Basti Kriya: step-by-step guide to yogic cleansing

Basti-kriya is one of the practices in the Shatkarma system, which cleanses the intestines and supports overall health. Beyond the physical aspect, the practice affects energy, leading a person to harmony in body and mind.

Poor nutrition, prolonged sedentary work, and a polluted environment all contribute to a decline in well-being and the appearance of diseases, making this practice a vital necessity. The positive effect of Basti, or a yogic enema, is the cleansing of the lower intestine from waste and toxins.

The treatise "Hatha Yoga Pradipika" provides the following instruction:

The correct practice of water cleansing (Basti) cleanses the dhatus, indriyas, and antah-karana (the elements, senses, and mind); it makes the body pure, enhances digestion, and destroys all disorders of the body⁶.

For beginners in yoga, some exercises may seem difficult, but with regular practice and a desire to master Shatkarma, everything is possible. To achieve maximum benefit, it is recommended to first study Uddiyana Bandha and Madhyama Nauli. Mastery of these practices will facilitate the execution of Basti: thanks to their effect, water is easily drawn into the intestines and cleanses their walls.

There are two types of this Shatkarma:

1. Jala-basti (water enema).
2. Sthala-basti (dry enema).

According to the principles of Ayurveda, the main cause of diseases and premature aging is the accumulation of toxins in the body. These harmful substances can accumulate over many years, negatively affecting blood vessels, muscles, cartilage, and internal organs. Food residues that get stuck in the intestines begin to decompose, releasing poisonous substances that lead to damage to the mucous membrane and gradual poisoning of the body. To restore health, it is necessary to cleanse the gastrointestinal tract with the help of a yogic enema—Basti³⁵.

Regular performance of the technique helps with:

• gastrointestinal problems, such as constipation, flatulence, indigestion, and blockages of the intestines with solid masses;
• depression, insomnia, low energy, stress, and headaches;
• the treatment of infertility², inflammation of the appendages, and prostatitis;
• skin problems.

The recommended frequency of performance is twice a month for those prone to constipation, and once every two months for those without problems⁵.

This ancient yogic Shatkarma not only has a cleansing effect, but it also influences the overall condition of a person, including their psycho-emotional health³⁴.

• Basti helps with natural bowel movements, which prevents the accumulation of toxins and constipation.
• Cleansing the intestines eliminates accumulated gas and improves overall well-being.
• Cleansing from waste. The procedure effectively removes food residues and poisonous substances that can accumulate on the walls of the intestines.
• Strengthening immunity. Thanks to the kriya, the intestinal microflora is normalized, and the immune response is increased.
• Improving skin condition. Cleansing from the inside has a beneficial effect on the skin, reducing the appearance of acne and other dermatological problems.
• Improving psycho-emotional state. Intestinal cleansing can positively affect mood, reducing stress and anxiety levels, and improving sleep.
• A clean intestine ensures better absorption of nutrients and increases energy levels.
• In preparation for deep meditative practices, Basti eliminates feelings of heaviness and discomfort, harmonizing the energy centers.

Basti-kriya has a number of contraindications. Understanding these limitations will help to avoid negative consequences and make the practice safer and more effective³⁵.

• Acute diseases, especially those related to the digestive system, such as diarrhea, rectal bleeding, cancer of the rectum or colon, gastritis, or ulcers. The inflamed walls of the gastrointestinal tract can be harmed by mechanical intervention.
• Chronic diseases, such as diabetes, tuberculosis, and problems with the cardiovascular system.
• Pregnancy and the breastfeeding period. During this time, it is important to maintain the stability of the digestive system in order to avoid harming your health and the baby's.
• Severe mental illnesses. The procedure can be perceived as physical and emotional stress, which is not always beneficial for mental health.
• Allergies to any of the components used.
• A feeling of physical discomfort or pain. If such symptoms appear, you need to stop.

General restrictions: Basti is not recommended for children under seven years of age, the elderly, during menstruation, with colds, or on a full stomach.

Jala-basti heals problems of the urinary system, digestion, and gas formation. The body becomes clean and looks like Kamadeva (Cupid).

