Since most of the diseases are caused due to imbalance in Vata dosha this treatment is said to cure half of the diseases.It has been referred as “Ardha Chikitsa”. Though this treatment can be used according to the gravity of the disease it is mainly to be performed in the varsha rutu [Rainy season] owing to the natural increase of Vata dosha in this season.
The administration of the liquid medicine through the rectal,urethral or vaginal route is collectively referred by the name Basti.Literally this term basti refers to the urinary bladder.
It is of mainly two types :
Niruha or asthapana basti:
Medicines used for the administration of basti when predominantly contains more quantity of kwatha – decoction.
Sneha basti- or Anuvasana basti – The drug administered in the basti when predominantly contains more quantity of oil.
The first one is given for usually shodhana and second one is for snehana.
Uttar Basti :
The administration of the medicines in urinary bladder in both sex,and the uterus in female.