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Basti – Medicated Enema

Team Ayurvedopedia

Bastikarma is the procedure by which the medicines in suspension form are administered
through rectum or genitourinary tract using Bastiyantra (Specific apparatus). It is the most
important procedure among Panchakarma procedures and the most appropriate remedial measure for Vatadosha.

Bastikarma is the procedure by which the medicines in suspension form are administered through rectum or genitourinary tract using Bastiyantra (Specific apparatus). It is the most important procedure among Panchakarma procedures and the most appropriate remedial measure for Vatadosha.

Materials and Equipments

  • Vastiputaka (Bladder or polythene bag approx. 1.5 Lt. capacity) – 1
  • Vasti netra (Nozzle) – 1
  • Lavatory facilities
  • Others (thread, vessels, churner, heating apparatus, table/ bench, towel, hot water for bath etc.)
  • Medicines- usual ingredients
  • Medicated oils for Abhyanga
  • Swedana Karma materials
  • Medicated oils for Vasti
  • Kwatha (Decoction) & Kalka (Paste) made from prescribed medicines
  • Madhu (Honey)
  • Saindhava (Rock-salt)
  • Man Power-

Types of Basti (Classified into many ways)

According to the nature of medicine used, two types of basti are:
1. Asthapana/Kashaya/ Niruha Basti – Decoction based enema
2. Anuvasana/ Sneha Basti – Oil based enema

Matra (dose) of Basti dravyas

It depends upon age, sex, strength (bala) of the patient and state of Doshas / disease.

Apparatus for Basti

Basti yantra is composed of a Bastiputaka (animal bladder/polythene bag) and Bastinetra or
nozzle made up of metals like gold, silver, copper, etc (Charak Siddhi 3/7).
The length of Bastinetra may be 6 to 12 fingers according to age of the patient (Sushrut Cikitsa 35/8).

NIRUHA BASTI/ KASHAYA BASTI – (DECOCTION ENEMA)

Decoction enema is given before meals (i.e. 8-9 AM) and usually consists of

  • Medicated oil/ghee : 240 ml
  • Madhu (Honey) : 180 ml
  • Decoction made from prescribed drugs: 480 ml
  • Shatahwa kalka : 30 gm
  • Rock-salt : 15 gm

Preparation of Basti dravya

  • Powdered rock-salt is added to honey and stirred in a clean vessel with a pestle.
  • Oil is added to this mixture little by little and again stirred.
  • Then paste of Shatahwa followed by decoction is to be added little by little quantity and mixed properly to make homogenous emulsion, and heated gently in a water bath (slightly above body temperature).
  • This mixture is poured into a Bastiputaka (polythene bag/processed animal bladder) and fixed with Basti Netra (tied by using thread).

Procedure

  • Having undergone Abhyanga and Swedana, the patient is advised to lie down in left lateral position.
  • Little quantity of oil is applied on patient’s anus and nozzle of Basti yantra. The nozzle is gently inserted into the anal canal up to a specific length and Bastiputaka containing mixture is pressed with a uniform pressure.
  • The pressure is continued till only small quantity of fluid remains in the bag (to avoid air insertion).
  • Then the nozzle is removed gently and the patient is allowed to lie down on supine position till he feels urge to excrete.
  • The Basti dravya along with faeces normally comes out within 10 minutes when a full dose of Niruha Basti is given. The maximum time specified for retention of Basti dravya is 48 minutes
  • After evacuation of the bowel, the patient may take hot water bath and semi solid diet.

Usually Niruha Bastis are not to be given alone. Wherever required, Niruha Basti must begiven alternatively with Sneha Basti. Arrangement of Sneha Bastis in the beginning, NiruhaBastis and Sneha Bastis alternatively later followed by Sneha Bastis in the last is done in three specific patterns according to total number of Bastis, the severity of disease and condition of the patient etc.

These are known as:
Karma Basti – 30 in number (12 Niruha, 18 Anuvasana)
Kala Basti – 16 in number (6 Niruha, 10 Anuvasana)
Yoga Basti – 8 in number (3 Niruha, 5 Anuvasana)

Commonly used Basti Yogas

  • Madhutailika basti
  • Bala guduchyadi basti
  • Patolanimbadi basti
  • Vaitarana basti

Indications

  • Neurological disorders – Hemiplegia, Paraplegia, Sciatica, Parkinson’s disease etc.
  • Rheumotological disorders – Gout, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lumbago, OsteoArthritis, Myalgia etc.
  • Digestive disorders
  • Chronic Fever
  • Secondary Amenorrhea

Contraindications

  • Urakshata (Chest Injuries)
  • Krisha (Emaciated body)
  • Amatisara (Diarrhoea with mucus)
  • Chhardi (Vomiting)
  • Kasa (Cough)
  • Shwasa (Asthma)
  • Madhumeha (Diabetes)
  • Arsha (Piles)
  • Shoona Payu (Inflammed Anus)
  • Kritahara Immediately after taking food)
  • Udakodara (Ascitis)
  • Garbhini (Pregnant woman)

SNEHA BASTI – (OIL ENEMA)

Administration of medicated oil through anal /genitourinary route is called Sneha basti. The dosage through anal route may vary from 100 ml to 250ml according to the Doshik predominance, disease condition / patient’s condition etc. The usual time of administration is afternoon immediately after lunch.

Procedure

After Abhyanga and Swedana, the patient is advised to lie down in left lateral position.
The Bastidravya (Sneha) is administered in similar manner as Niruha basti.
As it is a retention enema, the contents should be allowed to retain inside for a minimum period of three hours and all efforts are to be done for the same.
It is not harmful even though it is retained for one day.

Indications

  • Neurological & Arthritic conditions
  • Jeerna Jwara (chronic fevers)

Contraindications

  • Arsha (Piles)
  • Bhagandara (Fistula)
  • Raktapitta (bleeding disorders)
  • Navajwara (Acute fever)
  • Pushpita (menstrual period)
  • Pandu (Anemia)
  • Kamala (Jaundice)
  • Prameha (Diabetes)
  • Peenasa (Sinusitis)
  • Sthoola (Obese)
  • Krimi (Worm infestation)
  • Galganda (Thyroid disorders)
  • Shlipada (Filariasis)
  • Katishoola (backaches)
  • Gridhrasi (Sciatica) and other Vata vyadhis
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