Basti

Meaning

Basti (बस्ति) literally means “bladder” in Sanskrit, but in the context of ṣaṭkarma it refers to colon cleansing through suction of water or air. It is the second of the six ṣaṭkarmas.

Unlike the Western enema (which introduces water under pressure), classical basti uses negative pressure created by nauli or uddīyāna bandha to draw water into the large intestine.

Techniques

Jala Basti (Water Basti)

The classical technique described in the texts.

HYP 2.26-27 describes:

“Squatting in water up to the navel, inserting a tube into the anus, contracting the anus, Jala Basti is performed.”

“Practice uddīyāna bandha. This is Basti Karma. It cures urinary disorders, digestive disorders and disorders of the winds (vāta), and provides a luminous body.”

Traditional procedure:

1. Squat in clean water up to the navel (originally in a river)
2. Insert a small tube (traditionally bamboo) into the rectum
3. Practice uddīyāna bandha intensely, creating abdominal vacuum
4. Water is drawn into the intestine
5. Hold for a few moments, then expel
6. Repeat several times until the water comes out clear

⚠️ This technique requires prior mastery of nauli and uddīyāna bandha, and expert supervision.

Sthala Basti (Dry Basti / with air)

Variant that uses air instead of water.

Procedure:

1. Lie in śavāsana or sit in paścimatānāsana
2. Perform aśvinī mudrā (rhythmic contraction of the anal sphincter)
3. Practice uddīyāna bandha to create vacuum
4. Air is drawn into the intestine
5. Retain, then expel

This practice is gentler and can be performed without water.

Modern Adaptation: Śaṅkha Prakṣālana

In the Bihar School tradition, Śaṅkha Prakṣālana (shell cleansing) is taught as a complete and safe alternative:

1. Drink 2 glasses of warm salted water
2. Perform 5 specific āsanas (tāḍāsana, tiryaka tāḍāsana, kaṭi cakrāsana, tiryaka bhujaṅgāsana, udarākāṣaṇāsana)
3. Repeat cycles until clear water is evacuated
4. Rest and follow specific diet

This technique cleanses the entire digestive tract, from mouth to anus.

Benefits According to the Texts

HYP 2.28 states:

“By the practice of basti, disorders of gulma (abdominal tumors), diseases of the spleen, dropsy and all diseases caused by vāta, pitta and kapha are cured.”

Traditional effects:

• Removes residues from the large intestine
• Balances apāna vāyu (downward energy)
• Relieves chronic constipation
• Reduces abdominal distension
• Purifies the blood
• Clarifies the skin
• Prepares for prāṇāyāma and deep meditation

Precautions

⚠️ Important warnings:

• Only practice under direct supervision of an experienced teacher
• Absolute contraindications: Severe hemorrhoids, anal fissures, rectal prolapse, colitis, Crohn’s disease, pregnancy, menstruation, after abdominal surgery
• Do not practice without mastering nauli and uddīyāna bandha
• Use clean, warm water (never cold)
• Never force water entry

After Practice

• Rest in śavāsana for 15-30 minutes
• First food: kichari (rice with lentils) with ghee
• Avoid processed foods, meats and dairy for 24 hours
• Do not practice intense āsanas on the same day

When to Practice

• Jala Basti: Occasionally, maximum 1-2 times per month, under expert guidance
• Sthala Basti: Weekly once mastered
• Śaṅkha Prakṣālana: 1-4 times per year, at change of seasons

Colon cleansing is fundamental in haṭha yoga because an obstructed intestine impedes the free flow of prāṇa and makes the practice of advanced bandhas and mudrās difficult.