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== Common indications of basti ==

== Common indications of basti ==

Basti is the chief treatment for aggravated or vitiated vata dosha. Although it chiefly acts on vata, it does help to balance vitiated pitta and kapha dosha too based on the selected ingredients in basti preparation. Therefore basti is called as a supreme line of treatment.  

Basti is the chief treatment for aggravated or vitiated vata dosha. Although it chiefly acts on vata, it does help to balance vitiated pitta and kapha dosha as well due to appropriately selected ingredients in basti preparation. Therefore basti is called as a supreme line of treatment.  

Basti is commonly used along with Ayurveda medications. In some instances it can be administered alone.   <blockquote>स्तब्धाश्च ये सङ्कुचिताश्च येऽपि ये पङ्गवो येऽपि च भग्नरुग्णाः| 

Basti is commonly administered along with Ayurveda medications. In some instances it can be recommended alone. In Charaka Samhita, medical conditions in which basti can be used as an emperical treatment are mentioned. Grossly these indications can be grouped in 4 categories.<ref>Charak Smahita (Siddhisthanam Adhyaya 1 Sutra 32-34)</ref>  

Along with these Sushruta Samhita also specifically mentions few medical conditions where basti treatment is beneficial. Therefore, general indications for basti treatment can be compiled as below,  

 

 

 

क्षीणेन्द्रिया ये च नराः कृशाश्च बस्तिः प्रशस्तः परमं च तेषु||३४|| (Char. Smah. 1.32-34)<ref>Charak Smahita (Siddhisthanam Adhyaya 1 Sutra 32-34)</ref></blockquote>तथा ज्वरातीसारतिमिरप्रतिश्यायशिरोरोगाधिमन्थार्दिताक्षेपकपक्षाघातैकाङ्गसर्वाङ्गरोगाध्मानोदर- योनिशूलशर्कराशूलवृद्ध्युपदंशानाहमूत्रकृच्छ्रगुल्मवातशोणितवातमूत्रपुरीषोदावर्त- शुक्रार्तवस्तन्यनाशहृद्धनुमन्याग्रहशर्कराश्मरीमूढगर्भप्रभृतिषु [१] चात्यर्थमुपयुज्यते ||५|| (Su chi 35.5)  

Various health conditions in which basti is recommended are listed below,   

Various health conditions in which basti is recommended are listed below,   

# Vata related disorders in extremities like spasms, sprains, stiffness, pains, fracture etc.<ref name=":0">Charaka Samhita (Siddhisthanam Adhyaya 10 Sutra 9-10)</ref>  

# Vata related disorders in extremities like spasms, sprains, stiffness, pains, fracture etc.<ref name=":0">Charaka Samhita (Siddhisthanam Adhyaya 10 Sutra 9-10)</ref>

# Constipation, bloating, fissure like pain in ano, <ref name=":0" />  

# Constipation, bloating, fissure like pain in ano, <ref name=":0" />

# In heat imbalances within body- to reduce excessive heat or to generate heat whenever required<ref name=":0" />  

# In heat imbalances within body- to reduce excessive heat or to generate heat whenever required<ref name=":0" />

# Gulma - tumour like growths causing pain in abdomen<ref name=":1">Charaka Samhita (Siddhisthanam Adhyaya 10 Sutra 44-45)</ref>  

# Gulma - tumour like growths causing pain in abdomen<ref name=":1">Charaka Samhita (Siddhisthanam Adhyaya 10 Sutra 44-45)</ref>

# Atisara- diarrhoea<ref name=":1" />  

# Atisara- diarrhoea<ref name=":1" />

# Udawarta - Reflux like disorders<ref name=":1" />  

# Udawarta - Reflux like disorders<ref name=":1" /> due to forceful suppression of excretion of urine, stools or flatus

# Diseases of any body part causing stiffness or spasm or restricted range of movements<ref name=":1" />  

# Diseases of any body part causing stiffness or spasm or restricted range of movements<ref name=":1" />

# Colicky pain associated with renal calculi, hernia, bloating<ref name=":4" />

In addition to this, there could be many other illnesses that are not mentioned here, but, after assessment, a vaidya may feel that basti would be beneficial. In such cases basti helps to balance aggravated vata which could be possibly exacerbating the actual illness.  

