Difference between revisions of "Basti in Panchakarma (पंचकर्मसु बस्तिः )"
DrDevashree (talk | contribs) (Adding content (to be edited)) |
DrDevashree (talk | contribs) |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
{{NeedCitation}}{{ToBeEdited}} | {{NeedCitation}}{{ToBeEdited}} | ||
| − | Basti is the samskrit term which | + | Basti (बस्तिः) is the samskrit term which means urinary bladder. Ayurveda considers basti as one of the 3 chief vital organs of humans. When the term basti is used in reference to Panchakarma procedures of Ayurveda, it refers to the procedure of giving medicated enema. In this panchakarma procedure, medicated oils or decoctions or combination of multiple medicated ingredients is done and the fluid is administered per rectally. In this article a brief account on the panchakarma procedure basti has been given. |
== Introduction == | == Introduction == | ||
| − | Basti is one of the | + | Ayurveda has categorized the [[Chikitsa (चिकित्सा)|chikitsa]] (treatment) into 2 main types. Pacification of aggravated doshas with the help of medicines means Shamanam (शमनम्) while eliminating the excessively aggravated doshas out of the body through Panchakarma procedures is called as shodhanam (शोधनम्). Basti, the prime treatment in shodhana is considered as one of the most important treatments for many diseases according to Ayurvedic classical literature. It is the best treatment modality for all types of vata diseases. The route of administration of basti ensures the entry of medicines directly into the pakwashaya (part of large intestine) which is believed to be the chief site of Vata dosha in body. Thus the basti directly acts on the site of vata and facilitates easy control or pacification of vitiated vata. Thus classically it is advocated in the diseases of vata. According to the classical texts basti administration is done with the help of animal urinary bladder and specially prepared metal/wooden nozzle/catheter, the whole assembly is called as basti-yantra i.e. Tool for basti. As basti is basically a receptacle having soft and elastic nature, it was used as an instrument for drug administration with a constant pressure. |
| − | |||
| − | |||
== Etymology == | == Etymology == | ||
| − | + | According to Vachaspathyam the word “Basti” is derived from the root “Vas” by adding “Tich” Pratyaya and it belongs to masculine gender. | |
| − | + | If the function of basti in the body is observed, it is understood that, bladder is that organ which collects waste liquid from all over the body up to certain capacity and then throws it all at one time not continuously. Thus basti has capacity to store and then expel out in a particular fashion which makes it suitable organ for giving basti. In the basti procedures, multiple ingredients are mixed in a specific manner, stored for little time and then the resultant mixture is administered. | |
== Types == | == Types == | ||
| − | + | Basti is categorized into 3 main types by Acharya Vagbhata. In Ashtanga hrudayam, 3 types of basti have been mentioned as below, | |
| − | Niruha basti, | + | # Niruha basti : The type of basti where decoction is the major part is called as asthapana basti or niruha basti. In Niruha Basti/ Aasthaapana Basti, decoction of medicinal plants is the main content wherein other ingredients like honey, salt, lipids & other drugs are incorporated to form a colloid or a suspension. Word Niruha, indicates “To eliminate” or eliminate morbid Doshas or Disease from body, & its synonym word “Asthapan” indicates “establish life span & age (Su.Chi 35/38). |
| + | # Anuvasana basti : Basti in which major part of plain or medicated oil is used is called as ''anuvasana''. The word Anuvasan indicates “To stay”, the administrated medicines stay inside for a longer duration, but still do not cause any untoward problem | ||
| + | # Uttar basti : The basti administered through different route (Uttara:next) i.e. through urethral opening in males and vaginal orifice in females is called as uttara basti. In this type of basti also chiefly oil or ghee is used as a drug. | ||
| − | + | Other common basti types include following bastis, | |
| − | + | # Yapana basti: Basti indicated for strengthening, longevity, maintenance of health etc. Milk, broth, ghee, oil etc are common ingredients. | |
| + | # Ksheera basti: Milk is the major ingredient. ALong with milk, ghee, oil, honey can be used. | ||
| + | # Matra basti: Type of anuvasana basti wherein medicated or plain oil is administered like anuvasana basti but the quantity of the oil is very less as compared to it. | ||
| − | Basti | + | == Common indications of basti == |
