This document provides an overview of basti (medicated enema) therapy in Ayurveda. It discusses the anatomy related to basti, types of basti (external and internal), steps in administering basti including poorvakarma and paschatkarma. It then outlines the use of specific basti therapies for many health conditions such as fever, diarrhea, gulma, diabetes, mental disorders, urinary disorders, hemorrhoids and more. The document emphasizes that basti is considered one of the most important panchakarma therapies for pacifying vata dosha and treating many disease processes.

1. CLINICAL ASPECTS OF BASTI
AND
ITS MODE OF ACTION
By:
Dr. Meenakshi
1st year PG Scholar
Department of Panchkarma

2. CONTENTS
• INTRODUCTION
• ANATOMY
• TYPES OF BASTI
• CLINICAL ASPECTS
• MODE OF ACTION
• DISCUSSION
• ABSORPTION OF BASTI

3. BASTI
• बस्तिना दीयिे इति बस्तििः ( अ. ह. सु. १९)
• बस्तिभ िः दीयिे यतमाि् ितमाि् बस्तिरिति
तमृििः ||
(शा. उ. ख. ५)

4. Basti Chikitsa
• Basti chikitsa is one amongst the Ayurvedic
Panchakarma therapies which is used to expel
the vitiated dosha out of the body through the
intestinal route.
• It is considered to be the best among the
panchakarma therapies because of it’s ability
to pacify vata dosha which is the igniting
factor for many disease process.

5. Why Basti
• Various toxins entering our body by food, air
etc. get accumulated in our gastrointestinal
tract. As time passes these toxins tend to
increase and get spread in all channels of our
body causing various diseases .
• These accumulated toxins in the form of dosha
if expelled out at right time can prevent the
disease.

6. RELATED ANATOMY

8. • The large intestine is the last part of the
gastrointestinal tract.
• It begins in the right iliac region of the pelvis, where
it is joined to the small intestine at the caecum, via
ileocaecal valve.
• It then continues as the colon, then descending to the
rectum and its endpoint at the anal canal.
SECTIONS OF COLON ARE:
• The ascending colon including the caecum and
appendix.
• The transverse colon including the colic flexures
and transverse mesocolon.
• The descending colon.
• The sigmoid colon is the v-shaped region of large
intestine.

9. BLOOD SUPPLY:
• Arterial supply by branches of-
superior mesenteric artery (SMA)
inferior mesenteric artery (IMA)
• Venous drainage by-
superior mesentric vein
inferior mesentric vein
• Inferior mesentric vein drains into the splenic vein and
the superior mesentric vein joining the splenic vein to
form the hepatic portal vein that then enters the liver.

10. NERVE SUPPLY:
• By Sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves.
• By the vagus nerve.
LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE:
• UPPER HALF: Via pancreaticoduodenal nodes to
the gastroduodenal nodes finally the celiac nodes.
• LOWER HALF: Via pancreaticoduodenal nodes to
the superior mesentric nodes around the origin of
the superior mesentric artery.

11. SUPERIOR MESENTRIC
ARTERY
INFERIOR MESENTRIC
ARTERY

13. PORTAL VENOUS SYSTEM
The Portal venous system is
responsible for directing blood
from parts of GIT to the liver.
The upper 1/3rd of the rectum is
drained into the portal vein
while the lower 2/3rd are drained
into the inferior iliac vein that
goes directly in the inferior vena
cava (thus bypassing the liver).
So by giving medicine through
anus we can bypass the liver, not
only stomach and duodenum.
Then medicine will work with its
undisturbed virya and help to
cure the disease in most effective
way.

14. THE ANUS

15. Types of Basti
Basti can be given by two ways
a) External b) Internal
- Janu basti -Aasthapan basti
- Kati basti -Anuvasana basti
- Manya basti -Matra basti
- Vrana basti -Uttar basti
- Hridaya basti

16. External basti
• In this basti, warm medicated oil is pooled over
specific parts of body by a special arrangement for
local pain relief.
• Janu , kati and manya basti can be used over knee,
back and neck region for corresponding conditions of
pain.
• Vrana basti is used over wounds for relieving pain
and for rapid healing.

