Basti is an Ayurvedic therapy that involves the administration of herbal oil or decoctions into the rectum or vagina. It's one of the main therapies in Panchakarma, a detoxification and rejuvenation process in Ayurveda.
Procedure:
Preparation: Basti involves the use of a specially designed equipment—a cylindrical tube or nozzle attached to a reservoir filled with medicated substances.
Administration: The nozzle or tube is inserted into the rectum or vagina, and the herbal oil or decoction is gently introduced into the body.
Retention: The herbal mixture is retained for a specific period to allow the body to absorb its medicinal properties. The duration of retention varies based on the type of Basti and the individual's condition.
Conclusion: After the allocated time, the mixture is expelled through defecation or urination. The area is then cleaned.
Types of Basti:
Niruha Basti (Decoction Enema): It involves using herbal decoctions along with oils or honey for therapeutic purposes.
Anuvasana Basti (Oil Enema): Administered with medicated oils to nourish the body, particularly for balancing Vata dosha.
Benefits:
Detoxification: Basti eliminates toxins from the body, promoting overall health and vitality.
Balancing Doshas: It helps balance the doshas, especially Vata, which is considered the root cause of many ailments.
Relief from Constipation: It assists in relieving constipation and improving bowel movements.
Rejuvenation: Basti nourishes tissues, enhances vitality, and rejuvenates the body.
Precautions:
Basti should be performed under the guidance of an experienced Ayurvedic practitioner.
The choice of herbal formulations and duration of Basti should be personalized according to an individual's constitution and health condition.
