Basti Karma is one of the important Panchakarma Chikitsa procedures. The procedure emphasizes on loosened vata dosha removal out of the body through the rectum. Bati karma treatment includes introduction of medical substances, like decoctions in a liquid medium, herbal oils into the rectum of the person. This is done because vata is predominantly localised in the bones and colon.
In Basti Karma, the herbal concoction prepared from sesame seeds oil are generally used for the procedure. The ailments related to vata can be effectively treated by Basti Karma. It can also cure various other disorders such as sexual disorders, common cold, hyper acidity, constipation, backache, distention, neck pain and kidney ailments.
Types of Basti Karma
There are following main types of Basti Karma –
- Nirhua Basti or Decoction Enema — It is also called Aasthapan Basti . Nirhua Basti treatment is used to treat nervous disorders, arthritic conditions, obstruction of urine, amenorrhoea, infertility and stools and flatus. The procedure is not suitable for weak and malnourished people and also for those suffering from ascites, tuberculosis, peritonitis, dysentery, intestinal obstruction, diabetes, asthma and skin diseases.
- Anuvasan Basti — It is also called Oil Enema. The procedure is advised for the people who cannot take Nirhua Basti treatment. In Anuvasan Basti, warm oil with little amount of herbal decoction is used. The procedure rejuvenates the body. The procedure is not suitable for those suffering from anemia, obesity, piles, intestinal worms and jaundice.
There are also 6 other types of Basti Karma –
- Uttar Basti — It is cleaning of the urinary bladder through a catheter. The procedure clears the birth passage in women through a vaginal douche.
- Yoga Basti — This is a scheduled enema for 1 week duration.
- Matra Basti — It is a procedure of limited oil enema, which is taken daily for 3 or 7 days.
- Kala Basti — This is a scheduled enema for 15 days period.
- Bruhan Basti — This is a nutritional enema.
- Karma Basti — This is a scheduled enema for 1 month period.
Benefits of Basti Karma
Following are some of the benefits of Basti Karma –
- The procedure helps in cleansing and detoxification of the body.
- The mild treatment acts on the superficial level of dhatus, while the strong treatment penetrated deep into the dhatus.
- Basti Karma promotes secretion in the colon and thus ensures a good health.
- It is the best treatment for people suffering from constipation as it enhances the liquefaction of waste products in the colon.
- This procedure increases colonic peristalsis and also produces fast removal of faeces.
Cautions before taking Basti Karma Treatment –
- The procedure should be properly administered to gain benefit.
- If it is not done properly, it can cause various complications.
- If the therapy is not completed properly, patient can experience burning sensation, spasmodic pains, anorexia, anorectal itching, stools blockage and flatus.
- If it is given in excess, it can cause ulceration, anorectal inflammation, weakness, fissure and muscular cramps.
