BASTI treatment in Ayurveda

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

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 1^st significant action is facilitating the excretion of morbid substances responsible for the disease process into the colon from where they are evacuated.

• 2^nd 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.

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.