Vata, Pitta and Kapha are the three doshas of the body that define the overall functioning and well being. To speak about Vata Dosha specifically it plays an important role in administering the movement, blood circulation, breathing, joint mobility and nerve impulses of the body.
When any kind of imbalances happen with the Vata Dosha its effects can be seen as a form of stress, ageing, improper sleep, dryness and joint pain such as arthritis as well as sciatica.
Vata dosha first begins to accumulate in the colon in form of various harmful toxins which when gets accumulated over time becomes the root cause for many kind of disorders such as degenerative joint problems, back pain, arthritis, stiffness and sciatica.
Amongst the many therapeutic Ayurvedic treatments the Panchakarma Basti treatment is considered to be the most effective and powerful treatment for bringing balance in the Vata related disorders. Many Ayurvedic textbooks mention Basti as half of the entire treatment because of its powerful impact on bringing balance in the body.
Let’s dive into understand how the Panchakarma Basti treatment works. What are its types, procedures and how is it specifically beneficial for arthritis and sciatica.
What is Vata dosha?
The Vata dosha is indicated by the air and ether elements. This dosha indicates qualities such as mobility, coldness, roughness, dryness and lightness.
How does it affect the body?
When there is any kind of imbalance in the Vata dosha of the body it can result in joint problems, stiffness, issues with the cartilage, nerve pains, poor blood circulation, chronic constipation anxiety as well as disorders with the sleep.
It is known that in health issues such as osteoarthritis and sciatica the aggravated Vata dosha dries out synovial fluid. This leads to weakening of the issues and results in inflammation and pain.
Therefore the Vata dosha balancing therapy such as Basti becomes an important measure to even out the disturbances through treating the colon, removing accumulation of toxins that results into Vata dosha.
What is meant by Basti?
Basti is one of the core procedures of the 5 step detox treatment Panchakarma. In this procedure, herb infused oil and herbal decoctions, milk as well as ghee give in to the patient through a medium his rectum. The type of fluid provided is as per the specific medical condition of the patient.
It is important to understand that treatment is not just a simple enema. But it is structured rejuvenation treatment that caters to nourishing the vascular and nervous system of the body and cleansing the colon.
Types of Basti Ayurvedic treatment for arthritis and sciatica
Anuvasana basti
The Anuvasana basti is oil based treatment which focuses on balancing the vata dosha by loosening the accumulated toxins and expelling it through the channels of the body
Preparation – In this treatment the patient is offered an Abhyanga full body oil massage followed by Swedana to open up and prepare the body. For this treatment the oils that are used for the procedure are Dhanvantaram Thailam, Ksheerabala Tailam and the Sahacharadi Tailam.
Procedure - After the body becomes ready, the patient is given a small quantity of slightly warmed medicated oils while he is lying down in his left lateral position through a sterile syringe or a basti netra.
In this treatment, the oil is supposed to be kept inside the body for a longer time for easy absorption, nourishment of the colon and lubrication of the tissues and post that it is to be expelled out.
Benefits
- Helps in lubrication of the joints
- Brings down stiffness
- Lubricates and nourishes the nerves
- Makes the bones and muscles strong
Niruha/ Kashaya Basti
Then Niruha Kashaya Basti is a herbal decoction procedure.
Preparation - The herbal decoction mixture is prepared using a classically recommended sequence of honey, rock salt, herb infused oils, kalka that is herbal paste and a warm herbal decoction.
Procedure - This is all then mixed together to form a mixture and this is administered to the patient through a Basti apparatus. It is performed under a medical supervision and patient is recommended to gently move his limbs for easy spreading of the medicine in the colon. And after a span of 30 to 45 minutes the mixture is naturally evacuated and the morbid Vata is expelled from the system.
Benefits
- Helps in easy removal of toxins.
- Brings down inflammation.
- Boosts mobility.
- Helps clear the blocked channels of the body.
Yoga basti/ Kala basti
The Yoga Basti or the Kala basti are not single treatments but they are structured treatment programs in which the Anuvasana and the Niruha basti offered in a specific sequence over a fixed number of days such 15, 21 or 30.
Preparation – In this sequence of days, the patient is offered the Abhyanga and Sweden treatments to mobilize his doshas.
Procedure – On the days that Niruha is to be performed, the Basti is done in the morning time specifically on empty stomach. And on the days that Anuvasana is to be performed, the oil is administered for nourishment purposes.
The reason this procedure is effective and therapeutic is because it is to be performed in alteration. And therefore, both elimination of the toxins as well as deep oleation of the tissues takes place simultaneously.
How is Basti helpful in -
Joint pain
- Helps in easy lubrication of the joints.
- Reduces inflammation and pain.
- Enhances flexibility.
- Stops further degeneration
- Supports strengthening of the muscles
Sciatica
- Brings down information in the nerves
- Offers relief in lower back pain
- Enhances lubrication of the disk
- Boosts blood circulation in the spine
- Brings down pain
When can you expect to see results?
The panchakarma treatments in kerala are excellent in offering pain relief in joint pain, arthritis and sciatica. For mild conditions an eight day course is recommended. For moderate sciatica and arthritis a 15 day course is recommended. And for long term degenerative disorders, a 30 day course scores is suggested
You can expect to see improvements post the first week as you will feel reduction in the stiffness. By the second week you will feel better in terms of pain relief and mobility. And by the 3rd week you will feel internally strong and also your flexibility will increase.
But complete long term results can be expected only after continuation and completion of the procedure depending upon your condition.
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