In addition to this, there could be many other illnesses that are not mentioned here, but, after assessment, a vaidya may feel that basti would be beneficial. In such cases basti helps to balance aggravated vata which could be possibly exacerbating the actual illness.  

=== Indications for niruha basti ===

=== Indications for niruha basti ===

There are certain conditions in which niruha basti is recommended.<ref name=":2">Charaka Samhita (Siddhisthanam Adhyaya 2 Sutra 16-19)</ref> These are follows,

There are certain conditions in which specifically niruha basti is recommended.<ref name=":2">Charaka Samhita (Siddhisthanam Adhyaya 2 Sutra 16-19)</ref> These are follows,

# Diseases having generalized (all over the body) presentation OR paralysis

# Diseases having generalized (all over the body) presentation OR paralysis

# Diseases restricted to a certain part of the body

# Diseases restrictedto a certain part of the body

# Diseases related to the organs in flanks and abdomen

# Diseases related to the organs in flanks and abdomen

# Obstruction in the flow of flatus, feces, urine or semen

# Obstruction in the flow of flatus, feces, urine or semen

== How basti is absorbed in the body ==

== How basti is absorbed in the body ==

Basti is administered per rectally like an enema. According to Ayurveda, the administered basti reaches the pakwashaya (part of large intestine) of gut. This is known to be the chief site of vata dosha in body. Vata can perform the function of Shoshana (absorption) with its ruksha (dry) [[Gunas or Qualities : An Ayurvedic perspective (आयुर्वेदे गुणाः)|guna]]. Thus basti ingredients are absorbed by vata in pakwashaya. However Ayurveda scholars opine that the action of basti occurs due to its [[Veeryam (वीर्यम्)|Veeryam]] irrespective of its retention inside body. This veeryam is circulated or transported all over the body by Apana vata, Vyana vata Udana vata etc which are different 5 types of [[Doshas (दोषाः)|vata doshas]] active in specific part of body and responsible for movements in specific direction inside body. <blockquote>स चापि सहसा बस्तिः केवलः समलोऽपि वा |

Basti is administered per rectally like an enema. According to Ayurveda, the administered basti reaches the pakwashaya (part of large intestine) of gut. This is known to be the chief site of vata dosha in body. Vata can perform the function of Shoshana (absorption) with its ruksha (dry) [[Gunas or Qualities : An Ayurvedic perspective (आयुर्वेदे गुणाः)|guna]]. Thus basti ingredients are absorbed by vata in pakwashaya. However Ayurveda scholars opine that the action of basti occurs due to its [[Veeryam (वीर्यम्)|Veeryam]] irrespective of its retention inside body. This veeryam is circulated or transported all over the body by Apana vata, Vyana vata Udana vata etc which are among 5 types of [[Doshas (दोषाः)|vata doshas]] active in specific part of body and responsible for movements in specific direction inside body.<ref name=":5" /> <blockquote>स चापि सहसा बस्तिः केवलः समलोऽपि वा |

प्रत्येति वीर्यं त्वनिलैरपानाद्यैर्विनीयते ||२६|| (Sush. Samh. 35.26)<ref>Sushruta Samhita (Chikitsasthanam Adhyaya 35 Sutra 26)</ref>

प्रत्येति वीर्यं त्वनिलैरपानाद्यैर्विनीयते ॥ (Sush. Samh. 35.26)<ref name=":5">Sushruta Samhita (Chikitsasthanam Adhyaya 35 Sutra 26)</ref>

वीर्येण बस्तिरादत्ते दोषानापादमस्तकात्” (सु.चि.अ.३५) इति</blockquote>Basti contains decoction of herbs, oil, ghee, honey, salt and similar ingredients. Lipid soluble drugs in basti are absorbed by passive diffusion and some of the active ingredients are absorbed through active transport. The bioavailability of the drug i.e the part of the drug which is able to produce an active effect on the body, will be higher when given as Basti.  

वीर्येण बस्तिरादत्ते दोषानापादमस्तकात्” (सु.चि.अ.३५) इति</blockquote>Basti contains decoction of herbs, oil, ghee, honey, salt and similar ingredients. Lipid soluble drugs in basti are absorbed by passive diffusion and some of the active ingredients are absorbed through active transport. The bioavailability of the drug i.e the part of the drug which is able to produce an active effect on the body, will be higher when given as Basti.  

