Basti is a treatment modality included in Panchakarma therapy of Ayurveda. In a layman’s language, it may be explained as enema. This basti treatment is manifold effective compared to usual enema, as it has much more therapeutic implications. Enema is mainly given for evacuation of the bowel.

Ayurvedic basti tones up the natural intestinal mucosa, strengthens the musculature, lubricates it, take out solidified fecal material, improves oxygenated blood supply to the adjacent visceral organs and thereby helps to retain the physiological functioning of all the organs in the lower abdomen.

Basti treatment is also effective in successfully treating all types of neuromuscular pains in lumbo-sacral area and lower limbs. This effect is achieved owing to lubrication effect to the nerves in the lumbo-sacral region.

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HOW IT WORKS? Intestines have number of flexures and folds within the abdominal cavity. Hence the faecal material sticks, gets obstructed and dries up over a period of time. In spite of cleaning the house and mopping the floor daily, the dust and dirt accumulates at various places like corners of the room, behind the doors and furniture.

Similarly, even a person having regular bowel movement, the faecal material accumulates at certain parts like flexures and folds in the intestine. Due to this, the intestines get distended causing pressure on the mesenteric blood flow. This pressure naturally diminishes the oxygenated blood to the organs and also affects the return of de-oxygenated blood towards the heart.

The medicated oils lubricate intestines and allow the faecal material to get eliminated and ensure excellent blood circulation to all the visceral organs. Hence the chances of ischemia to visceral organs are minimized. This ensures the physiological functioning of most of the visceral organs.

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WHY OIL IS BETTER THAN SOAP? Usually various oils are recommended for use in basti treatment. Apparently soap water and oil will have same effect as far as the lubrication activity is concerned. But soap, being an emulsifying agent, will remove the natural greasy layer within the intestines.

On the other hand, oil will impart long-lasting lubricating effect. The soap is also un-natural (chemical) which is not suiting the intestinal flora. The effect of long-term application of soap on delicate skin is evident as it imparts dryness or roughness whereas oil improves the lustre and smoothness of such skin.

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HOW MUCH QUANTITY OF OIL IS RECOMMENDED? There many types of basti and have different implications. Usually 50 ml is widely used and rarely 100 ml oil is also recommended in certain conditions.

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HOW FREQUENTLY IT NEEDS TO BE DONE? Your physician is an authority to suggest this depending on the constitution, age, illness etc. For healthy living 50 ml basti once in a week is enough.

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Does it cause loose motions? No, it simply lubricates the bowel and allows easy defecation. It will not reabsorb any body fluid nor will increase the quantity of stools already formed. Occasionally (at the first time of use) a person may feel more distended because the oil gets absorbed in the system and collect all the toxic gases at one place –there is no need for concern over this experience.

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IS IT ESSENTIAL EVEN I HAVE REGULAR BOWEL? Yes, it is not only for bowel movement but has tremendous healing potential for countless diseases. Your physician will guide you for other details and explain the hidden benefits of basti treatment. Unlike synthetic medicines having side effects, basti has multiple side benefits. Many un-disclosed diseases hidden within the body will be restored unexpectedly.

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BASTI IS RECOMMENDED IN FOLLOWING CONDITIONS

1)?????? Abdominal distension due to flatus and acute or chronic constipation.

2)?????? Gouty arthritis.

3)?????? Splenomegaly.

4)?????? Abdominal pain of unknown cause.

5)?????? Chronic fever (over 5 days).

6)?????? Cases of sterility (for both partners).

7)?????? Urinary calculi.

8)?????? PMS and Secondary amenorrhoea.

9)?????? Various neuromuscular pains mainly in lumbosacral and lower extremeties

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WHICH OILS ARE USED IN BASTI

Plain Sesame oil (non refined) basti is used for anointing and lubricating the colon. It is recommended for geriatric patients for prevention of Neuro-muscular disorders, and for normal individuals for maintaining sound health.

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Sahachar oil (Processed with Barleria brionites) is recommended for painful conditions in the lower part of the body. It helps to promote lubrication and normalizing the bowel movements.

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Ashwagandha oil (Processed with Withania somnifera) is recommended in case of low sperm count and also helps to minimize the fecal and flatulent pressure on vas and seminal vesicles. This basti helps to ease the flow of seminal fluid and thereby treating the cases of sterility due to male genital disorders. It is interesting to study the benefits of this herb as adaptogenic and immuno-modulator.

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Yashtimadhu oil (Processed with Glycyrrhiza glabra) owing to the best healing properties, this helps to treat the cases of colitis due to varied etiology. It is also recommended in piles, fissure and fistulae.

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Nirgundi oil (Processed with Vitex negundo leaves) is known to possess anti-inflammatory properties and hence used in cases of sciatica, joint disorders with inflammatory symptoms.