| + | Basti is the chief treatment for aggravated vitiated vata dosha. Although it chiefly acts on vata, it does help to balance vitiated pitta and kapha too based on the selected ingredients. Therefore basti is called as ardha chikitsa or a supreme line of treatment. | ||
| − | + | Basti is commonly used alone or along with Ayurveda medication, in all Vata Vyadhi (neurological disorders) & is also indicated in various diseases as Anaha (Abdominal spasmodic Pain), Malavrodha (Constipation), Rajokshaya (Amenorrhea), Adhmana (Distended painful Abdomen), Vatarakta (Gout), Pleeha (splenomegaly), Parshva graham (Slipped Disc), Prishta graham (Spondylosis), Akshepaka (a type of vata disorder like convulsions) etc. It is also used for increasing weight in emaciated peoples (by Brihan Basti) & to reduce weight in obese (by Lekhan Basti). | |
| − | + | ||
| + | == How basti is given in today's times == | ||
| + | Nowadays, except in some of the Vaidya traditions in Kerala, basti administration is often done using enema-can or douche-set. In the aforesaid classical procedure active pressure is expected to be given on the bastiputaka whereas, in conventionally used enema-can only passive or gravitational force plays a role.It can also be used in children as well but with utmost care under physician’s supervision. | ||
== How basti is absorbed in body == | == How basti is absorbed in body == | ||
| Line 32: | Line 37: | ||
== Mode of Action of Basti == | == Mode of Action of Basti == | ||
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. A) 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. 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. B) Systemic action of the Basti Acharaya Sushruta explained in Chikitsa Sthana (36/25) that the Virya of the drugs administered through the Basti into the Pakvasaya reaches the whole body through the channels (Srotas), as the active principles in the water when poured at the root of the tree reaches the whole plant. | 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. A) 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. 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. B) Systemic action of the Basti Acharaya Sushruta explained in Chikitsa Sthana (36/25) that the Virya of the drugs administered through the Basti into the Pakvasaya reaches the whole body through the channels (Srotas), as the active principles in the water when poured at the root of the tree reaches the whole plant. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Basti have been categorised into various types according to type of ingredients action of Basti & number of Basti. Medicines/ ingredients used in Basti Karma are selected as per the condition of disease & condition of the patient. | ||
== Basti - A Supreme Line Of Treatment == | == Basti - A Supreme Line Of Treatment == | ||
Revision as of 21:00, 6 December 2021
 |
This article needs appropriate citations and references.
Improvise this article by introducing references to reliable sources. |
 |
This article needs editing.
Add and improvise the content from reliable sources. |
Basti (बस्तिः) is the samskrit term which means urinary bladder. Ayurveda considers basti as one of the 3 chief vital organs of humans. When the term basti is used in reference to Panchakarma procedures of Ayurveda, it refers to the procedure of giving medicated enema. In this panchakarma procedure, medicated oils or decoctions or combination of multiple medicated ingredients is done and the fluid is administered per rectally. In this article a brief account on the panchakarma procedure basti has been given.
Introduction
Ayurveda has categorized the chikitsa (treatment) into 2 main types. Pacification of aggravated doshas with the help of medicines means Shamanam (शमनम्) while eliminating the excessively aggravated doshas out of the body through Panchakarma procedures is called as shodhanam (शोधनम्). Basti, the prime treatment in shodhana is considered as one of the most important treatments for many diseases according to Ayurvedic classical literature. It is the best treatment modality for all types of vata diseases. The route of administration of basti ensures the entry of medicines directly into the pakwashaya (part of large intestine) which is believed to be the chief site of Vata dosha in body. Thus the basti directly acts on the site of vata and facilitates easy control or pacification of vitiated vata. Thus classically it is advocated in the diseases of vata. According to the classical texts basti administration is done with the help of animal urinary bladder and specially prepared metal/wooden nozzle/catheter, the whole assembly is called as basti-yantra i.e. Tool for basti. As basti is basically a receptacle having soft and elastic nature, it was used as an instrument for drug administration with a constant pressure.
