BASTI AS ARDHA CHIKITSA: A REVIEW

Basti Chikitsa is a prime treatment modality among the Panchakarma. It has not only curative aspects but also preventive and promotive aspects. Basti is the prime treatment for vata dosha but is also useful for the diseases caused by pitta dosha, kapha dosha as well as rakta and their combinations. Different permutations and combinations of basti dravyas give the wide option for the physician to treat all categories of diseases in all the age groups. Unlike Vamana and Virechana, Basti can be administered in all the age groups & can be administered in all the stages & variety of diseases. According to the pharmacokinetics it is also proven that rectal drugs administration might exceed the oral value due to partial avoidance of hepatic first pass metabolism. More than 500 million neurons are present in the ENS (Enteric Nervous System) and hence it is called “second brain”. Basti may act over the receptors of the ENS to stimulate the CNS causing secretion of required hormones or other chemicals. This article evaluates the validity and importance of Basti being termed as Ardha chikitsa or Sampoorna chikitsa.