Basti – The jewel of Ayurveda
In this article, we will help you understand the importance of Basti treatment in Ayurveda. Basti in Ayurveda is said to be among the primary therapies; we can also call it the king of all Ayurveda treatments. Often in our clinical practice, we are amazed to see the results of Basti.
Basti is one of the most powerful of the main five procedures of Panchakarma. Charaka, as well as many other Ayurvedic scholars, have unanimously praised the features of Basti. Basti is said to be equal to half of all Ayurvedic treatments.
Basti is the introduction of herbal decoctions and medicated oils into the colon through the rectum. While it directly affects the colon, it is not a localized or symptomatic treatment. It is a highly specialized procedure to achieve a therapeutic goal and must be carried out in hospital settings by an expert.
Various stages in the preparation of Basti are shown in the accompanying photos.
Colon cleansing or colon Hydrotherapy is in trend nowadays. But it must be understood that Basti cannot be compared with these at any level.
MODE OF ACTION OF BASTI
![basti ayurvedic](https://himveda.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/mixing.jpg)
Tridosha Siddhant (doctrine of 3 vital forces) is vital to maintain health and to cure disease. These 3 Vital forces are namely Vata, Pita, and Kapha.
Ayurveda considers Vata as the most critical dosha, but when this dosha gets imbalanced in the body, it can cause significant problems. This Vata interferes with the functioning of the body, causing many imbalances. Basti uses Vata dosha’s natural movement to remove related toxins and waste materials from the system. Basti cleanses the vata area, whose focal point is the large intestine. Basti treatments balance and nurture Vata dosha. When Vata usually functions, it helps bring toxins and waste matter out of the dhatus( body cells) and eliminates them.
Basti has two actions, expelling the vitiated doshas ( morbid substances/toxins) and nourishing the body.
- Its 1st significant action is facilitating the excretion of morbid substances responsible for the disease process into the colon from where they are evacuated.
![vasti treatment](https://himveda.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/oil.jpg)
- 2nd action relates to the potency of Basti drugs getting absorbed to have their systemic action. The gut has a mind of its own called the enteric nervous system. It lies entirely in the gut wall, beginning in the esophagus and extending to the anus. It is reported to play a significant role in human happiness and misery.
Many git disorders like colitis, i.b.s. Originate from problems within the gut’s brain. Major messenger molecules which go into the regulation of our moods and emotions, like vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), insulin, cholecystokinin (CCK), serotonin, dopamine, glutamate, norepinephrine, nitric oxide, enkephalins, etc. are found in the intestines as well as the brain, suggesting why our “gut feelings” have such real meaning. Basti has a direct action on this system.
Basti treatment has been found to have scientific benefits for the nervous system. B-group vitamins, which are crucial for nervous function, are produced by the beneficial bacteria in the large intestine. In degenerative nerve diseases, the protective myelin sheath is lost. The nerves can be nourished by administering fatty substances and healing herbs through enema therapy, and the production of vitamins in the large intestine can be increased. This aids in the regeneration of nerve fibers and promotes overall nerve health.
THERAPEUTIC BENEFITS OF BASTI THERAPY :
Vata dosha is the igniting factor for any disease process.
![Panchakarma Vasti](https://himveda.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Basti.jpg)
Basti therapy is the most effective treatment for abdominal and systemic Vata disorders. A wide variety of therapeutic benefits of Basti are mentioned in the texts.
In our clinical practice, we have used Basti to treat the following conditions effectively – Chronic constipation, Low back pain, PCOD Sciatica, Rheumatism, Gout, Arthritis, Hemiplegia, Sarcoidosis, PCOD, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Dystrophy, and Atrophy of nerves and muscles, Collagen Vascular Disease and Autonomic disorders. It benefits Epilepsy, Mental retardation, and Sensory dysfunction.
Usually, in our practice, we have observed Vata can also cause an imbalance of chakras resulting in various problems. Basti helps to bring the chakras back to normal, thus balancing the energy levels. It removes unwanted materials from the cells and improves metabolism at the cellular level. So one can achieve health at all three levels (physical, mental, and spiritual) by Basti alone.