17. Janu basti
Kati basti
Kati basti
Medicated oil
pooled over knee
joint for relieving
pain
Oil over back for
relieving
backache

18. Manya basti
Hridaya basti
Medicated
oil pooled
over neck
region
Oil over chest
region to relieve
chest pain in
heart disorders

19. Anuvasana and Niruha basti
• Asthapan or Niruha basti is the one in which
medicated decoctions are inserted into anal canal by
basti netra (now a days using rubber catheter).
• These decoctions remain inside the colon for certain
time of period and are then expelled out along with
the doshas.
• In Anuvasan medicated oils are used for the same
purpose.

20. Matra basti
• In Matra basti less quantity of oil is used as
compared to anuvasana basti and it does not need to
be accompanied by any strict dietary restriction or
daily routine and can be administered, in all seasons.
Route of administration is same as that of anuvasana
and niruha.
• These are the major types of basti among others.

21. Steps in Basti
1. Poorvakarma – theses are the preliminary steps done
before undertaking the basti therapy -:
• Dipan – it ignites the digestive fire which has weakened in
the disease process
• Pachan – it tries to digest the accumulated toxins
• Snehan – it involves oil application externally.
• Swedan – it is steam induced sweating for toxin clearance.

22. Snehan and swedana
Snehan and swedana provides lubrication and strength to the
body for the upcoming detox therapy.
Snehan helps in loosening of toxins from their sites which are
then dislodged by swedana.
These dislodged toxins are then easily expelled out of the body
by the basti therapy.

23. 2.Pradhan karma – this includes the actual process of
administering basti
As per the requirement basti can be administered in 3 courses.
Type of basti
course
Niruha basti Anuvasan basti Total
basti
Start Mid End Start Mid End
Karma basti - 12 - 1 12 5 30
Kala basti - 6 - 1 6 3 16
Yog basti - 3 - 1 3 1 8

24. 3. Paschat karma – helps in regaining the normal
functioning of body and agni.
• This includes various rules to be followed after having
Panchakarma.
Dietic
Behavioural
Physical
Psychological rules

25. BASTI YOGAS
IN
SPECIFIC DISEASES

26. • IN JWARA:
Niruha Basthi with Kakolyadi Madhura Dravya.(Su.Ut.39/308)
Patoladi Anuvasana Basthi.(Vangasen)
Mustadi Basthi (Sh.U.6/42-47)
Guduchyadi Niruha Basthi (Ca.Chi.3/247-249)
Jeevantyadi Anuvasana Basthi (Ca.Chi.3/250-251)(A.H.Chi.1/124) etc.
• IN ATISARA:
Anuvashana Basthi with Kakolayadi Gana. (Su.Ut 40/108)
Chandanadi Niruha Basthi (Ch.Si.3/46)
Piccha Basthi in Pitaja atisara (SU. UT. 40/112)(Y.R.3/107)(A.H.Chi.9)
Shatapushpadi Taila Anuvasana Basthi in Pittaja Atisara.(Ch.Chi.19/62)etc.
• IN PARVAHIKA:
Niruha Basthi with Yastimadhu in Pravahika associated with Mutrakrichra +
Shula (Su.Ut. 40/140)
Anuvasana with Kakolyadi Gana (Su.Ut. 40/142)
Dashmooladi Niruha and Anuvasna Basthi (Su.Ut. 40/143)
Mustadi Yapana Basthi (Ch.Si.12/15.1) etc.

