Vasti
What is Vasti?
Vasti is one of the five main cleansing therapies of Panchakarma. Medicated oils, decoctions or herbal pastes are introduced into the colon through the rectum. The name comes from the *vasti* (bladder) of an animal, which the ancient physicians used as the original delivery vessel.
Vasti is called *Ardha Chikitsa*, "half of all treatment", by Acharya Charaka. The colon is the main seat of Vata dosha, and Vata governs the movement of the other doshas. Treating Vata at its seat therefore has a wide effect on the whole body. Vasti is considered the most effective treatment for Vata disorders, and it also helps Pitta and Kapha conditions when suitable medicines are chosen.
Types of Vasti
1. Based on the medicine used
- Niruha (Asthapana) Vasti: a decoction-based enema made of herbal kashaya, honey, rock salt, oil and herbal paste. It cleanses and eliminates accumulated doshas.
- Anuvasana Vasti: an oil-based enema, usually with medicated oil. It nourishes, lubricates and pacifies Vata. The oil is retained in the colon.
- Matra Vasti: a small-dose oil enema. It can be given daily, has no dietary restrictions, and is gentle enough for the weak, elderly and children.
- Uttara Vasti: given through the urethra or vagina for urinary and gynaecological conditions.
Kala, Karma and Yoga Vasti: the classical 30-day (Kala), 16-day (Karma) and 8-day (Yoga) courses, which alternate Anuvasana and Niruha.
Indications
- Joint and musculoskeletal disorders: arthritis, sciatica, lumbar spondylosis, low back pain, frozen shoulder, gout
- Neurological conditions: paralysis, hemiplegia, Parkinson's disease, neuropathy, muscle wasting
- Gynaecological and urinary complaints: menstrual irregularities, infertility, PCOS, urinary retention
- Skin conditions
Contraindications
Vasti should be avoided, or given only with close medical supervision, in the following cases:
- Severe diarrhoea, dysentery and rectal bleeding
- Acute fever, severe indigestion (Ama), and right after a meal
- Severe emaciation, extreme weakness, and breathlessness
- Anal fissure, rectal prolapse and recent abdominal or rectal surgery
- Pregnancy, in the case of Niruha Vasti (Matra Vasti may sometimes be used under supervision)
- Children below 7 years and the very old, unless a modified form is chosen by the physician
- Severe dehydration, and uncontrolled diabetes or hypertension without medical guidance
Benefits
- Removes accumulated toxins and balances Vata
- Strengthens muscles, bones, nerves and joints
- Improves digestion, bowel regularity and absorption of nutrients
- Promotes healthy skin, better sleep, stamina and mental calm
- Supports fertility and reproductive health
- Delays ageing and promotes longevity
Procedure
Purvakarma (preparation):Abhyanga (oil massage) and Swedana (steam) to the abdomen and back
Pradhana karma (main procedure): With the patient lying on the left side, the warm medicated preparation is introduced gently through the rectum
Paschat karma (after-care): Rest, light warm food such as rice gruel, warm water, and avoidance of cold exposure, heavy food, stress and sleeplessness
Precautions
Vasti must be done under the guidance of a qualified Ayurvedic physician. The medicine, dose and duration should be selected according to the patient's constitution (Prakriti), strength, season and condition. After the course, patients should follow a light diet, avoid cold and dry foods, and gradually return to their normal routine.
Vasti is one of the five main cleansing therapies of Panchakarma. Medicated oils, decoctions or herbal pastes are introduced into the colon through the rectum. The name comes from the *vasti* (bladder) of an animal, which the ancient physicians used as the original delivery vessel.
Vasti is called *Ardha Chikitsa*, "half of all treatment", by Acharya Charaka. The colon is the main seat of Vata dosha, and Vata governs the movement of the other doshas. Treating Vata at its seat therefore has a wide effect on the whole body. Vasti is considered the most effective treatment for Vata disorders, and it also helps Pitta and Kapha conditions when suitable medicines are chosen.
Types of Vasti
1. Based on the medicine used
- Niruha (Asthapana) Vasti: a decoction-based enema made of herbal kashaya, honey, rock salt, oil and herbal paste. It cleanses and eliminates accumulated doshas.
- Anuvasana Vasti: an oil-based enema, usually with medicated oil. It nourishes, lubricates and pacifies Vata. The oil is retained in the colon.
- Matra Vasti: a small-dose oil enema. It can be given daily, has no dietary restrictions, and is gentle enough for the weak, elderly and children.
- Uttara Vasti: given through the urethra or vagina for urinary and gynaecological conditions.
Kala, Karma and Yoga Vasti: the classical 30-day (Kala), 16-day (Karma) and 8-day (Yoga) courses, which alternate Anuvasana and Niruha.
Indications
- Joint and musculoskeletal disorders: arthritis, sciatica, lumbar spondylosis, low back pain, frozen shoulder, gout
- Neurological conditions: paralysis, hemiplegia, Parkinson's disease, neuropathy, muscle wasting
- Gynaecological and urinary complaints: menstrual irregularities, infertility, PCOS, urinary retention
- Skin conditions
Contraindications
Vasti should be avoided, or given only with close medical supervision, in the following cases:
- Severe diarrhoea, dysentery and rectal bleeding
- Acute fever, severe indigestion (Ama), and right after a meal
- Severe emaciation, extreme weakness, and breathlessness
- Anal fissure, rectal prolapse and recent abdominal or rectal surgery
- Pregnancy, in the case of Niruha Vasti (Matra Vasti may sometimes be used under supervision)
- Children below 7 years and the very old, unless a modified form is chosen by the physician
- Severe dehydration, and uncontrolled diabetes or hypertension without medical guidance
Benefits
- Removes accumulated toxins and balances Vata
- Strengthens muscles, bones, nerves and joints
- Improves digestion, bowel regularity and absorption of nutrients
- Promotes healthy skin, better sleep, stamina and mental calm
- Supports fertility and reproductive health
- Delays ageing and promotes longevity
Procedure
Purvakarma (preparation):Abhyanga (oil massage) and Swedana (steam) to the abdomen and back
Pradhana karma (main procedure): With the patient lying on the left side, the warm medicated preparation is introduced gently through the rectum
Paschat karma (after-care): Rest, light warm food such as rice gruel, warm water, and avoidance of cold exposure, heavy food, stress and sleeplessness
Precautions
Vasti must be done under the guidance of a qualified Ayurvedic physician. The medicine, dose and duration should be selected according to the patient's constitution (Prakriti), strength, season and condition. After the course, patients should follow a light diet, avoid cold and dry foods, and gradually return to their normal routine.