Basti
Basti literally means bladder. In ancient times, the bladder of animals (mostly goat) was used like a bag attached to enema nozzle while administering therapeutic enema. Nowadays, the term 'basti' is applied to indicate therapeutic enema among panchakarma procedures.
Route of administration
The route of administration of enema is per rectum. The medication when administered through per urethral or per vaginal route, it is termed as 'uttar basti'.
Medicine
Niruaha
When the medicine to be administered contains decoction in specific maximum proportion and intended for cleansing purpose, it is termed is 'Niruha'.
Anuvasana
When the medicine to be administered contains unctuous substance like oil or ghee in specific maximum proportion and intended for nourishment purpose, it is termed is 'Niruha'.
Indication
Basti is considered as the best and prime therapy for pacification of vata disorders.