Vasti Karma
Introduction
Vasti or Basti is a specialized Pancha Karma treatment that is highly effective in the treatments of Vata vyadhis (ailments caused by vitiation of Vata). Vasti involves introducing medicinal substances such as medicated oils, ghee, or other herbal decoctions into the rectum (therapeutic enema).
Vasti karma is entirely different from the soap water or other enemas available on the high street which is primarily given to clear the bowels. Vasti in Ayurveda is one of the detoxifying and bio-purification therapy not limited to cleansing the bowels only.
It alleviates constipation, abdominal distention, chronic fever, the common cold, sexual disorders, kidney stones, heart pain, vomiting, backache, neck pain, and hyperacidity. Vata disorders such as sciatica, arthritis, rheumatism, and gout can also be treated by Vasti treatment. There are about 80 Vata-related disorders in Ayurveda that can be treated with medicated enemas.
Benefits
- Vasti karma is an excellent therapy for the detoxification and cleansing of the body.
- Vasti karma stimulates the secretion of colons and thus provides good health.
- It is known to promote the liquefaction of ama and mala (waste products) in the colon.
- Prevents aging of the body
- Promotes happiness, longevity, strength, agni (appetite), intellect, voice, and complexion
- Brings balance to the metabolism (cleanses dhatus)
- It helps in curing all disease
- It promotes a robust body
- It enriches semen and ovum
Treatment Duration
40 TO 60 MIN
The treatment duration depends on the consulting physician and the severity of the condition.
Treatment Course Duration
8 days, 16 days, 30 days
The treatment course duration depends on the consulting physician and the severity of the condition.
Mode of Action of Vasti
The action of Vasti dravya or special herbal medicines is mainly by their Veerya (its potency). Vasti is given in the trans-rectal route. The rectum has a rich blood and lymph supply and Ayurvedic drugs for bast can cross the rectal mucosa and can easily be absorbed in the rectum mainly due to lipid-soluble substances present in the enema medicines.
The medicine starts its action almost immediately without changing its form as no digestion needs to take place. It stimulates and increases mass peristalsis of the large intestine thus helping in the immediate excretion of morbid materials (toxins). When the Vasti medicines enter the pakwashaya (large intestine), the water and minerals absorb in the proximal colon. The sodium and potassium- essential fundamental substances for the nervous system- will get absorbed in the colon and along with Vit B12.
Behind the pakvashaya (large intestine) there are a large number of nerve plexuses called colonic plexuses which originate from the hypogastric nerve plexuses (which influence the functions of the digestive system) and lumbosacral plexuses (which influence the functions of the spine and vertebrae). Basti medicines and actions of the basti procedure influence the work of these nerve complexes thereby helping with managing digestive system and musculoskeletal system illnesses.
Vastikarma helps to increase the absorption capacity of the colon through its action and finally, it nourishes, purifies, and also expels the toxins from the body, thus Vasti Karma is a complete treatment according to Ayurveda.
Indications
- Arthritis
- Neurological disorders
- Lumbar and cervical spondylitis
- Gastro-intestinal disorders
- Diabetes
- Urological disorders
- Gall bladder stone
- Psychological disorders skin Disorders