Enema with Fatty Substances

🌿 Understanding Oil Enema (Anuvasana Basti) in Ayurveda

Oil Enema (Anuvasana Basti) is an Ayurvedic therapy involving the rectal administration of medicated oils to lubricate the lower alimentary tract. Unlike decoction enemas, oil enemas can be performed for 7 consecutive days and are administered after a light lunch. The procedure requires specific positioning, gentle abdominal massage, and proper retention of the oil. This therapy is contraindicated in numerous conditions including pregnancy, inflammation, bleeding disorders, and weak digestion. A lighter version called Matra Vasti exists for those who are weaker or have performed strenuous activity.

What is Oil Enema? 💫

Oil Enema is an Ayurvedic therapy where medicated oils are administered rectally. It can be performed for 7 consecutive days and primarily aims to lubricate the lower part of the alimentary tract.

Pre-Treatment Preparation 🔄

Before administering oil enema:

• Oleation therapy (application of oils) should be performed
• Fomentation therapy (heat application) should be completed
• Unlike most Panchakarma therapies, oil enema is performed after lunch
• Lunch should be light and warm on the day of procedure

Medicinal Ingredients 🧪

The standard preparation includes:

• Sahacharadi Taila (Vasti Paka) - 60-90 ml
• Paste of Dill seeds - 15 gm
• Rock Salt - 10 gm

Oil Preparation Process 🍃

1. Mix all three ingredients thoroughly
2. Filter the mixture through a cotton cloth
3. Warm the mixture by placing its container in hot water (water bath method)
4. Properly disinfect the enema syringe using hot water
5. Fill the syringe with lukewarm oil, ensuring no air enters
6. Important: Air in the syringe must be carefully avoided

Administration Procedure 🧴

Positioning and Application:

1. Lie on the left lateral side (left leg extended, right leg flexed at knee)
2. Lubricate both the syringe tip and anus with oil
3. Dispense some medicine from tube to remove any trapped air
4. Insert the syringe tip into the anus
5. Slowly administer the medicine into the body
6. Remove the syringe before the entire medicine is dispensed to prevent air entry into the rectum

Post-Administration Protocol:

1. Lie on your back facing upward
2. Gently massage the stomach in clockwise direction
3. Massage both palms and feet
4. Perform light stretches with therapist assistance:
   • Allow therapist to gently lift your legs thrice
   • With therapist support, raise and lower legs (without bending knees) thrice
   • Do not perform stretches yourself - this creates abdominal stress and makes oil retention difficult
5. Use the washroom only when oil retention becomes very difficult
6. Remain lying down for at least 30 minutes after the procedure
7. Important: If evacuation occurs before 30 minutes, the procedure must be repeated
8. Oil typically evacuates within 9 hours, but non-evacuation is also normal and requires no intervention

Post-Treatment Care 🌱

After oil enema therapy:

• Take a warm shower following the procedure
• When hungry, eat light, warm and moist foods (e.g., khichdi without ghee or spices)
• Rest and sleep on the treatment day
• Continue with light foods for the remainder of the day

Matra Vasti: Modified Oil Enema 🔍

A reduced-quantity oil enema called Matra Vasti is appropriate for:

• Very weak individuals
• Those who have performed hard work or exercise
• People who have lifted heavy weights
• Those suffering from certain Vata disorders (varies by condition)

Contraindications ❌

Oil enema should not be performed in cases of:

Age & Constitutional Factors:

• Childhood, old age, debility
• Very obese or very thin individuals
• Weak digestion

Digestive & Rectal Conditions:

• Inflammation in lower alimentary tract
• Diarrhea
• Bleeding hemorrhoids
• Swelling or burns of the rectum
• Prolapsed rectum
• Perforated intestines

Bleeding & Women's Health:

• Any downward bleeding (including menstruation)
• Pregnancy
• 45 days post-delivery
• Uterine prolapse

Other Conditions:

• Recent injury or surgery
• Dehydration
• After other purification therapies performed same day
• Immediately after eating
• Diabetes
• Common cold
• Poison consumption

References

Primary Source: School of Ayurveda and Panchkarma - Lectures and Notes