Preparation for Basti (Ayurvedic Enema’s)
If you have done enema’s before you can give yourself 3 days of alternating enema’s to balance Vata. The first and third will be oil retention bastis (anuvasana basti).
Oil Enema:
This is a small amount of oil and could be called an “implant” as opposed to an enema. You will use 2-3 ounces of sesame oil. This oil is mostly to tone the colon and, by doing so, tones the whole gastrointestinal tract. By using oil before and after the decoction it will coat and protect your colon.
and it is best if it is held overnight.
Preparation:
This procedure is best done 4 to 6 hrs after a meal or in the morning. Bowel and bladder must be evacuated prior to the treatment. If possible give yourself a light belly massage with warm oil then put a hot water-bottle on your tummy for 10 minutes.
You will need a 2-3 ounce (60 ml) syringe, a rectal tube or enema bulb, 2 ounces (50 ml) of organic cold pressed sesame oil
Directions for use:
Day 9 - Oil retention enema with small amount of oil as per procedure above. You can do this in the morning or if find that it is easy to retain you can do the basti at bedtime and hold overnight.
Day 10 - Large decoction enema.
You will give yourself one decoction, cleansing enema. This is called nirooha basti.
· To make this decoction purchase dashmoola powder (you can get it online at Banyan Botanicals) Boil 1 tablespoon of the herb in a pint of water for 5 minutes. Let the liquid cool and strain through a coffee filter.
· You will use 1 ½- 2 cups of the dashmoola tea. Warm it on the stove before use to a little warmer than tepid.
· It is easiest to use an enema bag for this procedure. You will need the enema bag, the warmed decoction, some lubricant (sesame oil) and a towel and/or rags.
· Lie on your left side and slowly infuse the fluid into your rectum. The ancient text says to hold the fluid for “48” minutes. Between 30 to 60 minutes is great. Holding the decoction for the prescribed amount of time is more important than the amount of fluid. So, if you have infused 1 cup and you feel that you can’t hold any more, then stop there. Usually the feeling of needing to evacuate your bowels will go away in a few minutes and you will be fine. Some patients have told me that leaving the rectal probe in position for the time that you need to hold the enema makes it easier to hold. Sometimes removing the probe makes you feel that you must release the fluid. Just continue lying on your left side and read or something. When the time is up for holding this basti, you should evacuate it completely. If for some reason you cannot have a bowel movement at that time you may need to take castor oil in order to initiate a release
Day 11 - Oil retention enema. You will end with the oil retention enema
To purchase
· Enema bag
· 2-3 ounce syringe type applicator or enema bulb
· Sesame oil
· Dashmula powder
What are Ayurvedic Bastis "Basti" literally means bag/container/bladder. In ancient times, sterilized urinary bladders of animals were used to instill the enema, hence the name of the procedure is Basti Karma.
Ayurvedic Basti clean or heal the lower part of the body (below umbilical part). The toxins (ama) accumulated in the lower part of the body or the toxins pushed to the colon, urinary tract or reproductive tract by previous ayurvedic procedures like Oil-therapy (snehan) or Sweat-therapy (swedan) can be cleared with bastis.
An Ayurvedic Basti has significant multiple effects and hence cannot be compared with contemporary enema, which is used for bowel cleansing or nutritive therapies. Though Basti practices directly affect the colon they are much more than a localized, symptomatic treatment. In administration, effects and intent the Basti differs significantly from Enema and Colonic treatments which only address the eliminative capacity of the colon.
The Basti procedure restores the balance of the doshas (physiological principles) in particular Vata (action, communication, movement). It increases weight in emaciated people, decreases weight in the obese, improves vision, prevents aging, brings back lustre strength, and improves longevity. It can relieve Vata disorders such as constipation, distention, colds, sexual disorders, kidney stones, heart pain, backache, sciatica and other pains in the joints. Many other Vata disorders such as arthritis, rheumatism, gout, muscle spasms and headaches may also be treated with Basti.
Basti is effective for most of the digestive disorders like dry colon, dry rectum condition and the tendency towards constipation resulting from such conditions. It also provides relief in conditions like distention of abdomen, flatulence, spastic colon, dryness of digestive tract observed in chronic fever, etc. Body debility, senile debility, impaired immunity, muscular dystrophy and bed ridden conditions like paralysis can also be treated by Basti. Basti can also be used to give some energy supplementation to the body, as the mucous membrane of the rectal canal is a semi permeable membrane.