27. • IN GULMA:
Madhutailika Basthi (Sh.U.5/44-48)
Vidangadi Taila Anuvasana Basthi.(S.Chi.37/39-42)
Saindhavadi Anuvasana Basthi (Ch.Si.4/13-16)
Jeevantyadi Anuvasana Basthi (Su.Chi.37/23-26) etc.
Uttara Basthi with Dashamooladi Kwath +Milk+Gomutra in Rakataja
Gulma(C.Chi.5/178)
• IN PARMEHA:
Vidangadi Taila Anuvasana Basthi (Ch.Si.4/18-22)
Rasnadi Niruha Basthi (Ch.Si.3/61-64)(Su.Chi.38/71-76)
Mustadi Yapana Basthi (Ch.Si.12/15.1)
Saindhavadi Taila Anuvasana Basthi (Ch.Si.3/13-16) etc.
• IN UNMADA:
Anuvasana Basthi with Medicated oil prepared with Ashvagandha, Ajagandha,
Lasuna, Sarshapa, Rasna etc. (A.S.Ut.9/40-41)
Anuvasana Basthi (Vangasen)
Mustadi Yapana Basthi (Ch.Si.12/15.1)
Rasnadi Niruha Basthi in Kaphaja Unmada (Su.Chi.38/71-76)

28. • IN APASMARA:
Vathaja Apasamara(A.S) (Vangasen)(Y.R.24/11)
Niruha Basthi with Kwath of Dashamoola, Bala, Rasna, Yava, Kola
etc…(A.S.u.10/16) etc.
• IN UDARA ROGAS:
Anuvasana with Tila Taila+ Lavana in Badhodara.(Ch.Chi.13/89-
90)(Vangasen)
Dashamoola Niruha Basthi In Vatodara.(Ch.Chi.13/63)
Ksheer Basthi in Pittodara (Durbala).(Ch.Chi.13/68)(CD.37/15-16) etc.
• IN GRIDHRASI:
Anuvasana Basthi with Taila processed with Chitraka, Ativisha, Patha, Bilva
etc. .(Su.Chi.37/15-18)
Niruha Basti with Vasa, Punarnava, Eranda, Dashamoola etc. (Su.Chi.38/67-
70) etc.
• IN ADHAMANA:
Nagabala Taila Anuvasana Basthi(Vangasen)
Erandamooladi Niruha Basthi (Ch.Si.3/38-42)

29. • IN KHANJA-PANGU:
Niruha and Anuvasana (Vangasen)
Anuvasana Basthi with Chitraka, Ativisha, Patha, Bilva etc.(Su.Chi.37/15-18)
• IN APATANAKA:
Anuvasana Basthi by Trivrita Ghrita(Su.Chi.5)
If sustained Vegas after 10 days in Apatanaka Patient, Niruha and Anuvasana
Basthi Given.(Su.Chi.5/18) etc.
• IN ARDITA:
Dashamooladi Taila Anuvasana Basthi.
Prathama Baladi Yapana Basthi.(Ch.Si.12/15.5) etc.
• IN PAKSHAGHATA:
Mahabaladi Taila Anuvasana Basthi.(Vangasen)
Maha Sahacharadi Taila Anuvasana Basthi (Vangasen)
Anuvasana and Niruha Basthi.(Su.Chi.5/19)
• IN MUTRAKRUCHARA:
Mustadi Yapana Basthi (Ch.Si.12/15.1)
Kshar Basthi (CD. 73/30)
Uttar Basthi with Madhuragana Drugs (Ch.Chi.26/75)

30. • IN AMAVATA:
Brihatsaindhavadi Taila Anuvasana Basthi (Vangasen/101-114)
Saindhavadya Taila Anuvasana Basthi (BP.26/122)
Svalpa-prasarani Taila Anuvasana Basthi (BP.26/122)
Vaitarana Basthi (CD.63/32) etc.
• IN YONI-VAYAPADA:
Pasahadi Niruha Basthi (Ch.Chi.3/44-45)
Chatu-Sneha Anuvasana Basthi (Ch.Chi.12/18.1)
Udavarta, Vathala, Mahayoni, Uttara Basthi with Khseer processed with
Dashamoola Kalka. (Ca.Chi.30/111-112)
Traivrut Sneha Uttara Basthi.(Ch.Chi.30/112)
• IN KLAIBYA:
Erandamoola and Palash Niruha Basthi (Ca.Chi.30/196-197)
In Jarajanya Klaibya Yapana Basthi (Ca.Chi.30/202)

