Basti

Basti is the most important of the therapies in Panchakarma. It involves the introduction of herbal oils and decoctions into the colon through rectum. Basti is described for diseases with imbalanced Doshas having predominance of Vata or for diseases with Vata imbalance alone, In Sanskrit ‘Vasti’ means bladder. A special device consisting of a small tube and bladder is used to administer the medicine.

In Nirooha Basti,herbal decoctions are used and in Anuvasana or Snehavasti, medicated oils. The appropriate time for performing Basti is one or two hours before noon. Anuvasan basti is performed immediately after meals. The herbal fluid is allowed to remain in the colon for a specific period for proper absorption. When it is let out, toxins(doshaj) from the dhatus are eliminated along with the faecal matter.

Basti is not recommended for patients suffering from diarrhoea, asthma,Swelled piles .As in the case of vamana, after basti, Peyadikarma or a diet regimen has to be adhered to strictly .