Alan and I have completed 19 days of Panchakarma (PK) treatments as of today. We feel better and look better, I have to say. Even my tech yesterday said, “Less fat”!
We have moved into the later phases of the treatment which include bastis. Bastis are enemas. As we understand it, much of the treatment has been about moving toxics to the intestinal tract. This is done by applying herb infused oil to the skin or taking herbs orally. The bastis release the toxins from your system, bringing your body back to a more normal level of health and vitality.
There are three levels of bastis given and rotate over days. The first is call a Matra Basti, this one is a small amount of oil and is almost unnoticeable when it is given. The next one is called Ksheera Basti and is a mixture of milk, oil and some herbs, known as the milk basti. Before this basti is given, instead of a regular meal you eat a combo of milk and rice. We are permitted to add some cinnamon, cardamom and a bit of sugar. It tastes really good. With each of these first two bastis, the techs give us a quick back massage and raise our legs to help process the oil. Then we are told to lay on our right side for 32 slow breaths, then 64 on the back and 128 on the left side. Then you can release the oils if you want.
The last one is called Shodhana Basti, this is the big one! You must be checked by Dr. Raju to ensure your system is in good shape to have it. You don’t eat breakfast; and you are given a glass of warm milk. In my case, the female doctor comes with the tech to my room to ensure my well-being. She takes my heart rate before and after the basti is administered. We are given a small Indian herbal tablet before and then took to hold one in our mouth during the basti. The tablet is supposed to make the stomach more comfortable during the treatment. This one is all oil and herbs with a very large amount of oil. You expel it immediately. Then you rest for an hour and go off to the treatment center for your daily massages and other treatments. You don’t eat a meal until dinner, but you are given two serving of Kanjee during the day. Kanjee is a watery mixture of rice and herbs. I have to say it is the worst concoction we have been given and I have to force myself to eat as I know it will be a long time to dinner!
This process might show strange and awful. Actually the techs are lovely and it does not hurt. I am in my second rotation today, so I have only had one big basti so far. I have to say my energy level increased tremendously after the big basti. Clearly releasing all the toxics was really helpful for me!