What are Ayurvedic Bastis

In ancient times, "Basti" literally means bag/container/bladder. In ancient times, urinary bladders of animals were used for enema.  

Ayurvedic Basti includes liquids like medicated oils, ghee, herbal concoctions, milk and buttermilk. Through the perineum it is administered (through the anus, urinary meatus or vaginal orifice in women) in order to clean or heals the lower part of the body (below umbilical part). The toxins (ama) accumulated in the lower part of the body and the toxins pushed to the colon, urinary tract or reproductive tract by previous ayurvedic procedures like Oil-therapy (snehan) or Sweat-therapy (swedan) can be cleared with bastis. Ayurvedic basti is much more different then enema therapy.

There are 7 body types of basti in Ayurveda  It increases weight in emaciated people, decreases weight in the obese, improves vision, prevents aging, brings back lustre and strength, and healthy longevity. It is specifically for vatic disorders. It relieves constipation, distensions, 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.

Basti is effective for most of the diseases.  In ayurveda 50% of the treatment can be cured by basti treatment. Digestive disorders like dry colon, dry rectum condition and the tendency towards constipation resulting from diseases patients gets relief through bastis.
It also provides relief in conditions like distensions of abdomen, flatulence, spastic colon, dryness of digestive tract,in chronic fever, etc. General debility, impaired immunity bed ridden conditions like paralysis is also is treated by Basti. Facial palsy, muscular dystrophy and other related disorder can be cure by Basti treatment. Basti treatment can also be used for immunity and health promotion in ayurveda there are few bastis, which is meant for nourishment and longevity.

As a whole basti is meant for top to bottom and head to toe treatment. Its efficacy is from skin, the outer layer to our vital organ such as heart, mind, lunges, kidney and intestestine etc.

There are different types of internal Bastis (Pakwashaya):

• Anuvasana Basti - enemas with medicated oils, ghee, herbal milks, buttermilks etc.
• Nirooha-asthapana Basti - enema of different kind of medicated, herbal water.
• Uttar Basti – in different kind of condition of uterus this basti is given to patients. It is useful for infertility, swollen uterus, such as uterine prolapsed, urinary obstruction, habitual abortions, leucorrhoea, mennorhagia etc.
• Mutrashaya Basti - medicated fluids are introduced through the urethra (male)
• Vranagata Basti – medicated decoctions are used to clean and heal the wounds and abscesses.
• Yoga Basti - a series of 8 treatments, beginning with Anuvasana Basti then followed by Nirooha basti. These two treatments are given on alternate days and the last two treatments are concluded with Anuvasana Basti
• Kala Basti - a series of 16 treatments, beginning with Anuvasana Basti then followed by Nirooha basti. These two treatments are given on alternate days and the last four treatments are concluded with Anuvasana Basti
• Karma Basti - a series of 30 treatments, beginning with Anuvasana Basti then followed by Nirooha basti. These two treatments are given on alternate days and the last six treatments are concluded with Anuvasana Basti
• Bruhan Basti - nutritional enema. This basti is very much useful for the patients who are very weak physically and emotionally. This basti is useful for weight gain and for colour complexions.

Prior to Basti treatment Bowels and bladder must be evacuated. 10 to 15 minutes warm oil massage on the belly and back fomentation is required. For panchkarma treatment emesis and purgation treatments are given prior to basti treatment. Decoctions enemas are to be retained for 48 minutes (minimum 15 minutes).

Contraindications:
Basti is generally contraindicated in all types of dysenteries, diarrhoeas, diabetes, pulmonary tuberculosis, severe anaemia, per rectal bleeding. It is also contraindicated in infantile problems and senile debility.

Contra-indications for Nirooha Basti : If patient too tired very thin intoxicated states, dryness of throat, suffering from tuberculosis, peritonitis, diabetes etc.

Contra-indications for Anuvasan Basti : Persons in whom Nirooha basti is contraindicated Anuvasan basti is also contra-indicated.  Emaciation, anaemia, fever, jaundice, poisoning, diarrhoea, dysentery, fasting piles etc.

Complications of Basti therapy : In incomplete basti treatment patient gets headache, gas, acidity, loss of apitite, pains and cramps in abdomen, anorectal itching, inflammation, ulceration, piles, fissure and giddiness. For pain in abdomen after Basti, massage the abdomen gently! For headache immediately after Basti, head and forehead massage followed by Ginger tea, rock salt etc. can be given. If liquids are not expelled after 48 minutes another Basti treatment is prescribed with hot water (38C) and fomentation to the lower back and abdomen. Warm water can also be consumed. If complications arise fast acting purgatives (e.g. Castor oil with warm water or prune juice) must be administered immediately to expel loosened toxins from the colon.

What to do after the Basti:
A light diet and complete rest should be taken after bastis for one day is advised.