Gheranda Samhita (shloka 1:48) ¹

Jala-basti uses the powerful force of water to cleanse the body. Water as an element symbolizes purity, strength, and renewal. Yogis claim that when performing these exercises, an energy flow arises from the bottom up, which can be felt physically as the water rises through the intestines³⁵⁶.

It is extremely important that the water is clean and not too cold or hot. In cold weather, warmer water can be used. There is no need to add salt. It is not recommended to do Basti in rainy, cloudy, or windy weather.

Technique of execution

1. Prepare a smooth tube with a diameter of about 8 mm (you can use a rubber catheter or enema tip), treating it with beeswax or petroleum jelly for ease of insertion.
2. Fill a bathtub with warm water and immerse yourself in the water up to about your waist. It is desirable to sit in a squatting position, in Kagasana. Yoga treatises also recommend the Fisherman's Pose if the size of the reservoir allows it.
3. Relax the muscles of the pelvic floor to create a vacuum in the intestines and allow the water to quickly fill it.
4. Ins ert the tube in to the anal opening to a comfortable depth (about 4 cm).
5. Take a full exhalation and hold your breath. Close the end of the tube with your finger and perform Uddiyana Bandha. Carefully remove your finger from the end of the tube.
6. Then perform Nauli once. Continuing to hold your breath, try to expand your abdomen, which will create a vacuum and allow you to draw water inward. Hold it inside for as long as possible.
7. After that, go to the toilet to expel the contents of the intestines.
8. Repeat the process, drawing in a new portion of water and expelling it again until the intestines are completely cleansed.
9. After a few repetitions, perform Mayurasana or other mastered poses — Shalabhasana, Padahastasana, Bhujangasana, or Dhanurasana.
10. At the end of the cleansing, linger in Pavanamuktasana for a couple of minutes and then devote time to rest in Shavasana.

Experienced practitioners, using a tube, can draw water from a small container, such as a bucket or jar, which eliminates the need to fill a bathtub and sit in the water.

The second type of Basti, in which it is necessary to cleanse the intestines with air, is a rather complex technique, which may take years to master. For a start, it is necessary to improve in Jala-basti⁶.

The word "Sahaja" from Sanskrit translates as 'natural' or 'spontaneous'. This practice does not belong to the classical variations of Basti but represents a gentler substitute for the traditional yogic Shatkarma. The practice is also aimed at cleansing the intestines and restoring internal balance. Anyone can master it and get great results if desired. Sahaja-basti can be done at home without the use of complex tools. It consists of elements of breathing techniques and light physical exercises, which makes the kriya accessible to people with different levels of training⁵.

Technique of execution

1. Prepare a solution: mix the juice of one lemon with one teaspoon of salt in a liter of warm boiled water. Over time, it will be possible to do without lemon juice.

2. Drink the resulting mixture while standing.

3. Do a series of exercises in the following sequence:

   • 5 minutes of Viparita Karani;
   • 3–4 minutes of Nauli;
   • 2–3 times Bhujangasana;
   • 3–4 times Mayurasana (or its simplified versions) for men, Bow Pose for women;
   • Paschimottanasana;
   • several cycles of breathing in Pavanamuktasana.

4. After that, empty your bowels.

In conclusion, do Kunjala: drink clean, salted, warm water until the stomach is full, and then, inducing vomiting, remove it from the body.

If bowel emptying does not occur, this may indicate a significant accumulation of toxins in the body. In this case, preliminary preparation will be required, including a longer period of plant-based nutrition and interval fasting.

Do not rush, relax, do Shavasana.

Sahaja-basti-kriya is a great way to integrate cleansing practice into everyday life.

The yogic technique of Basti is an effective tool for maintaining health. The indications for its use cover both physical and psycho-emotional aspects.

There is a saying: "The shorter the intestine, the longer the life." Of course, this is not about the length of the intestine, but about the speed with which it gets rid of excess substances. Mastering Basti-kriya can be the first step on the path to a long, healthy, and harmonious life!