31. • IN VATARAKTA:
In Vatharakta associated with Malavibandha, Khseer Basthi mixed with
Ghrita.(Ca.Chi.29/88-90)(A.H.Chi.22/13)
Vatharakta Associated with Shula in Parshva, Uru, Asthi, Udara, Anuvasana
Basthi along with Niruha Basthi.(Ch.Chi.29/89-90)
Basthi with Madhuyastyadi Taila.(Ch.Chi.29/91-95)(A.H.Chi.22/41-
44)(Su.Chi.37/29)
• IN UDAVARTA:
Saindhavadi Taila Niruha Basthi (Ch.Si.4/13-16)
Palashadi Niruha Basthi (Ch.Chi.3/44-45)
Khseer and Vaitarana Basthi in Purisha Udavarata. (Chakaradatta)
Chitraka, Atisha, Patha, Bilva etc.,Taila Anuvasana Basthi .(Su.Chi.37/15-18)
• IN AANAHA:
Anuvasana and Niruha Basthi with Vamaka and Virechaka
Dravyas.(Su.U.56/26-27)
Dvipanchamooladi Basthi (Ch.Si.12/18)
Saindhavadi Anuvasana Basthi (Ch.Si.4/13-16)

32. • IN VRANA:
Sneha Basthi with Kwath of Vathanasaka Dravyas.(Vangasen)
Basthi with Ghrita with Vathanasaka Dravyas.(Chakaradatta. 44/62-63)
• IN BHANGA:
In Katibhagna after traction Anuvasana Basthi.(Su.Chi.3)
Shakha Bhagna:- Uttar Basthi(Su.Chi. 3/58)
Elashaliparnyadi Anuvasana Basthi (Su.Chi.3/58)
Gandha Taila Anuvasana Basthi (Vangasen)
• IN ARSHA:
Vathaja Arsha:- Niruha and Anuvasana Basthi.(Su.Chi.6/16)(Vangasen)
Rakta Arsha with Vatha predominance :- Anuvasana Basthi with Ushna Ghrita.
(Ch.Chi.14/224)
Pichha Basthi (Ch.Chi.14/224)(A.H.Chi.8/125)
Pippalyadi Anuvasana Basthi.(Chakradatta)(A.h.Chi.8/89b-93a)
Panchamooladi Niruha Basthi. (A.h.chi.8/93b-94a)

33. • IN ASHMARI:
Varuna Taila Asthapana Basthi (Vangasen)
Kushadi Taila Uttar Basthi.(Vangasen)
Erandamooladi Niruha Basthi (Ch.Si.3/38-42)
• IN MUTRAGHATA:
Kushadi Taila Uttar Basthi.(Vangasen)
Erandamooladi Niruha Basthi (Ch.Si.3/38-42)
Punarnavadi Taila Anuvasana Basthi (Vangasen)
• IN NETRA ROGAS:
Mustadi Basthi (Sh.U.6/42-47)
Shambuka Mamsarasa Basthi.(Vangasen)
• IN AROCHAKA:
Niruha Basthi with Nimba, Giloya, Devadaru, Sariva, Patha etc.
(Su.Chi.38/60-63)
Rasnadi Niruha Basthi (Su.Chi.38/71-76)

34. • IN HRIDROGA:
Anuvasana Basthi with oil processed by Vatha nashaka Drugs.(Vangasen)
Chandanadi Niruha Basthi (Ch.Si.3/48-52)
Dvitiya Baladi Basthi (Ch.Si.12/6)
• IN VIDRADHI:
Apakva Vidradhi(Kapha Vidradhi) (Su.Chi.16/30)
Anuvasana And Niruha Basthi (A.S.Chi.15)
• IN VRUDDHI:
Vathahara Dravya Niruha Basthi (Su.Chi.19/6)(A.S.Chi.15)
Yastimadhu Anuvasana Basthi .(Su.Chi.19/7)(A.S.Chi.15)
• IN SHLIPADA:
Niruha Basthi in Vathaja Shlipada (Su.Chi.19/53)
Trivrut Sneha Anuvasana Basthi (A.S.U.35/60-61)
• ANTRA VRUDDHI:
Narayana Taila Anuvasana Basthi if Agni is good of patient.(Vangasen)

