Abstract

CONCEPT OF KSHARA BASTI - A REVIEW ARTICLE

M. Rashmi*, R. Jayaraj and Rao G. Veena

ABSTRACT

Ayurveda is the science of life, in which treatment is branched into two wings namely; Shodhana Chikitsa and Shamana Chikitsa. Shodhana Chikitsa includes Panchakarma. Ayurveda offers knowledge to increase awareness of the factors that may cause imbalance and ways to create balance by regulating the systems of the body through Panchakarma. Panchakarma is a set of five therapies. Basti is one among Panchakarma procedures in Ayurveda, classically advocated in the diseases of Vata. Basti is not only best for Vata disorders, but also equally effective in correcting the morbid Pitta, Kapha, Rakta, Samsarga, Sannipataja doshas, Marmagata, sakhagata and kosthagata roga. Charaka has considered Basti therapy as Ardhachikitsa, while some authors consider it as the Poornachikitsa for all the ailments. Kshara basti is one among different types of Basti mentioned in our classics which is classified based on usage of main ingredient. Acharya Chakrapani has mentioned Kshara basti in Niruha Basti Adhikara. Apart from these Basti, where the Kshara, Gomutra along with other Teeksha Dravyas are used in the preparation of Bastis, can also be considered as Kshara Basti. Kshara basti is more effective in Kaphaja, Medoja and Amaja conditions like Amavata, Kaphaavruta Vata, Kapha Samsarga Vata, Sthoulya, Dhamanipratichaya etc. Hence the present article is an attempt to review the concept of Kshara Bastis which are mentioned in our classics.

Keywords: Basti, Kshara Basti, Ardha Chikitsa, Kapha-Medhoja Vyadhies.