PANCHAKARMA TREATMENT

Medicated Enema /Basti

In this purification process medicated oils and decoctions are introduced into the large intestine through the rectum with the help of an enema pot or a bag specially designed for this purpose. The word “Basti” means the urinary bladder. Medicated enema is universally regarded as the most important procedure in Panchakarma therapy since it removes the excess Vata dosha (humor) from the entire body. Medicated enema is mainly of two types.

Niruha or Asthapan Basti: - Also called decoction or cleansing enema Niruha is given usually for purification. In decoction enema salt, honey, oil, paste and decoctions of herbs are used.

Amuvasana or Sneha Basti: - this contains only oil ‘Anuvasana’ means that which remains inside (vas) the body for a long time (anu) without causing harm. Anuvasana is used for tonification and for reducing Vata. Here only sesame oil or medicated sesame oil is used. Vasti is a general tem. In each disease the ingredients will be different to produce sprificdisced when the patients are treated, they are given the different vastis. The selection, combination, consistency differ, according to the condition and which help enable specific effect of disease. In each Panchakarma procedure, this is applicable.

Method of administration:

The physician examines the patient properly and understands the state of aggravated dosha, agni (digestive fire), age, strength, and season and then decides what herbs one must select for the procedure.

The main procedure should be carried out four to six hours after food has been taken and preferably in the morning or the evening. Before basti oil should be applied to the abdomen region and back and then fomentation should be done.

The patient is then asked to lie down with the head low and in the left lateral position. He is asked to extend his left leg, with the right leg taken near the abdomen by folding it. He should keep his left hand below the head.

Then a small amount of oil is applied to the rectum as well as to the nozzle of the basti application. . After this the nozzle is inserted slowly into the rectum and the applicator balloon is squeezed. After all the contents have entered the large intestine, the nozzle is withdrawn. The medicated contents should remain in the intestine for 50 minutes. The patient is then asked to use the bedpan.

Some useful medicated enemas are Madhy tailika basti, ksheera basti, Tikta Basti.

| Panchakarma | Pretreatment | Therapeutic Vomiting  | Purgation Therapy | 
| Medicated Enema | Nasal administration | Blood Letting |