35. • IN AGNIMANDAYA:
Anuvasana and Niruha Basthi (Vangasen/Ajirnaadhikara)
Vidangadi Taila Anuvasana Basthi (Ch.si.4/18-22)
• IN URUSTHAMBA:
Drakshadi Niruha Basthi (Ch.Si.3/53-55)
Saindhavadi Taila Anuvasana Basthi (Ch.Si.4/13-16)
• IN PARINAAMSHULA:
Anuvasana Basthi with Taila processed with Ashvaganda kwath +
Honey.(Vangasen)
• IN MEDOROGA:
Triphaladi Taila Anuvasana Basthi(Vangasen)
Niruha Basthi with Nimba, Giloya, Devadaru, Sariva, Patha etc.
(Su.Chi.38/60-63)
• IN AMLAPITTA:
Puran Amlapitta- Niruha Basthi ( Chakaradatta)(Y.R.57/17)
• IN KARNAROGAS:
Pippalyadi Taila Anuvasana Basthi in Darun Karna shula(Vangasen)

36. • IN HALIMAKA:
(A.S.Chi.18/39-42)(A.H.Chi.16)(Ch.Chi.16/136)
– Yapana Basthi
– Ksheer Basthi
• IN KAMALA:
Chandanadi Niruha Basthi (Ch.Si.3/48-52)
Niruha Basthi with Nimba, Giloya, Devadaru, Sariva, Patha etc.
(Su.Chi.38/60-63)
• IN PANDU ROGA:
Chandanadi Niruha Basthi (Ch.Si.3/48-52)
Aja Rakta Basthi(Ch.Si.6/83)
• IN KRIMIROGA:
Panchatikta Panchaprasrutika Niruha Basthi (Ch.Si.8/8)
Tilvaka,Uddalaka, Trivrut etc., Anuvasana Basthi.
• IN VISHA:
Visha localised in the Ashaya and present in the seats of Vatha- Niruha Basthi
with Milk + Agada + Madanaphala.(A.S.U-40/173-175)

37. • IN KASA ROGA:
Rasnadi Ghrita Anuvasana Basthi.(Vangasen)(A.H.Chi.3/6-9)
Prathama Baladi Yapana Basthi.(Ch.Si.12/15.5)
Mustadi Yapana Basthi (Ch.Si.12/15.1)
• IN SHIRO ROGA:
Anuvasana Basthi with Milk, Ikshvaksu,Draksha, Kharjura etc
+Ghrita.(A.S.U.28/30)
Niruha Basthi with milk of Utpalayadi Dravya.(A.S.U.28/31)
• IN GRAHANI:
Erandamooladi Niruha Basthi (Ch.Si.3/38-42)
Vidangadi Taila Anuvasana Basthi (Ch.si.4/18-22)

38. • Basthi in
Varsha
?
Benefits of Basti are:-
•Agni Vardhana
•Ruchikara
•Manah-Buddhi Prasadanam
•Indriya Prasadanam
• Laghuta in Ashaya
•Prakruti Sthapanam
•Vaya Sthapanam
Hence to promote health and Prevention
of diseases Basti is done in Varsha Rutu.

39. MODE OF
ACTION OF BASTI

40. • Now the question arises, the basti administered into the
Pakvasaya, how it reaches to the whole body and cures the
diseases of all over the body??
AYURVEDIC VIEW:
• Acharya Susruta has told that the virya of basti drug reaches
all over the body through the srotas in the same way as the
water poured at the root of the plant reaches up to leaves. He
has further explained that even though basti drugs quickly
comes out with mala and their virya acts all over the body by
the action of apana vayu and other vayu. The action takes
place just like as sun draws moisture from earth.
• Parashara had highlighted the importance of guda, by saying
that guda is mula for all the siras in the body, hence the
medicine administered through guda reaches up to head and
nourishes the body.

