In Panchakarma treatment, five procedures are undertaken for eliminating the vitalized doshas from the body. The five procedures form the basic types of Vasti.Vasti has a great healing capability and is considered to be the half treatment for many diseases. The treatment is primarily used for flushing out loosened doshas from the body via the intestinal tract.Ayurvedic therapeutic enema is advised as the prime and the most important treatment to balance vata (the air factor) and to address all the three doshas (humors)Doshas.

It is rendered in two ways: The first is by channelizing warm medicated oils or decoctions on the affected areas of the body through a concentrated channel made from herbal pastes or leather; the second is through medicated enema. It is a highly effective treatment that helps treat multiple Dosha disorders, degenerative disorders, neurological ailments, rheumatic complaints etc.

How are Ayurvedic therapeutic enemas performed?

Before administration of the Ayurvedic therapeutic enema, body is prepared by massaging with herbalized oils and then applying steam. After that when you are lying down, herbal formulations are introduced using an enema bag by an expert. Once the administration is finished, abdomen, lower back, hands and feet are massaged vigorously to improve absorption. The herbs can remain in the bowel for a few minutes to many hours (according to the type of the formulation) before it is eliminated.

Types of Ayurvedic therapeutic enema:
According to the herbal formulations used and dose, enemas are classified mainly into 2.

Oil Enema (Snehavasti):
In Sneha Vasti, only medicated oils or ghrithams are used unlike in other vastis, where a combination of various ingredients with predominant decoctions are used. Oil enema helps to lubricate the colon, softens hard facal matter and stimulates bowel movements. Oil enema is the ideal treatment for vata imbalance. Generally oil enema is advised after food, Usually multiple sessions of oil enemas are advised for specific illnesses and long lasting results.

Herbal Enema (Kashaya vasti):
A combination of decoction, honey, oil, salt and other herbal medicines are used for this enema. It is the main treatment for all Vata disorders. There are thousands of formulations for herbal enema to address different imbalances and illnesses.  It helps in pacifying the Vata Dosha and restores its equilibrium. It also helps to some extent in maintaining the balance between all the three Doshas namely Vata, Pitta & Kapha; thereby maintaining a state of health.By selecting appropriate herbs and formulations, herbal enemas can be used to correct any imbalance and disease (provided the imbalance is reversible and the individual is not contraindicated for herbal enema eg. pregnancy, children, elderly, physically too weak, etc). Herbal enema is highly recommended in case of

• Autoimmune disorders
• Sensory and motor diseases,Joint issues like IVDP, lumbar spondylosis, cervical spondylosis, frozen shoulder, osteoarthritis, etc.