16 Responses
I have undergone hysterectomy 2 years ago. I started developing lower back pain and knee pain(left leg only).I undertook oil and kadha basti and felt better after that but again the pain aggravated in monsoon and winter.
My question is that will the pain be a continuous problem in winter and monsoon,is there any permanent remedy for this lower back pain?
Thanks for your message.
Howmany sessions of oil and kadha basti did you take? Multiple sessions of oil and kadha basti will be required in your case and it should offer a more long lasting solution. Sometimes the sessions need to be repeated after a gap of a few months. The selection and quality of herbs and oils will also matter.
I have taken basti for paraplegia ( accident in Dec 2022) in Dec 2023 and in January 2024 I got tingling sensation in both the legs , so I continued upto 21st Feb .But no improvement thereafter but the tingling sensation is continuous in my legs should I go for another session of basti treatment ?
Yes,basti should be continued.Paraplegia requires a large number of bastis. We will be able to guide you better if we know which basti you are taking and in what dose?
Rajayapana basti 2 days
Anuvasan basti 1 day
So on for 2 and half month (Sunday excluded )
what happens during basti? why 2 weeks?
Also how many days after Virechana dooes Basti need to be done?
Basti is a set of enemas given to a patient. Mainly Vata diseases respond well to basti protocol. The number and type of enemas depends on the nature of Vata imbalance in the body. If vata is very high like in diseases such as Parkinsons, Motor neuron disease we could even have a full month of enemas. If it’s a low level vata such as Low backache , just 8 days of Basti can suffice.
Generally we wait for 7 days after virechana before we start Basti treatment. However, if the virechana was very mild we could start earlier. If Virechana was very strong, we wait longer than 7 days.
Hello,
My Son is 7 years old…he is diagnosed with Autism, Global Developmental delayed, Apraxia and Attention deficit. I came to know about Basti through online search.
1. Is it possible we can give him Basti through Catheter and if yes then how to make him calm while giving?
2. Do you provide your services in Mumbai?
I have been suffering from this PPDD ( Type of Multiple Vertigo ) it’s really difficult for me to live a Normal life. I had brain surgery back in 2012 of High grade glioma lymph later after surgery was Turbercloma. Surgery was successful but past 1 year, I have been suffering from this Vertigo ( mainly I feel is Floated sensations )
Hello
It seems to be high Vata as a result of the surgery. Once this Vata is brought down by right therapies including Basti , Nasya, Shirodahara , Shirobasti etc., you should feel better. Also a Vata pacifying diet and lifestyle will be important.
If you have whatsapp please drop a message on +919736853285
I have fatty liver between gratde 1 to 2 and very poor digestion
Can my liver detoxified with Basti if yes which. Do you have set up for that.
Dear Mr Amit
Thanks for writing to us.
Liver can be detoxified by basti and virechana treatments.
We will have to select either basti and virechana both or basti alone. The decision can be taken after a body type assessment.
Basti treatment alone would require around 2 weeks stay. Together with virechana it would require around 3 weeks to 24 days.
We have a full residential set up in Dharamshala. You get private Accommodation and ayurvedic meals.
We have a personalized treatment schedule and take around 5-6 patients at a time. This way we are able to focus on every individual.
Please feel free to mail further queries or call.
Best Regards
Dr Sharma
9736853285
Himveda.com
Can you please advice , for ichthyosis vulgaris
Dear Mr. Shetty
Thanks for writing to us.
For icthyosis vulgaris, we will do virechana therapy along with certain other treatment modalities.
We cannot promise a cure for this condition. Sometimes multiple sessions need to be done to achieve results. This requires
treatment sessions every year for 2-3 years/ twice a year for 2 years.
Hi, I am suffering from Pcod and I do have digestive problems
Can you please help me understand how does basti exactly work?
As I am already undergoing the treatment,
I just want to know if I m on the right track or not
Can you please advise on how long you would do this cleanse for. I’m arriving in Dharamshala on the 20th and have vipasana starting on the 01st.