Basti (yogic enema) is a cleansing practice that focuses on purifying the anal region.
How To Do Basti (Yogic Enema)
Technique I: Jala Basti (yogic enema with water)
- Stand in pure water up to the navel. A flowing river used to be an ideal place.
- Lean forward and place the hands on the knees. Expand the anal sphincter muscles and simultaneously perform uddiyana bandha and nauli in such a way that water is drawn up into the bowels.
- Hold the water in the bowels for some time and then expel it through the anus.
Benefits of doing Basti – Yogic Enema
- The colon is cleaned and purified. Old stool is removed and gas expelled. Advanced practitioners of pranayama use basti to cool down the abdominal heat produced by their practices.
Practice note while doing Basti – Yogic Enema
- This technique should be learned under the guidance of a competent teacher. A short tube may be inserted into the anus by beginners to make the practice easier.
Variation:
- Benefits of basti may also be obtained by sitting in cool, fresh water up to the navel and performing ashwini mudra.
Note:
The word basti, also widely written as vasti or wasti, is a general term pertaining to the lower abdomen, belly, pelvis and bladder. The technique is also known as basti kanna, karma meaning ‘process’ or ‘technique’.
Technique 2: Sthal Basti (dry yogic enema)
- Sit with both legs outstretched in front and perform paschimottanasana.
- Hold the position and perform ashwini mudra 25 times, sucking air into the bowels.
- Retain the air for some time and then expel it through the anus.
- Benefits of Doing Basti – Yogic Enema
- Cleans the colon and removes gas and wind.
Technique 3: Moola Shodhana (anal cleansing)
- Insert the soft root of a raw turmeric (haldi) plant gently into the anus.
- Alternatively, the index or middle finger may be utilized. Rotate the root or the finger around the inner surface of the anal sphincter 10 times clockwise and then I 0 times counter-clockwise.
- Remove the root or the finger and wash the anus with cold water.
Benefits of doing Basti – Yogic Enema
- This practice purifies the anal region.
Practice note while doing Basti – Yogic Enema
- A tumeric root is recommended for this practice because it has a high medicinal value as an antiseptic, blood purifier and general cleanser of physical impurities.
Note:
- The word moola literally means ‘root’ or ‘base’. The word shodhana means ‘purification’. This technique is also known as moola dhauti, and Ganesha kriya or ‘the obstacle removing action’.