Udar Basti is a classical Ayurvedic therapy focused on cleansing, balancing, and healing the abdominal and digestive systems
Warm medicated oil or herbal decoction is gently introduced through the rectum to remove toxins, balance Vata dosha, and nourish deep digestive tissues.
This therapy helps relieve constipation, bloating, and abdominal pain and supports overall gut health and digestion.
It works deeply inside the body, improves circulation, reduces inflammation, calms aggravated Vata, and strengthens abdominal and pelvic organs.
Udar Basti is a specialized Ayurvedic therapy for digestive health, Vata balance, and abdominal comfort. It is performed in three main stages to ensure deep cleansing, nourishment, and long-lasting relief.
Purvakarma
Purva Karma is the preparatory step before the main Udar Basti therapy. It prepares the body and abdominal region for effective treatment. The Ayurvedic doctor examines digestion, bowel habits, abdominal discomfort, and overall health. Based on Vata imbalance and the patient’s condition, suitable medicated oil or decoction is selected.
The lower abdomen is gently massaged with warm oil to relax tissues and improve circulation. The patient is placed in a comfortable position, and all materials are prepared for the procedure.
Pradhanakarma
Pradhana Karma is the main therapeutic phase of Udar Basti. Warm medicated oil or herbal decoction (sneha or kashaya) is carefully introduced into the rectum using a sterile catheter under expert supervision. This allows the medicine to reach deep digestive tissues.
The liquid is retained for a fixed duration, helping cleanse toxins, reduce inflammation, balance doshas, and nourish the intestinal system. During this stage, the patient remains relaxed to support better absorption and healing.
Paschatkarma
Paschat Karma is the final recovery stage after Udar Basti. After the medicine is expelled naturally, the abdominal area is cleaned gently. A mild oil massage may be given to relax muscles and support circulation.
Light steam therapy may be applied if required, followed by adequate rest. Patients are advised to avoid heavy food, physical strain, and cold exposure for some time to maintain the therapy’s benefits. Proper diet and lifestyle guidance is also provided to support long-term digestive health.
Purvakarma
Purva Karma is the preparatory step before the main Udar Basti therapy. It prepares the body and abdominal region for effective treatment. The Ayurvedic doctor examines digestion, bowel habits, abdominal discomfort, and overall health. Based on Vata imbalance and the patient’s condition, suitable medicated oil or decoction is selected.
The lower abdomen is gently massaged with warm oil to relax tissues and improve circulation. The patient is placed in a comfortable position, and all materials are prepared for the procedure.
Pradhanakarma
Pradhana Karma is the main therapeutic phase of Udar Basti. Warm medicated oil or herbal decoction (sneha or kashaya) is carefully introduced into the rectum using a sterile catheter under expert supervision. This allows the medicine to reach deep digestive tissues.
The liquid is retained for a fixed duration, helping cleanse toxins, reduce inflammation, balance doshas, and nourish the intestinal system. During this stage, the patient remains relaxed to support better absorption and healing.
Paschatkarma
Paschat Karma is the final recovery stage after Udar Basti. After the medicine is expelled naturally, the abdominal area is cleaned gently. A mild oil massage may be given to relax muscles and support circulation.
Light steam therapy may be applied if required, followed by adequate rest. Patients are advised to avoid heavy food, physical strain, and cold exposure for some time to maintain the therapy’s benefits. Proper diet and lifestyle guidance is also provided to support long-term digestive health.
Udar Basti is classified based on the method of application and the specific abdominal condition being treated. The type of therapy is selected according to dosha imbalance, digestive health, and the patient’s overall constitution, ensuring targeted and effective healing.
Warm medicated oil is applied on the abdomen using a dough ring. It helps improve digestion, reduce bloating, and relieve abdominal discomfort.
Herbal decoction is given through the rectum for deep cleansing. It removes toxins, relieves constipation, and balances aggravated Vata.
Medicated oil is administered to lubricate the intestines. It reduces dryness, improves bowel movement, and supports digestive strength. These three are the most commonly used and form the foundation of Udar Basti treatment.
Helps reduce constipation, bloating, gas, and abdominal pain by cleansing toxins and improving intestinal movement.
Supports better digestion and absorption by strengthening digestive fire and balancing disturbed doshas.
Calms aggravated Vata in the abdominal region, helping relieve dryness, irregular bowel habits, and discomfort.
Deep penetration of medicated oils nourishes digestive tissues, improving strength and long-term gut health.
Improves blood flow to digestive organs, supporting healing, metabolism, and removal of waste products.
Helps manage long-term problems like chronic constipation, IBS-type symptoms, abdominal distension, and weakness naturally.
Helps calm aggravated Vata in the digestive system, supporting nervous system balance and reducing restlessness and anxiety.
By improving digestion and relieving abdominal discomfort, Udar Basti helps reduce physical stress that affects mental health.
The soothing warmth of medicated oils creates relaxation and grounding, supporting emotional stability and inner peace.
By easing digestive disturbances and internal tension, this therapy helps the body relax and encourages deeper, more restful sleep.
Udar Basti originates from ancient Ayurvedic practices and has been used for centuries to manage abdominal and digestive disorders.
The name comes from Sanskrit, where “Udar” refers to the abdomen and “Basti” means to retain or hold medicated substances.
In early Ayurvedic literature, Basti was mainly described as an internal cleansing therapy used in Panchakarma treatments.
Over time, localized oil retention techniques developed to treat specific body areas, including the abdominal region.
Udar Basti is based on the Ayurvedic principles of Snehana (oleation) and Swedana (therapeutic heat therapy).
These principles are explained in classical texts such as the Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita.
Traditionally, this therapy was used to pacify aggravated Vata dosha, which is considered a major cause of digestive imbalance, dryness, and abdominal discomfort.
In modern practice, Udar Basti is performed as a structured clinical procedure and continues to be valued for long-term digestive and abdominal health.
Udar Basti is used for both preventive and therapeutic purposes. It helps in