Vasti
vasti
Vasti (medicated enema)
Medicated enema is highly effective in vata type of disorders. It is also applied in other dosa disorders as well. Vasti is considered as half of the treatment in Ayurveda. There are two types of medicated enema. They are done with decoction (kashaya) and unctuous materials (sneha) like oil, ghee etc. Kashayavasti is known as asthapana, which means, that which stabilize sneha vasti is otherwise known as anuvasana, which means ‘ that which stays along’. Thus anuvasana is considered as a subsidiary to kashaya vasti. A third type of vasti is uthara vasti to treat genitourinary conditions. Vasti is administered with a specially prepared yantra (instrument). Specifications of the instrument are detailed in the texts. Generally kashayavasti is done before food and sneha vasti after food.
Anuvasana vasti (unctuous enema)
Anuvasana is either given independently or along with kashaya vasti. Thus this has both rejuvenative or nourishing and purificatory effect on the body. As the quantity is relatively less this is given with syringe. A particular quantity of oil or ghee is administered through orifice. After giving snehavasti, the patient is asked to lie on the back and the buttocks are tapped with the legs of the patient or with physician’s hand. The legs are lifted up and down two to three times. This is to retain the material inside. After few minutes the patient can move around. Normal motion along with oil would occur after few minutes. It will lead to complication if it stays for more than three yamas. Anuvasana makes the naval region unctuous; it facilitates downward movement of vayu, strengthens the body, and nourishes body tissues. Matra vasti is given in smaller dose. For this purpose generally other purificatory techniques are not done.
Nasya is applied in kapha disorders. This is very effective in disorders above shoulders. It is applied in unconsciousness, headache, hemiplegia, other neurological disorders etc.