Vasti Panchakarma: Enema Therapy

Vasti Panchakarma can be described as the king of Ayurvedic treatments. The Ayurvedic equivalent of enema, where liquid medicines are introduced through the anus, vasti therapy offers benefits beyond colon detoxification. Believed to offer benefits similar to that of other 4 panchakarma processes combined, vasti can contribute to both physical and mental well-being.

Vasti therapy involves the administration of herbal oils or decoctions through the anus. It is advised as the prime and the most important treatment to balance disorders related to the vata dosha, such as constipation, hypertension and arthritis. Vata is the force behind the elimination and retention of waste such as faeces, urine and bile.

Types of Vasti Panchakarma

Medicated oil enema – Referred to as Anuvasana or Sneha Vasti in Ayurvedic texts. Here, oil is used as medicine to help ground vata dosha and promote energy and vitality. This usually features sesame oil, which may be used on its own or infused with herbs.
Herbal decoction enema – Referred to as Niruha or Asthapana Vasti in Ayurvedic texts. A herbal decoction is administered through the anus. It is best done in the morning on an empty stomach. It usually includes a herbal remedy known as dashamula that helps dispel excess vata dosha and alleviate problems such as constipation, hypertension and arthritis.

Abhyanga procedure

Vasti is the introduction of herbal decoctions and medicated oils into the colon through the rectum. While it directly affects the colon, it is not a localised or symptomatic treatment; it is a highly specialised procedure aimed to achieve a therapeutic goal and must be carried out in hospital settings by an expert.

After initial assessment, and depending on the type of vasti, a fixed time of day is selected and the patient has to come on a full or empty stomach. The patient lies on the massage table. Herbal oil massage is given over the hips, lumbar region and lower abdomen. Following a massage, steam therapy is conducted over the massaged region.

Massaging and steaming make up the preparatory procedure for vasti, known as purvakarma. This procedure of intensive lower abdominal massage and steaming helps to loosen toxins and ready the body for detoxification.

Then the main procedure is performed. The patient sleeps in the left lateral position with right leg folded, while the therapist administers the herbal enema via the anal cavity. As the medicine gets absorbed by the colon, toxins are excreted. The patient is advised to drink lukewarm water throughout the treatment.

A follow-up regime will be advised regarding diet and follow-up medication. Vata-provoking activities such as excessive talking, travelling and exertion should be avoided for a few days.

The patient might feel like going for one or two bowel movements, with good cleansing of faecal matter. A feeling of lightness in the abdomen and general clarity can be felt post-treatment.

How Vasti Works

Ayurveda considers vata as the most important dosha. Imbalance can cause major problems and interfere with body functions.. Vasti balances and nurtures vata, whose focal point is the large intestine.

Vasti works in two ways: expelling the harmful substances; and nourishing the body. The first is related to the facilitation of excretion, while the second, the absorption of medicine into the body and its systemic action.

Benefits of Vasti

Vasti provides herbal cleansing and nourishment directly into the intestines and colon.
Vasti promotes overall well-being, delays signs of ageing, and imparts a healthy glow to skin.
Vastic alleviates digestive disorders, chronic fever, kidney stones, heart pain, backache, joint pains, muscle spasms, headaches, sciatica, colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, obesity, issues in sleep patterns, infertility, cervical spondylosis, colitis, and other ailments.