Basti (Enema)

Vata’s predominant site is the colon. It first accumulates in the colon, and then as it begins to “overflow”, it will spread and create imbalanced vata that can affect almost any system in the body. As vata is a necessary presence throughout the body it affect especially the systems which have some weakness. Basti (Enema) can be very helpful in a variety of complaints. It is the most effective complementary Management of vata Issuess as it targets the lower abdomen, especially the colon and lower intestines, with the introduction of herbal cleansing and nourishment, such as oil and decoction, etc. in a liquid medium through the perineum (through the anus, urinary meatus or vaginal orifice in women) in order to clean or heal the lower part of the body (below umbilical part) without having to be digested by the stomach and upper GI tract. Basti is used to remove toxins and cool the body by cleaning the bowel and removing old stool, excess bacteria and thread worms from the lower intestines.

Basti can also be used for a variety of reasons, including bowel regularity, joint support, excess vata in digestion causing occasional gas, nervous system support and healthy sleep patterns. Clearing vata from the system also helps to create energy and vitality as well as clarity in the mind.Basti promotes overall well-being, a graceful aging process, luster and a healthy glow.

Basti have many other health benefits, such as:

• Restores the balance of the body types (doshas) in particular VATA body type
• Increase weight in emaciated people, and decrease weight in the obese
• Improve vision and prevent aging
• Bring back lustre and strength, as well as healthy longevity
• Relieves constipation, distention of abdomen, flatulence, spastic colon, dryness of digestive tract observed in chronic fever, kidney stones, heart pain, backache, sciatica and other pains in the joints
• Strengthens the solar plexus, improves abdominal muscle tone and purifies the blood
• Many other Vata Issuess such as arthritis, rheumatism, gout, muscle spasms and headaches may also be treated with Basti

Basti can be done either by using Oil or Decoction. By using Oil, it will moisturize and rejuvenate your entire system and generally recommended if the body or any part of it feels dry. Oil to be used can be either Ksheerabala or Pure Almond Oil. As for Decoction, a mixture of Triphala Herb and Water.

Requirements

60 ml syringe, a rectal tube, 50 ml of Ksheerabala or Pure Almond Oil (or as prescribed by Doctor).

Procedure

Advisable to be done 4 to 6 hrs after a meal or in the morning. Prior to complementary Management, bowel and bladder must be emptied; and perform a light belly massage with warm oil, followed by hot pad placed on your tummy for 10 minutes.

• Pour 50 ml of lukewarm oil in a glass, suck the oil into the syringe by putting the tip into the oil and pulling on the syringe handle.
• Connect the rectal tube to the syringe.
• Turn the syringe and tube with the tip up and slowly push any air out of the tube.
• Ask patient to lie on left side with the left lower leg straight and the right leg flexed at the knee and at the hip joint.
• The anus and the tip of the rectal tube should be lubricated with a bit of oil.
• Carefully, insert the rectal tube (about 5 cm) and then slowly and steadily inject the oil.
• Patient to remain lying on the side for 30 minutes before getting up.

Contraindication

• Anyone who has high blood pressure or a hernia; a serious digestive Issues , diarrhea, dysenteries, rectal bleeding, diabetes, severe anaemia, hypoproteinaemia, breathlessness associated with any problem and pulmonary tuberculosis should avoid basti.

Indication

• Those who suffer from colitis or dysentry may benefit from basti but should seek a doctor’s advice prior complementary Management.