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.
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 minimised.
This ensures the physiological functioning of most of the visceral
organs.
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.
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.
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.
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 which should be ignored.
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.
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
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 also for normal individuals for
maintaining sound health.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Copyright
© 2006 Dr.Aashish S.Phadke,Mumbai,India
Please
do send your querries to
Dr.Aashish Phadke
on
ayurinstitute@yahoo.com
............
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