, mainly ghee and oil
Based on its Function
Shodhana Basti : For cleansing
Lekhana Basti : For scraping excessive fat
Snehana Basti : For lubricating internal organs
Brumhana Basti : To enhance muscle
Shaman Basti : To pacify the doshas
Utkleshana Basti : To provoke the doshas and prepare them for elimination
Pichchila Basti : To increase sliminess in the body to arrest haemorrhoidal bleeding
Deepana Basti : To correct metabolic disorders
Shukrakrit Basti : To enhance the quality and quantity of semen
Based on the Duration
Yoga Basti 7- 8 days
Kala Basti 16 days
Karma Basti 30 days
Other:
Vaitarana basti is a therapeutic enema in Ayurveda that is used to treat a range of conditions, including amavata, sandigata-vata, and gridhrasi:
Amavata: A crippling disease that can cause serious, painful conditions. Some symptoms of amavata can be correlated with rheumatoid arthritis.
Sandigata-vata: A disease that involves mainly Ama and Kapha.
Gridhrasi: A disease that involves mainly Ama and Kapha.
Vaitarana basti is known for its curative and purificative properties. It has qualities such as: Amapachana, Srotoshodhana, and Vatakaphahara.
Vaitarana basti contains a number of ingredients, each with its own properties, such as: Saindhava (Rock Salt)Has subtle and penetrating properties that facilitate the absorption of therapeutic substances Jaggery Enhances permeability, making it easier for the solution to interact with and be absorbed by water.
Ksheera Basti (Milk Enema): Ksheera Basti is meant to nourish your digestive tract and improve immunity and health. This type of Basti therapy uses milk with a mixture of medications to relieve constipation and chronic stomach pain.
Procedure :
The following procedure should be conducted by a trained Ayurvedic therapist, for Uttar Basti should we perform under Ayurvedic practicener.The patient is usually prepared mentally and physically for the therapy, beforehand. The preparation process includes oil massages, steam therapy, and specialized diets.
During the Basti treatment, the trained professional creates a concoction of herbal oils called Basti. The patient has to lie on their left side with their left leg extended or stretched out and their right leg folded in front. The practitioner then introduces warm oil into the rectum with the help of a syringe or oil pot with a spout. The oil is kept for 10 minutes to help lubricate the rectum for further treatment.
The Basti is then introduced into the colon and retained for another 30 minutes. After the treatment, patients can allow the passage of the fluid and faecal matter via excretion. Patients must also avoid eating, unless completely necessary.
The Benefits Of Basti Treatment
1. Internal Nourishment
Basti treatments such as Ksheera Basti and Yogavasti can help in the nourishment of the body. As Basti directly affects the colon, the nourishment from the medicated concoctions can reach deep within the body. Internal nourishment also helps to improve immunity.
2. Detoxification
Basti therapy helps to eliminate the toxins and Vata dosha accumulated in the colon. The colon is the most prominent place for bacteria and a number of diseases to thrive. By directly affecting the colon, Basti effectively removes harmful toxins.
3. Digestive Health
Most patients who seek Ayurvedic Basti treatment are suffering from some form of digestive problem. Basti treatment can effectively cure a number of digestive issues such as constipation, flatulence, bloating, and indigestion. It helps in healthy and regular bowel movements and promotes digestive health.
4. Nervous System Support
Basti therapy is an effective remedy for stress, anxiety, and mental tension. By helping to reduce these mental health problems, it ensures a strong and healthy nervous system.
5. Pain Relief
By helping to attain proper bowel movements, Basti therapy can also help patients facing chronic and frequent stomach aches. Proper detoxification also reduces the chances of inflammation.
How Does The Basti Procedure Help Balance Vata Doshas?
Vata dosha refers to the problems caused by the air and water in the body. This usually causes problems with the nervous system and respiratory system. However, it has a broad-reaching effect on the body, affecting the colon and immune system.
Basti therapy eliminates the toxins that affect the body’s nervous system and cures problems such as inflammation, constipation, and bloating; thus, balancing Vata Dosha.Hence, Basti is considered as King of Ayurvedic treatment.