== Mode of Action of Basti ==

== Mode of Action of Basti ==

Ayurveda was passed on through oral and then written tradition from thousands of years. In those times, the objective parameters and technology were not developed to the extent they are today. It is belived that the ancient scholars acquired knowledge about all the internal body processes through yogaja siddhi pratyaksha jnanam. However in the lack of objective parameters it was difficult  

Ayurveda was passed on through oral and then written tradition from thousands of years. In those times, the objective parameters and technology were not developed to the extent they are today. It is believed that the ancient scholars acquired knowledge about all the internal body processes through yogaja pratyaksha jnanam (innate superior intelligence developed through yogic nature). However in the lack of objective parameters it was difficult to show other disciples and teach them bodily processes. This limitation was overcome with the unique approach of explaining the complex subjects by giving the similes which are commonly seen in day to day life to understand the subject easily. Similies were used to explain complex mechanisms in the physiology, pathology (Symptomatology) and in the therapeutic measures. The same is true in the case of Basti also.

Ayurveda is having its unique approach of explaining the complex subjects by giving the similes which are commonly seen in day to day life to understand the subject easily. Similes were used, because the objective parameters were not developed to an extent as they are today. Similies were used to explain complex mechanisms in the physiology, pathology (Symptomatology) and in the therapeutic measures. The same is true in the case of Basti also.  

* The mechanism of action of basti in eliminative or purificative action is explained in siddhisthanam of charaka samhita. It is stated that disease causing [[Doshas (दोषाः)|doshas]] or [[Malas (मलाः)|malas]] from all over the body are drawn into the pakwashaya (part of large intestine or gut) through basti just like the sun situated in the sky drwas moisture from earth by virtue of its heat. <ref name=":6">Charaka Samhita (Siddhisthanam Adhyaya 7 Sutra 64-65)</ref>

* Why only the waste substance (Mala) is eliminated. This is explained by another simile i.e. As the cloth sucks up the pigment only from the water dyed with flower, similarly Basti eliminates only the Mala (waste substances) from the body.<ref name=":6" />

* Although the basti is administered in Pakwashaya it imparts action all over the body. The reason behind such widespread action of basti has been explained by Acharya Sushruta with the help of a simile again. It is stated that, basti in pakwashaya can reach whole body through strotasas (channels of transportation in body) just like the tree watered at the roots can reach every part of the tree. <ref>Sushruta Samhita (Chikitsasthanam Adhyaya 35 Sutra 25)</ref>

* The steps involved in the action of basti inside the body are explained by Acharya Charaka. He explains,

Eliminative or purificative action of the Basti Acharya Charaka explained in Siddhi Sthana (7/64) that the Basti administered to the Pakvashaya draws the Dosha/Mala from all over the body from the foot to the head by virtue of its Virya, just as the sun situated in the sky draws the moisture from the earth by virtue of its heat.

<blockquote>नाभिप्रदेशं कटिपार्श्वकुक्षिं गत्वा शकृद्दोषचयं विलोड्य  ॥ संस्नेह्य कायं सपुरीषदोषः सम्यक् सुखेनैति च यः स बस्तिः ॥ (Char. Samh. 1.40-41)<ref>Charaka Samhita (Siddhisthanam Adhyaya 1 Sutram 40-41)</ref>

Why only the waste substance (Mala) is eliminated. This is explained by another simile in Charaka Siddhi (7/65). i.e. As the cloth sucks up the pigment only from the water dyed with flower, similarly Basti eliminates only the Mala (waste substances) from the body.

Meaning: The therapy that while moving in umbilical region, lumbar region, sides of the chest and pelvic regions churns up stool including all the other morbid matter located there and appropriately eliminates them with ease after oleating the body is called basti</blockquote>

* The vata dosha present in this part controls all the activities in the body including movement of other 2 doshas namely kapha and pitta. Therefore basti which directly acts on vata at this site has the capacity to impart effect on all the activities in the body occurring under the control of all 3 doshas mainly vata. It is therefore said that Basti works as plant watered at its root & then root circulate it in all branches.<ref>Sushruta Samhita (Chikitsasthanam Adhyaya 35 Sutram 24-25)</ref>  It has also been described as Ardha Chikitsa<ref>Charaka Samhita (Siddhisthanam Adhyaya 1 Sutram 39)</ref>  i.e. half the treatment for management of diseases.