41. BASTI
KARMUKTA
VIRYA OF
BASTI
APANA VAYU
TRIPTI
SAMANA VAYU
TRIPTI
VYANA VAYU
TRIPTI
UDANA VAYU
TRIPTI
PRANA VAYU
TRIPTI
NORMALCY OF
PITTA &
KAPHA
SARVA
SHARIRA
POSHANA

42. MODERN VIEW: By Enteric nervous system (ENS)
• The enteric nervous system or intrinsic nervous system
is one of the main division of the nervous system and
consists of a mesh like system of neurons that governs
the function of the GIT system..
• During embryonic development, the ENS is formed
from the same chunk of tissue from which the CNS is
formed. This tissue is called the neural crest. The fact
that these two system share the same origin makes it less
surprising to find that they contain some of the same
type of cells, neurotransmitters, brain proteins and that
one affects the other.

43. • It is now usually referred to as separate from the
autonomic nervous system since it has its own
independent reflex activity
• ENS consist of some 500 million neurons so called as
Second Brain
• The enteric nervous system is embedded in the lining of
the GIT system, beginning in the oesophagus and
extending down to the anus.

46. • The neurons of the ENS are collected into two types of
ganglia:
1) Myentric (Auerbsch’s plexus)
2) Submucosal (Meissner’s plexus)
• The ENS is capable of autonomous functions such as
the coordination of reflexes; although it receives
considerable innervation from the autonomic nervous
system so it can does and operate independently of
brain and spinal cord. It possesses neurotransmitters
and proteins that zap message between neurons.
• Major neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine,
glutamate, norepinephrine and nitric oxide are found in
the gut.

47. • Also two dozen small brain proteins called neuropeptides are there
along with the major cells of immune system.
• The brain sends signal to the gut by talking to a small number of
command neurons which in turn sends signals to the gut
interneuron.
• Both command neurons and interneurons are spread throughout
the two layers of the gut.
• ENS works in synergism with the CNS.

48. • Stimulation of basti either by chemo or mechano
receptors may lead to activation of concerned part of CNS
which precipitates result accordingly.
• Again it is not mandatory for a drug to stay in long time
contact to the receptor e.g. Like in proton pump
inhibitor where drug interacts and flush out from
circulation, it is known as HIT & RUN MODULE of
pharmacodynamics.
• Same module of pharmacodynamics may be
hypothesized for Niruha basti.

49. CHEMICAL AND MECHANICAL STIMULATION
• Niruha basti is a hyperosmotic solution which causes
movement of solvent from cells of colon to the lumen.
• It facilitates the absorption of endotoxin and produce
detoxification during elimination.
• Kalka used in basti has got irritant property along with
other ingredients which may induce colonic distension.
• The distension stimulates pressure which produces
evacuatory reflex.
• The sigmoidal, rectal and anal region of large intestine
are considerably better supplied with parasympathetic
fibres than other part of intestine.

50. • They are mainly stimulatory in action and function
especially in defecation reflexes.
• A volume of about 100cc of gas is estimated to be present
in the tract which is readily expelled by basti.
• Even though the basti given is expelled out immediately
as such or mixed with faeces, the virya of basti is spread
throughout the body by the vata.

51. ABSORPTION
OF BASTI

52. • Drugs can be absorbed well from intestine than from
stomach because of large surface area.
• Increased vascularity can increase absorption.
• Absorption of drugs from gut occurs by passive
diffusion.
• Passive diffusion is a movement of ions and other
atomic or molecular substances across cell membrane
without need of energy input unlike active transport.
• Drugs which are lipid soluble are mostly transferred by
passive diffusion.
• A basti drug is prepared by mixing of snehas with other
ingredients upto homogeneous mixture.
• So this concludes that basti drug absorb in gut by passive
diffusion

53. CONCLUSION
• GIT is having its own brain system. By this we can
say that GIT is control by two brain systems.
• Basti chikitisa is ardh chikitsa because of action on all
systems.
• Basti according to disease, person, kala and with
proper medicine can treat any disease and will make a
person healthy.

54. THANK YOU ALL