Basti for Vata Dosha Imbalance: Relief from Constipation, Pain, and Anxiety

Understanding Basti (Ayurvedic Colon Cleanse)

Cleaning and detoxing the colon works like magic on the body's health. It greatly adds to cellular energy; it’s like feeling exactly how you do when you’re clean and refreshed.

The colon holds the doorway for all nutrients from digestion to enter the system. Toxins we accumulate over time dirty this doorway, disrupting nutrition and, eventually, other processes associated with it.

Ayurvedic experts attribute anything related to movement to Vata. The colon is a centre of Vata that supports digestion. Basti, or colon cleansing, helps keep Vata in balance, promoting better nutrient absorption. 

Great colon cleanse! But, are you wondering if there's another colon cleanse method that you heard about, from your ayurvedic expert. Yes, its ‘Virechana’. But how is Virechana colon cleanse different from basti colon cleanse? Get a scoop on that from the article before you read on to know about Basti Procedure - Virechana vs Basti: Which Panchakarma Therapy Is Right for You?

The Basti Procedure

Basti involves introducing a cleanser into the intestine via the anus, where it remains temporarily before being expelled naturally through stools. The best part of Basti is that it reduces body weight by 2 to 4 per cent, as per research.  

It relieves constipation, anxiety, and stress. It also expels unwanted fats and accumulated inflammatory fluids, aiding effective weight management.

In the Basti procedure, the cleanser that is inserted into the anus is usually a decoction of a medicinal herb or oil, chosen based on the therapeutic need. Speaking of that, a brief overview of the vata dosha imbalance can help you understand Basti better. 

Vata Dosha Imbalance in the Body : A Cause of Constipation, Pain, and Anxiety

Vata dosha imbalance leads to many complications depending on its location in the body. 

• Imbalance in the Digestive System - Constipation, abdominal distention, colicky pain, indigestion, and appetite disturbances 
• Imbalance in the Musculoskeletal System - Joint arthritis, bone pain, nutritional disruption, muscle weakness, cramps, and debility 
• Imbalance in the Circulatory System - Blood pressure irregularities, heart problems, and fluctuating blood flow, occasionally leading to low blood pressure. 
• Imbalance in the Nervous System - Anger, mood swings, memory disturbances, emotional upheavals, insomnia, disturbance in the motor, and sensory system 
• Imbalance in the Reproductive System - Lack of or no menstruation, semen disturbances, pcod, and hormonal insufficiency. 

As mentioned earlier, the colon is the primary site of Vata. Through Basti, balance is restored to the entire body

There are various types of Basti, tailored to specific needs and severity. Let’s explore a few.

Additional Basti in Ayurvedic Therapies

Basti yields different benefits based on the site of administration and the specific medicines used for various purposes. Let’s take a closer look at the different Basti types, based on the site of administration and the treatment purpose.

Basti based on the route of administration:

• Anal Route - Cleanses the colon and entire intestine, relieving constipation and digestion-related problems. 
• Vaginal Route - Cleanses the reproductive system, relieving menstrual issues. 
• Urethral Route - Effective for both men and women, improving urinary function.
• Directly on the Ulcers and Wounds - Directly ulcers and wounds. 
• Kati basti - Applied to the lower back to address hip and lowr back disorders.
• Ooru Basti - Applied to the chest to strenghten the chest bone.
• Greeva Basti - Applied to the back of the neck to improve neck health.

Basti Based on Product Used 

• Herbal Leaves' Decoction - This cleanses the intestine and affects the entire system. This is called Niruha Basti in Ayurveda. 
• Honey and Oil - Effective for constipation and dry intestines, this also detoxifies the entire circulatory system. 
• Medicated Fats, Ghee, and Oils - Beneficial for improving digestion and treating ulcers.

Based on the Treatment Intention

• For complete body cleansing - Shodhana Basti.
• For weight loss and fat reduction - Lekhana basti. 
• For lubricating internal organs - Snehana basti.
• To enhance muscle strength and functions - Bruhmana Basti. 
• To correct dosha imbalance - Shamana Basti. 
• To arrest internal bleeding and cleanse the blood - Pichchila basti.
• For correcting hormonal imbalance and improving cellular digestion - Deepana basti.
• To improve semen quality - Shukrakrit basti.
• For draw accumulated toxins to the intestine - Utkleshana basti.

A complete body analysis with our Nirva experts can help you understand which type of Basti is most suitable for your body. 

Basti for Constipation, Pain and Anxiety

Basti primarily addresses vata dosha imbalance. The three main symptoms of vata dosha are pain, constipation, and anxiety.  Let us take a look at the types of Basti suitable for each. 

1. Basti for Pain Relief - Kati basti, Greeva basti, and Ooru basti are external Basti types that concentrate oil in the local area, relieving pain and strengthening the underlying organs. 

2. Basti for Constipation - Oil basti and medicated basti using fats and ghee are particularly effective for constipation. In some cases, medicated herbal decoction can also help relieve constipation. 

3. Basti for Anxiety - Certain medicated herbal decoctions, basti can help reduce anxiety and calm the mind. 

Basti treatment benefits both the body and the mind. It balances the vata in the body and the fast thinking of the mind. Basti can even be done regularly at home by inserting small quantities of medicated oil or herbal decoction each day. 

Conclusion 

A proper understanding of your personal body type can help you choose the most suitable type of Ayurvedic treatment Basti. If your body type is Vata, regular Basti treatments can help you balance Vata in the body. For those with a natural Kapha body type, Basti practices combined with Hatha yoga principles may be more effective.  If you are curious to know more about the Basti suited to you, book your consultation today.