INTERNAL BASTI
Basti originally meant urinary bladder in Sanskrit. In ancient Ayurveda, animal bladders (goat, cow, etc.) were used to administer oil and medicated oils and decoctions into the colon, so this type of treatment was/is called "basti."
The treatment consists of the injection into the colon, via the rectum, of a lukewarm and freshly prepared liquid (medicated decoctions, oils). Two types of bastis are applied alternatively during a certain period of time, depending on the patient's condition: nourishing and cleansing. Niruha ,the cleansing basti stimulates the eliminatory process, and Sneha, the nourishing basti, nourishes and strengthens the colon.
While there are several classifications of basti according to the method and substances used, Basti is considered a superior therapy for pacifying many Vata conditions like chronic constipation, anxiety, insomnia, sciatica, low back pain, kidney disorders, epilepsy and paralysis, which should only be undertaken under the advice of a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner.
