Basti in Ayurveda

Ayurveda includes a detailed detoxification and rejuvenation therapy called Panchakarma. The name translates into five actions that reflect the five procedures:

• Vamana (therapeutic vomiting);

• Virechana (purgation);

• Basti (enema);

• Nasya (nasal administration of medicines); and

• Raktamokshana (bloodletting).

In Basti Karma, practitioners administer medicated oils or herbal mixtures as an enema through the rectum. This helps in getting rid of harmful substances and balancing the body's natural energies. The procedure is like a cleansing therapy, removing toxins and bringing back harmony in the body.

The Basti procedure is primarily beneficial to people with Vata Dosha. This dosha affects the colon. The Panchakarma therapy involves accumulating all doshas in the abdomen and then removing them by using Basti.

When medicine is administered via the anal route, the intestines absorb them with ease. The best time for this procedure is either early in the morning or evening. The stomach must be empty for the procedure. Hence, patients are recommended to wait for at least three hours after eating.

There are two stages of the Ayurvedic Basti procedure:

Oil Stage: Warm sesame oil is introduced into the rectum and retained for around 10 minutes.

Decoction Stage: With the oil still inside, a herbal mixture is introduced and retained for 30 minutes.

Here is the step-by-step Basti procedure:

The right oil is chosen based on the individual’s ailment and heated to a comfortable temperature.

The patient is asked to lie comfortably on the left side laterally. The left leg is usually folded and the right leg is stretched out.

The oil is gently applied to the lower abdomen and the area around the anus.

Using a nozzle or catheter, the oil and herbal mixture is introduced into the rectum.

The patient is asked to retain it inside for a specified duration.

After the time is over, the oil can be released taking the toxins along with it.

After the procedure, the patient is usually asked to rest and drink warm liquids to facilitate the removal of toxins from the body.

The Basti therapy offers numerous benefits as listed below:

Helps in balancing the three doshas

Aids in the removal of accumulated toxins from the colon

Regulates Vata dosha

Enhances absorption and digestion

Relieves constipation

Nourishes and strengthens the tissues

Enhances blood circulation

Boosts immunity

Relieves Vata-related joint problems

Helps in the management of numerous gynecological issues

Can help regulate hormonal imbalance

Improves the tone and texture of the skin

While people diagnosed with Vata Dosha by an Ayurvedic practitioner are usually recommended Panchakarma therapy which includes the Basti procedure, it is also recommended to people with the following ailments:

There are different types of Basti treatments based on various factors as described below:

It is recommended to get the treatment done through an Ayurvedic practitioner. Avoid the DIY tools available unless you are trained and certified to carry out the procedure.

Women who are menstruating or pregnant should avoid Basti.

Patients who are very weak should avoid getting the procedure done.

Talk to the practitioner and understand the precautions that you need to take before and after the treatment.

Buy a health insurance plan that covers the costs of Ayurvedic treatments including Basti.

Basti in Ayurveda is an effective and common procedure to help battle various health ailments. While these procedures are not very costly, depending on the ailment, the overall costs can rise. Hence, it is prudent to buy health insurance from a reputed reliable insurer that covers AYUSH treatments.

Your individual health insurance plan must cover most of the costs associated with medical treatments, allopathic or otherwise. TATA AIG takes care of your allopathic and Ayurvedic treatments and other traditional medicines. Choose a medical insurance plan that offers comprehensive coverage for treatments like Basti too.

Is Basti treatment painful?

Typically, Basti treatments are not considered painful. However, if the practitioner feels that based on the condition of the patient some pain might be possible, then he can administer a sedative to ease the pain.

How long is a Basti treatment?

The duration of the treatment is based on numerous factors including the health of the patient, the treatment plan recommended by the practitioner, and how the patient responds to it.

A single session of Basti can last up to 30-40 minutes. The overall treatment plan is typically not more than 30 days. However, this can vary from patient to patient.