Vabasti

Vabasti, often transliterated as Vasti or Basti, is a medicated enema therapy used in Ayurveda and forms a central part of the Panchakarma purification system. It involves introducing a prepared liquid into the colon through the rectum with the aim of balancing the vata dosha and cleansing the gastrointestinal tract. The therapy uses different formulations, most commonly an oil-based preparation (anuvashta basti) and a decoction-based preparation (niruha or niruhabasti). A smaller-volume variant known as matra basti is also used for specific conditions or pediatric patients.

Types and preparation: Anuvashta basti uses medicated oils or fats, while niruhabasti uses herbal decoctions and other liquids. Both are administered under the guidance of an qualified Ayurveda practitioner. Preparation for basti therapy typically includes prior oleation (snehana) and, in some cases, a mild sudation (swedana) to loosen accumulated doshas and prepare the body. The liquid is delivered through a basti apparatus and retained for a period, commonly around 30 to 60 minutes, after which the patient eliminates the contents. Aftercare focuses on rest and gentle, easily digestible meals.

Indications and safety: Vabasti is traditionally indicated for disorders associated with vata imbalance, including chronic constipation, certain nervous system and musculoskeletal disorders, and some gynecological and digestive conditions. It is also used as a rejuvenating therapy in appropriate patients. Contraindications include acute fever, intestinal obstruction, active bleeding, severe diarrhea, hemorrhoids or fissures, pregnancy, and certain acute conditions. As with other Ayurvedic procedures, basti should be performed by a trained practitioner in a clinical setting to minimize risks.

Historical context: References to basti therapy appear in classical Ayurvedic texts such as Charaka and Sushruta, where it is described as one of the primary cleansing modalities and remains a widely practiced component of Panchakarma in many traditional and contemporary clinics.