HOW VASTI BENEFICIAL IN VATA ROGA

WHAT IS VASTI?

• It is a powerful detoxification and rejuvenation technique in which the medicated oil and decoction is inserted through the anal canal.
• According to the Ayurveda Classical Texts, the administration of vasti is done with the help of Animal Bladder(vasti) that’s why it is termed as “VASTI”. Nowadays, there is use of disposable tips (nethram) & vasti bags (plastic) or Basti patra with a permanent barrel body. 
• Basti is one of the five Pradhana Karmas of Panchakarma and it is best therapy in the treatment of vata disorders.
• Medicated oil or ghee and an herbal decoction are given as an enema to cleanse the colon and increase the muscle tone. 
• Duration of Vasti- For 8 to 30 days i.e. based on the severity and condition of the person.

The commonly used vasti is of two types-

• Anuvasana Basti- In this type of Vasti medicated oil is used for the procedure.  

• Niruha Basti- In this type of Vasti Medicated decoction is used for the procedure.

Both are administered on an alternative basis starting with the Anuvasana basti or oil enema Therapy and also ending with the oil Enema therapy. Both are administered through the rectal route.

EFFECT OF BASTI

Its effects can be seen in overall body from the tip of toe till the roots of the hair.

Dravyas present in Basti normalizes the Apana Vayu (Type of vata present in the Pelvic area) and make it to function normally. It also enhances the function of Purisha (Excretory products) leads to correction of Agni Dushti.

WHAT IS VATA DOSHA?

• The Vata, Pitta and Kapha are the three humors present in the body. The term Vata means blow or to move like a wind. It consists of the elements like Vayu (air) and Aakash (space).
• Properties of Vata– Ruksha(dry),Laghu(light),Sheeta(cold), Khara(Rough), Sukhma(Minute), Chal(moving or quick)
• It regulates all activity or movement in the body i.e. mental as well as physiological functions. 
• The Function of vata is to control the flow of the blood, Breathing, Elimination of waste, giving rise to the thoughts across the brain, beating of the heart etc.

VASTI AND VATA DISORDERS

Vata disorders are caused due to imbalance of the vata dosha in the body.

“Vasti vata haranam Shreshtatam”- Vasti is considered as the main treatment for the Vata Dosha.

Vasti is not only for Vata disorders but it also effective in correcting the imbalanced Pitta and Kapha. It is the most important shodhana karma in all Manovikara (Psychological disorders) which are caused due to excessive vata.

VASTI AND GUT BRAIN-

Vata plays an important role in ayurveda. It controls the entire physiological functions in the human body. The main seat of Vata is the Pakwasaya.

The gut–brain axis is the biochemical signaling that takes place in between the gastrointestinal tract and the CNS or central nervous system.

The vata governs the nervous system so the medication inserted through the rectum directly act on the Central nervous system thus balancing the vata in the body.

Benefits of Basti Karma

If this therapy is properly prepared and administered, it can be extremely beneficial to the human body. 

• It helps to balance the three Doshas of the body, particularly the Vata Dosha.
• It helps to nourish the flora of colon.
• It also enhances the immune system by cleansing and nourishing the colon of an individual.
• It puts the body into a state of total balance by nourishing the base prana of the body which is formed in the colon.
• It is administered in the region of the colon, but its impact is reaching far and deep.
• It helps in bowel regularity, treating gastric issues, strengthening nervous system
• It promotes healthy sleep patterns. 
• It promotes longevity and shows anti-ageing effects.
• It promotes overall well-being and a healthy glow. 
• It excellently decreases lower backache, and pain caused by gout and rheumatism.
• It is helpful in curing Constipation and flatulence.
• It is also recommended for neurological ailments like Paralysis

CONTRAINDICATION –

• Pregnancy
• Menstruation
• Diarrhea
• Inflammation of the anal region or rectal bleeding
• Extreme weakness or debility. 
• Dizziness and Vertigo

Note- It is advised to take this therapy after consultation with a skilled Panchakarma Doctor.