Basti

One of five purification therapies in Panchakarma. The gentle introduction of medicated oils or herbal decoctions into the colon to retain and hold with the intention to cleanse, nourish, and balance the body’s doshas- especially Vata, which governs movement, nervous system function, and elimination. Balancing Vata dosha, helps to harmonize Pitta and Kapha dosha as well. From the classical texts:

“Basti is the best therapy for eliminating aggravated Vata dosa.”

Charaka Samhita, Siddhi Sthana 1:39

The healing herbs are designed to permeate the thin colon wall, pass into the bloodstream, to nourish the tissues from within. The oil helps to remove impurities by softening and loosening for elimination. During a cleanse or Panchakarma, we typically alternate both tea and oil to facilitate the eliminations of toxins loosened through daily bodywork.

This is a take-home kit for the client to administer themself. The practitioner will put together materials and formulations, preparation procedures, and post- procedures after consulting with client. Frequency will vary, however typically looks like a series of applications.

Benefits:

• Relieve stiffness in the back and sciatica symptoms
• Assists in correcting constipation and gas
• Nourishes the tissues, improving vitality and longevity
• Restores harmony to Vata dosa, calming anxiety and insomnia, delivering deep grounding to the body and mind.
• Improve menstrual irregularities
• Improve dry skin and fatigue (Vata symptoms)

Precautions: Not recommended when there is diarrhea, rectal bleeding or fissures, acute fever, infection, pregnancy (for cleansing), or immediately after a heavy meal.

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