Basti is application of warm medicinal oils to the skin. It is one of the most relaxing ayurvedic therapies. First, a doughnut made from flour (regular or gluten free) is applied to the area that needs attention. Warm oil is poured into the doughnut and is held in place between 20 and 45 minutes. Basti therapy is nourishing and balancing. The practitioner can use sesame, coconut, sunflower, or medicated oil.
Most people can receive Basti. However, people with open wound, irritated skin, current surgery, or patients who are going through cancer treatment cannot receive Basti. Pregnant women cannot receive Basti. Women also cannot receive Basti during their periods.
In general, Basti can be done over any organ, chakra, joint or marma point. Your ayurvedic practitioner will decide on the best type of Basti for you.
Let us look at the most common Basti.
Jatru Basti – Throat
Indications:
- Thyroid/Parathyroid gland imbalance
- Hashimoto
- Thyroid Goiter (non-toxic)
- Post radiation damage
Kati Basti – Lower back
Indications:
- High Vata
- Anxiety, stress, burn out
- Bladder Pain
- Cyst
- Kidney stones
- Lower back pain
- Bone spurs
- Constipation
- Low libido
- Lower lumber disk herniation
- Assist with fertility
- Anxiety, stress, fear
Contraindications:
- Recent back surgery (within 6 weeks)
- Acute injury and swelling
- Acute skin infection
- Open wounds
Basti Basti – lower abdomen
Indications:
- Fertility issues
- Fibroids
- Menstrual pain
- Irregular cycles
Contraindications:
- Acute inflammation or infection in the lower abdomen
Hrid Basti – Heart
Indications:
- Imbalanced prana
- Unresolved emotions of grief, sadness, loneliness
- Anxiety
- Depleted Ojas
- Deep seated grief and sadness
- Arrythmias
- Pericardium pain
- Asthma
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Gerd
- Gistrities
- High blood pressure
- Prevention
- High Vata
- High Ama
Contraindications:
- Acute infection
- Pericardium swelling
- Heart inflammation
- Congestive heart failure
- Active heart attack
- Pacemaker
- Open wounds
- Recent surgery
- Fluid around heart
- Blood pressure below 90 by 60 or above 190 by 90
Yakrut Basti – liver
Indications:
- High Pitta
- Unresolved emotions of anger, envy, jealousy, frustration, judgement
- Irregular digestion
- Sluggish liver
- Low appetite
- Liver toxicity
- Sluggish metabolism
- Skin conditions
- Fatty liver
Contraindications:
- Acute infection
Janu Basti – knee
Indications:
- Local pain
- Arthritis
- Sport injuries
- Stiffness
- Ligament tears
- Swelling
- Gout
- Osteoporosis
Contraindications:
- Acute infection
- Open wounds
Nabhi Basti – belly button
Indications:
- High Vata
- Unresolved emotions of stress, anxiety
- Deep seated trauma
- Indigestion
- Flatulence
- IBS
- Constipation
- Menstrual pain
- Irregular cycles
Contradictions:
- Acute infection
In general it is recommended to do Basti twice a week for three consecutive weeks. But the number of sessions and frequency depends on pulse evaluation. Pulse evaluation tells your ayurvedic practitioner how effective is the treatment and how it affected your chakras, doshas, and organs.
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