Types of basti:
Basti is generally contraindicated in all types of diarrheas, dysenteries, rectal bleeding, diabetes, severe anemia, hypoproteinaemia, breathlessness associated with any problem and pulmonary tuberculosis (raj-yakshma). It is also contraindicated in infantile problems and senile debility.
Contra-indications for Nirooha Basti
Pregnancy (unless specified by physician), Children under 10 yrs, after meals, after sex, dysentery, internal obstruction, after vomiting or purging, if too tired, exhausted, serious skin disease, urinary disorder, intoxicated states, piles, anorexia, psychosis, dryness of throat, anal inflammation, edema, malnutrition, weakness, accumulation of fluid, peritonitis, and diabetes.
Contra-indications for Anuvasan Basti
In addition to the contraindication of Nirooha basti. Anuvasan is contraindicated in; anemia, jaundice, piles, fever, diarrhea, poisoning, emaciation, enlargement of the spleen, chronic catarrhal inflammation of the nasal mucous membrane, and fasting.
Complications of Basti therapy
When Basti therapy is incomplete, spasmodic pains, burning sensation, ano-rectal itching, pain, anorexia, blockage of stools and gas can be increased. If given in excess, it can cause ano-rectal inflammation and ulceration, fissure, weakness, and muscular cramps.
For pain in abdomen after Basti, massage the abdomen gently with Mahanarayan oil.
For headache experienced immediately after Basti, a gentle head and forehead massage followed by Ginger tea can be given. This can be followed by Nasya (special ayurvedic treatment to cleanse the sinus area)
If liquids are not expelled after 48 minutes another Basti treatment is prescribed with warm water (100F) and fomentation to the lower back and abdomen. Warm water can also be consumed. If complications arise fast acting purgatives (eg Castor oil with warm water or prune juice) must be administered immediately to expel loosened toxins from the colon.
Oil Enema:
This is a small amount of oil and could be called an “implant” as opposed to an enema. You will use 2-3 ounces of sesame oil. This oil is mostly to tone the colon and, by doing so, tones the whole gastrointestinal tract. By using oil before and after the decoction it will coat and protect your colon.
and it is best if it is held overnight.
Preparation:
This procedure is best done 4 to 6 hrs after a meal or in the morning. Bowel and bladder must be evacuated prior to the treatment. If possible give yourself a light belly massage with warm oil then put a hot water-bottle on your tummy for 10 minutes.
You will need a 2-3 ounce (60 ml) syringe, a rectal tube or enema bulb, 2 ounces (50 ml) of organic cold pressed sesame oil
Directions for use:
- Connect the rectal tube to the syringe or enema bulb.
- Pour 50 ml of lukewarm oil in a glass, suck the oil into the syringe by putting the tip into the oil and pulling on the syringe handle.
- Place the tubing on the syringe (the tube is not necessary but will make the process easier)
- Turn the syringe and tube with the tip up and slowly push any air out of the tube.
- Lie on your left side with the left lower leg straight and the right leg flexed at the knee and at the hip joint.
- The Anus and the tip of the rectal tube should be lubricated with sesame oil.
- Carefully insert the rectal tube (about 5 cm) or the syringe.
- If you feel the urge to defecate remove the tube go release the urge and start the process again.
- Then slowly and steadily inject the oil.
- Stay lying on the side for 15 minutes before getting up.
Day 9 - Oil retention enema with small amount of oil as per procedure above. You can do this in the morning or if find that it is easy to retain you can do the basti at bedtime and hold overnight.
Day 10 - Large decoction enema.
You will give yourself one decoction, cleansing enema. This is called nirooha basti.
· To make this decoction purchase dashmoola powder (you can get it online at Banyan Botanicals) Boil 1 tablespoon of the herb in a pint of water for 5 minutes. Let the liquid cool and strain through a coffee filter.
· You will use 1 ½- 2 cups of the dashmoola tea. Warm it on the stove before use to a little warmer than tepid.
· It is easiest to use an enema bag for this procedure. You will need the enema bag, the warmed decoction, some lubricant (sesame oil) and a towel and/or rags.
