Abstract

Ayurveda is a holistic science of life. It not only describes the remedy for diseases, but also states the regimen to maintain the proper health. From the ancient times till date, panchakarma has been proved as an effective therapy having curative, preventive, restorative and rejuvenating aspects in dealing with various ailments. Basti is one of the treatments in panchakarma which is specially indicated in vata predominant diseases, but it also alleviates aggravated pittadosha, kaphadosha and pacifies raktadusti and can be given in samsargaja and sannipataja states of doshas. It can be taken regularly for long time and can be prescribed at any age from childhood to old age. Moreover, basti can act as Rasayana (rejuvenator) and Vajikara (aphrodisiac) & thus possesses preventive, curative as well as restorative qualities by which it can enhance life span and invigorate the body and mind. As per some acharyas, basti is regarded as a complete and supreme treatment modality among other therapies due to its having many fold activities such as shaman, snehana, lekhana and brimhana. Though basti has many benefits, it should be given after proper assessment of dosha, oushadha, desha, kala, bala, sharira, ahara, satmya, satva, prakriti, vaya, otherwise it can produce various complications.

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