Basti – Intestinal Cleansing 🌸 Yogic Enema According to Ayurveda and Panchakarma

Ayurveda addresses the body's internal forces, helping to bring all the processes that occur in the human body into balance. It strengthens and activates immunity. This same principle, incidentally, is the basis for the action of some modern pharmacological preparations. However, the Indian teaching affects not only the body; it calms the mind and clears the consciousness.

According to Ayurvedic teaching, the main cause of diseases and premature aging is the accumulation of toxins. Toxins build up in the body over the years, affecting the condition of blood vessels, muscles, cartilage, and internal organs. Food remnants «stuck» in the intestines decompose, release poisons, destroy the mucous membrane, and gradually poison the person. Therefore, the first step towards recovery is a «general clean-up» of the gastrointestinal tract. For this, Ayurveda uses a complex called Panchakarma, one stage of which is an enema.

The effectiveness of treatment in Ayurveda depends on the patient's internal attitude. It is impossible to focus on one's own health and internal sensations without proper preparation and guidance from a skilled mentor.

Basti – «yogic enema»

Basti is the introduction of medicinal substances into the rectum. Herbal oil formulations not only dissolve and remove accumulated toxins, but also absorb into the mucous membrane, promoting the healing of other internal organs. Figuratively speaking, basti is like a brush, scrubbing away the remnants of last year's cutlets and hamburgers from the intestinal walls, which have been poisoning the body for a long time.

In traditional Panchakarma, an oil or herbal cleansing basti is performed by reducing intra-abdominal pressure. The fluid is intended to be absorbed through the anal opening. Only those who have mastered 'madhyama nauli' can create negative pressure within their own bodies. This involves complete control over the abdominal muscles, allowing them to be formed into a firm cord and used to massage the internal organs.

Massage and any other work with the abdominal muscles are contraindicated during pregnancy, with high blood pressure, umbilical hernia, gallstones, stomach ulcers, and cardiovascular diseases.

Indications for performing a BAST

Panchakarma and Basti purification will help with the following:

Constipation;
Gastrointestinal issues (loss of tone, ulcer);
kidney stones, colic;
Depressive state, insomnia.;
Diseases of the spine, joints, and bones;
haemorrhoids, neoplasms in the colon area;
Liver and gallbladder diseases;
Venous congestion in the pelvic region;
rashes and skin irritation;
Changes in blood composition.

In Ayurveda, there are several different types of Basti, varying in their effects, focus, and duration. These include cleansing Basti for the large intestine, those to normalise the entire gastrointestinal tract, oily, calming, and nourishing Basti. The selection of the appropriate type, the composition of the liquid, the required frequency of the enema, monitoring the patient's condition, and adjusting the treatment in a timely manner can only be done by a qualified Ayurvedic doctor.

Sahaja Basti

In Ayurveda, this procedure is considered a simplified form of cleansing. In order to achieve maximum effect, it is necessary to practice yoga. Moreover, an introductory course will not suffice. Knowledge and experience gained from qualified instructors are required.

Rules for performing Sahaja Basti:

The cleansing should be carried out in the morning on an empty stomach. The solution is prepared from one and a half litres of warm water, a tablespoon of salt without additives or flavourings, and the juice of one medium-sized lemon.
The entire contents should be consumed. If possible, the volume consumed can be increased to three litres.
Create a sequence of asanas, remembering the principle of non-violence, i.e. do not overload the body, come out of the pose and rest if necessary. With the help of asanas, an internal massage is performed, which contributes to the cleansing of the gastrointestinal tract.

The complex includes:

Viparita Karani («Birch Tree Pose») - perform for 4-5 minutes;
nauli («abdominal churning»);
Bhujangasana («snake» or «cobra») - 2-4 times;
Mayurasana («Peacock Pose») for men or «Bow Pose» for women;
Paschimottanasana – 3–4 times;
Pawanmuktasana or another wind-relieving pose.

After each pose, you can add abdominal muscle work (nauli). In conclusion, you should rest; you can lie down in savasana. If the asanas are not accessible or you have no experience performing them, the fluid will be expelled on its own in about a couple of hours. However, Sahaja Basti with a full set of correctly performed poses yields the maximum effect.

Making bast fibre at home

In Ayurveda, dry and wet bowel cleansing procedures are practised. The dry basti is performed without liquid, sitting in the Paschimottanasana pose:

Sit on the mat, extend your legs and press them firmly to the floor, then lower your body smoothly towards them, ensuring your back remains straight;
using your hands to grasp your ankles or feet and gently guide your body downwards;
At the lowest point of the inclination, perform Ashwini Mudra (continuous repeated contraction and relaxation of the anal sphincter).;
Concurrently with these actions, contract your abdominal muscles from top to bottom, pushing the contents of your bowels «out.».

Wet cleansing is carried out in a container of water (a regular bath can be used). A water enema is similar to an enema performed without instruments or external assistance. A stream of water rises through the rectum under the pressure of the abdominal muscles. The water level in the bath should reach the waist or slightly below a person squatting.

A small tube, 10-12 cm in length, will be needed, which should be carefully inserted into the anus. An enema nozzle with a wide internal opening can be used (this will allow water to pass through faster). Then, perform «abdominal rotation» and «middle rope» movements, which will help to draw the water in. Once the first portion of liquid has entered the body, close the tube's opening with a finger and resume breathing. Repeat basti until the intestines are completely full. Then, a simple inverted pose can be performed.

Contraindications to the use of Basti

There is a large group of patients for whom performing a yogic basti enema in any form may be dangerous:

Young children;
Elderly people;
Pregnant women;
Women during their period;
patients with digestive disorders (diarrhoea, dysentery);
patients with acute gastrointestinal diseases (acute colitis, appendicitis, ulcer, oncology).

Even the seemingly most harmless cleansing procedure has its contraindications. Before starting Panchakarma or basti, you must consult an Ayurvedic doctor. It is also advisable to undergo the entire complex under the supervision of a mentor.

Conclusion

According to Ayurveda, the health of the entire organism directly depends on the condition of the gut. With age, a person's muscle tone decreases, constipation appears, and gradual poisoning from accumulated toxins occurs. Basti is more than an enema. It not only cleanses the gut but also ensures its normal functioning going forward.

During the traditional Panchakarma, not only the body is cleansed, but the mind is balanced and the nerves are calmed. Ayurvedic doctors are confident that to achieve the desired effect, it is necessary to adhere to a specific diet, practice yoga and meditation.