Basti (medicated enema)
Basti
Considered the single most important treatment for Vata, basti introduces medicated oils or decoctions rectally to cleanse and nourish the colon and settle Vata.
reduces Vataneutral for Pittaneutral for Kapha
What it involves
A practitioner administers medicated oil (anuvasana) or herbal decoction (niruha) as an enema, often in a course, with specific diet and rest.
Traditionally used for
- chronic Vata disorders
- constipation
- low-back and joint issues (per assessment)
- nervous-system support
Contraindications & cautions
- diarrhea
- rectal bleeding
- pregnancy
- acute abdominal conditions
- practitioner-only
Questions to ask a practitioner
- Which type of basti suits me?
- How many in a course?
Evidence notes
Central classical Vata therapy; requires trained administration.
Classical sources
- Charaka Samhita — Siddhisthana — basti (foremost vata therapy)
- Ashtanga Hridayam — Sutrasthana 19 — Basti vidhi
Educational information about Ayurveda — not a medical diagnosis or treatment. Consult a qualified professional before starting any herb, supplement, or therapy.