Etymology
According to Vachaspathyam the word “Basti” is derived from the root “Vas” by adding “Tich” Pratyaya and it belongs to masculine gender.
If the function of basti in the body is observed, it is understood that, bladder is that organ which collects waste liquid from all over the body up to certain capacity and then throws it all at one time not continuously. Thus basti has capacity to store and then expel out in a particular fashion which makes it suitable organ for giving basti. In the basti procedures, multiple ingredients are mixed in a specific manner, stored for little time and then the resultant mixture is administered.
Types
Basti is categorized into 3 main types by Acharya Vagbhata. In Ashtanga hrudayam, 3 types of basti have been mentioned as below,
- Niruha basti : The type of basti where decoction is the major part is called as asthapana basti or niruha basti. In Niruha Basti/ Aasthaapana Basti, decoction of medicinal plants is the main content wherein other ingredients like honey, salt, lipids & other drugs are incorporated to form a colloid or a suspension. Word Niruha, indicates “To eliminate” or eliminate morbid Doshas or Disease from body, & its synonym word “Asthapan” indicates “establish life span & age (Su.Chi 35/38).
- Anuvasana basti : Basti in which major part of plain or medicated oil is used is called as anuvasana. The word Anuvasan indicates “To stay”, the administrated medicines stay inside for a longer duration, but still do not cause any untoward problem
- Uttar basti : The basti administered through different route (Uttara:next) i.e. through urethral opening in males and vaginal orifice in females is called as uttara basti. In this type of basti also chiefly oil or ghee is used as a drug.
Other common basti types include following bastis,
- Yapana basti: Basti indicated for strengthening, longevity, maintenance of health etc. Milk, broth, ghee, oil etc are common ingredients.
- Ksheera basti: Milk is the major ingredient. ALong with milk, ghee, oil, honey can be used.
- Matra basti: Type of anuvasana basti wherein medicated or plain oil is administered like anuvasana basti but the quantity of the oil is very less as compared to it.
Common indications of basti
Basti is the chief treatment for aggravated vitiated vata dosha. Although it chiefly acts on vata, it does help to balance vitiated pitta and kapha too based on the selected ingredients. Therefore basti is called as ardha chikitsa or a supreme line of treatment.
Basti is commonly used alone or along with Ayurveda medication, in all Vata Vyadhi (neurological disorders) & is also indicated in various diseases as Anaha (Abdominal spasmodic Pain), Malavrodha (Constipation), Rajokshaya (Amenorrhea), Adhmana (Distended painful Abdomen), Vatarakta (Gout), Pleeha (splenomegaly), Parshva graham (Slipped Disc), Prishta graham (Spondylosis), Akshepaka (a type of vata disorder like convulsions) etc. It is also used for increasing weight in emaciated peoples (by Brihan Basti) & to reduce weight in obese (by Lekhan Basti).
How basti is given in today's times
Nowadays, except in some of the Vaidya traditions in Kerala, basti administration is often done using enema-can or douche-set. In the aforesaid classical procedure active pressure is expected to be given on the bastiputaka whereas, in conventionally used enema-can only passive or gravitational force plays a role.It can also be used in children as well but with utmost care under physician’s supervision.
How basti is absorbed in body
Lipid soluble drugs 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. As per Ayurvedic classics Basti works as plant watered at its root & then root circulate it in all branches (su.ch.35/24-25). It has also been described as Ardha Chikitsa (Ch.si.1/39). i.e. half treatment for management of diseases.
Mode of Action of Basti
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. A) 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. 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. B) Systemic action of the Basti Acharaya Sushruta explained in Chikitsa Sthana (36/25) that the Virya of the drugs administered through the Basti into the Pakvasaya reaches the whole body through the channels (Srotas), as the active principles in the water when poured at the root of the tree reaches the whole plant.
Basti have been categorised into various types according to type of ingredients action of Basti & number of Basti. Medicines/ ingredients used in Basti Karma are selected as per the condition of disease & condition of the patient.
Basti - A Supreme Line Of Treatment
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,
Cha.Si. 1/38- 39, 10/17, 18).
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 ).
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 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)
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).