 

संस्नेह्य कायं सपुरीषदोषः सम्यक् सुखेनैति च यः स बस्तिः [२] |४१|</blockquote>The vata dosha present in this part controls all the activities in the body including movement of other 2 doshas namely kapha and pitta. Therefore basti which directly acts on vata at this site has the capacity to impart effect on all the activities in the body occurring under the control of all 3 doshas mainly vata. It is therefore said that Basti works as plant watered at its root & then root circulate it in all branches.<ref>Sushruta Samhita (Chikitsasthanam Adhyaya 35 Sutram 24-25)</ref>  It has also been described as Ardha Chikitsa<ref>Charaka Samhita (Siddhisthanam Adhyaya 1 Sutram 39)</ref>  i.e. half the treatment for management of diseases.

== Basti - A Supreme Line Of Treatment ==

== Basti - A Supreme Line Of Treatment ==

Basti is called as supreme line of treatment in Ayurveda. It is one among the 5 [[Panchakarmas (पञ्चकर्माणि)|Panchakarmas]]. By virtue of its broad spectrum action it is believed to the most important among panchakarmas. Charaka Samhita praised Basti treatment as the half the treatment or even complete treatment for illnesses.

 

ये सन्ति तेषां न हि कश्चिदन्यो वायोः परं जन्मनि हेतुरस्ति||३८||

तस्यातिवृद्धस्य शमाय नान्यद्बस्तिं विना भेषजमस्ति किञ्चित्||३९||

<blockquote>शाखागताः कोष्ठगताश्च रोगा मर्मोर्ध्वसर्वावयवाङ्गजाश्च| ये सन्ति तेषां न हि कश्चिदन्यो वायोः परं जन्मनि हेतुरस्ति||३८||

तस्माच्चिकित्सार्धमिति ब्रुवन्ति सर्वां चिकित्सामपि बस्तिमेके|४०| Cha si 1

विण्मूत्रपित्तादिमलाशयानां विक्षेपसङ्घातकरः स यस्मात्| तस्यातिवृद्धस्य शमाय नान्यद्बस्तिं विना भेषजमस्ति किञ्चित्||३९||

It is the Best threapy to regulate the Vata Dosha which is the chief governing force behind all the physiological and pathological processes both in the body and the mind. (Cha. Su.12/8, 17/118, 25/40,

तस्माच्चिकित्सार्धमिति ब्रुवन्ति सर्वां चिकित्सामपि बस्तिमेके|४०| Cha si 1</blockquote>

Cha.Si. 1/38- 39, 10/17, 18).

* Moreover, Basti is fast acting and quickly restores the balance by nourishing or cleansing activitiy without adverse effects. Thus is effective and safe at the same time. Therefore Basti holds special place in Panchakarma and all the treatment modalities in Ayurveda.  

It performs both the Upakramas viz. Langhana and Brumhana and can provide the benefit of whole of the Panchakarma by virtue of its specific type and different drugs utilised in it. (Cha.Si.11/16, 3/6 ).

<blockquote>कर्मान्यद्बस्तिसमं न विद्यते शीघ्रसुखविशोधित्वात्| आश्वपतर्पणतर्पणयोगाच्च निरत्ययत्वाच्च||५|| (Char.Samh. Siddhi 10.5)</blockquote>

It acts as both Samsodhana and Samsamana (Su. Ci. 35/3,4) It provides immediate strength; hence it is a supreme line of treatment, particularly in children and aged persons (Cha.Si 11/36).

* It is the Best threapy to regulate the Vata Dosha which is the chief governing force behind all the physiological and pathological processes both in the body and the mind. (Cha. Su.12/8, 17/118, 25/40,

It can be used in almost all the diseases by using specific drugs indicated in that disease condition (Ca. Si. 10/4, Su. Ci. 38/111)

Cha.Si. 1/38- 39, 10/17, 18).

 

 

 

There is no treatment equivalent to Basti in the protection of the Marmasthi and Sandhi in the management of their affliction, which are considered as vital parts in the body (Cha. Si. 9/7).

It eliminates the Doshas/Mala accumulated in the whole body; in turn alleviates the disease (Cha. Si. 1/28).

* It eliminates the Doshas/Mala accumulated in the whole body; in turn alleviates the disease (Cha. Si. 1/28).

=== Benefits of different types of basti ===

=== Benefits of different types of basti ===