Basti - Panchkarma
``Basti`` is one of the five main therapeutic procedures in Ayurveda, a traditional system of medicine originating in India. It is often referred to as ``Panchakarma,`` which means ``five actions`` in Sanskrit. Panchakarma treatments are a set of cleansing and detoxification procedures aimed at restoring balance and harmony to the body and mind.
``Basti`` specifically refers to enema therapy, where herbal or medicated substances are introduced into the rectum to cleanse and nourish the colon and the entire body.
-
- Basti karma has the reputation to be half of the entire treatments that can be available to provide substantial cure and relief.
- Ayurveda justifies the efficacy of Basti karma with its possible outcome to balance all the three doshas viz. Vata, Pitta and Kapha. This is because whereas Basti balances Vata dosha, also when the vata dosha is balanced, the other two doshas i.e. Pitta and kapha would be balanced spontaneously. This is the best part of this particular Panchakarma therapy.
- It also nourishes and feeds the colonic flora.
- Basti also enhances the immune system of the individual by cleansing and nourishing the colon.
- Basti puts the body into a state of total balance by nourishing the base prana of the body which is formed in the colon.
Vata Dosha
- Rasa Specific – Madhura, Amala and Lavana Rasas ( Sweet, Sour and Salty tastes)
- Herbs – Eranda, Rasna, Dashmoola, Bala, Ashwagandha etc
Pitta Dosha
- Rasa Specific – Tikhta, Madhura and Kshaya Rasa (Bitter, Sweet and Astringent tastes)
- Herbs – Giloy, Neem, Manjishtha, Shatavari, Kutaja, Vasa, Chandan etc.
Kapha Dosha
- Rasa Specific – Tikhta, Katu and Kshaya Rasa (Bitter, Pungent and Astringent tastes)
- Herbs – Haridra, Punarnava, Trikatu, Ark, Vacha etc.
