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Vata is the main
etiological factor in the manifestation of
diseases. It is the motive force behind the
elimination and retention of feces, urine,
bile and other excreta. Vata is mainly
located in the large intestine, but bone
tissue (asthi dhatu) is also a site for vata.
Hence the medication administered rectally
effects asthi dhatu. The mucus membrane of
the colon is related to the outer covering
of the bones (periosteum), which nourishes
the bones. Therefore, any medication given
rectally goes into the deeper tissues, like
bones, and corrects vata disorders.
There are eight main types of basti,
according to traditional texts, each with
their own indications and contra-indications
as listed below.
1. Anuvasana (oil enema) is used in pure
vata disorders and when a person is having
excess hunger or dryness related to vata
imbalances.
2. Niruha-Asthapana (decoction enema) is
used, among other conditions, for evacuation
of vata, nervous diseases, gastro-intestinal
vata conditions, gout, certain fever
conditions, unconsciousness, certain urinary
conditions, appetite, pain, hyperacidity and
heart diseases.
3. Uttara Basti (through the urethra with
men or vagina with women) is used for
selected semen and ovulation disorders and
for some problems involving painful
urination or bladder infections. This is not
to be used for someone with diabetes.
4. Matra Basti (daily oil enema) is used
by someone emaciated by overwork or too much
exercise, too much heavy lifting, walking
too long of a distance, too much sexual
activity or someone with chronic vata
disorders. It does not need to be
accompanied by any strict dietary
restriction or daily routine and can be
administered, in the appropriate cases, in
all seasons. It gives strength, promotes
weight and helps elimination of waste
products.
5. Karma Basti (schedule of 30 bastis),
6. Kala Basti (schedule of 15 bastis; 10
oil + 5 decoction)
7. Yoga Basti (schedule of 8 bastis; 5
oil + 3 decoction).
In karma, kala and yoga bastis, it is
better to give both types of basti in
combination and not the oil and decoction
separately. The conditions under which these
are recommended are too detailed to be able
to list in this article. In general, the
indications and contra-indications that
apply to basti also apply here.
8. Bruhana Basti (nutritional enema) is
used for providing deep nutrition in select
conditions. Traditionally, highly nutritive
substances have been used, such as warm
milk, meat broth, bone marrow soup and herbs
like shatavari or ashwagandha.
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