Panchkarma – Basti

Basti is hailed as the “mother” of all Panchakarma therapies due to its effectiveness in treating a wide range of conditions, from simple to complex, acute to chronic. In Ayurveda, Basti is not merely a bowel-cleansing enema but a powerful method for delivering medicinal treatments. It allows for the administration of up to 960 ml of medicine, which is rapidly absorbed by the large intestine, often working more quickly than oral medications.

There are several types of Basti, each tailored to specific health needs:

• Niruha Basti: Cleanses toxins from all three doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—through the colon.
• Anuvasana Basti: A rejuvenating treatment where medicated oil or ghee, combined with herbal decoctions, is administered to cleanse the colon and enhance muscle tone.
• Tikta Ksheer Basti: Beneficial for bone and joint diseases.
• Yaapan Basti: A specialized therapy for chronic degenerative disorders, known for its remarkable healing effects.

Selecting the appropriate type of Basti and the specific medicines used is critical and should always be done under the guidance of an experienced Ayurvedic practitioner. The therapy can be administered over 8, 16, or 30 days, depending on the individual’s health condition.

Indications: Basti therapy is highly effective for treating hemiplegia, paraplegia, arthritis, cervical and lumbar spondylosis, disc prolapse or degeneration, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), chronic colitis, constipation, digestive disorders, backache, sciatica, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, obesity, sexual debility, and infertility.