· Lie on your left side and slowly infuse the fluid into your rectum. The ancient text says to hold the fluid for “48” minutes. Between 30 to 60 minutes is great. Holding the decoction for the prescribed amount of time is more important than the amount of fluid. So, if you have infused 1 cup and you feel that you can’t hold any more, then stop there. Usually the feeling of needing to evacuate your bowels will go away in a few minutes and you will be fine. Some patients have told me that leaving the rectal probe in position for the time that you need to hold the enema makes it easier to hold. Sometimes removing the probe makes you feel that you must release the fluid. Just continue lying on your left side and read or something. When the time is up for holding this basti, you should evacuate it completely. If for some reason you cannot have a bowel movement at that time you may need to take castor oil in order to initiate a release
Day 11 - Oil retention enema. You will end with the oil retention enema
To purchase
· Enema bag
· 2-3 ounce syringe type applicator or enema bulb
· Sesame oil
· Dashmula powder
What are Ayurvedic Bastis "Basti" literally means bag/container/bladder. In ancient times, sterilized urinary bladders of animals were used to instill the enema, hence the name of the procedure is Basti Karma.
Ayurvedic Basti clean or heal the lower part of the body (below umbilical part). The toxins (ama) accumulated in the lower part of the body or the toxins pushed to the colon, urinary tract or reproductive tract by previous ayurvedic procedures like Oil-therapy (snehan) or Sweat-therapy (swedan) can be cleared with bastis.
An Ayurvedic Basti has significant multiple effects and hence cannot be compared with contemporary enema, which is used for bowel cleansing or nutritive therapies. Though Basti practices directly affect the colon they are much more than a localized, symptomatic treatment. In administration, effects and intent the Basti differs significantly from Enema and Colonic treatments which only address the eliminative capacity of the colon.
The Basti procedure restores the balance of the doshas (physiological principles) in particular Vata (action, communication, movement). It increases weight in emaciated people, decreases weight in the obese, improves vision, prevents aging, brings back lustre strength, and improves longevity. It can relieve Vata disorders such as constipation, distention, colds, sexual disorders, kidney stones, heart pain, backache, sciatica and other pains in the joints. Many other Vata disorders such as arthritis, rheumatism, gout, muscle spasms and headaches may also be treated with Basti.
Basti is effective for most of the digestive disorders like dry colon, dry rectum condition and the tendency towards constipation resulting from such conditions. It also provides relief in conditions like distention of abdomen, flatulence, spastic colon, dryness of digestive tract observed in chronic fever, etc. Body debility, senile debility, impaired immunity, muscular dystrophy and bed ridden conditions like paralysis can also be treated by Basti. Basti can also be used to give some energy supplementation to the body, as the mucous membrane of the rectal canal is a semi permeable membrane.
Types of basti:
- Anuvasana Basti - enemas with medicated oils, tonics, herbal milks
- Nirooha-asthapana Basti - enema of water based medical extracts or medicated water
Basti is generally contraindicated in all types of diarrheas, dysenteries, rectal bleeding, diabetes, severe anemia, hypoproteinaemia, breathlessness associated with any problem and pulmonary tuberculosis (raj-yakshma). It is also contraindicated in infantile problems and senile debility.
Contra-indications for Nirooha Basti
Pregnancy (unless specified by physician), Children under 10 yrs, after meals, after sex, dysentery, internal obstruction, after vomiting or purging, if too tired, exhausted, serious skin disease, urinary disorder, intoxicated states, piles, anorexia, psychosis, dryness of throat, anal inflammation, edema, malnutrition, weakness, accumulation of fluid, peritonitis, and diabetes.
Contra-indications for Anuvasan Basti
In addition to the contraindication of Nirooha basti. Anuvasan is contraindicated in; anemia, jaundice, piles, fever, diarrhea, poisoning, emaciation, enlargement of the spleen, chronic catarrhal inflammation of the nasal mucous membrane, and fasting.
Complications of Basti therapy
When Basti therapy is incomplete, spasmodic pains, burning sensation, ano-rectal itching, pain, anorexia, blockage of stools and gas can be increased. If given in excess, it can cause ano-rectal inflammation and ulceration, fissure, weakness, and muscular cramps.
For pain in abdomen after Basti, massage the abdomen gently with Mahanarayan oil.
For headache experienced immediately after Basti, a gentle head and forehead massage followed by Ginger tea can be given. This can be followed by Nasya (special ayurvedic treatment to cleanse the sinus area)
If liquids are not expelled after 48 minutes another Basti treatment is prescribed with warm water (100F) and fomentation to the lower back and abdomen. Warm water can also be consumed. If complications arise fast acting purgatives (eg Castor oil with warm water or prune juice) must be administered immediately to expel loosened toxins from the colon.