A CRITICAL REVIEW OF UTTARABASTI CHIKITSA

Abstract

Among PanchaKarma, Basti (Medicated Enema) holds a supreme role and is considered as Chikitsaardha and also as a Poorna Chikitsa in Ayurveda. UttaraBasti (Urethral/ Intra Uterine/ Intra Vaginal enema) is one among the three types of Basti which is indicated in a great spectrum of diseases pertaining to Yonigarbhasya (Uterus and Cervix) and Mootramarga (Urethra) . Uttarabasti stand supreme owing to the route by which it is being administered and also because it is capable of performing both Sodhana (Detoxification therapy) and Snehana (Oleation therapy). UttaraBasti is well-known in the classics for treating most uro-genital diseases in both males and females. It is a procedure in which medicaments are administered into the intravesicular, intravaginal, and intrauterine routes using specific approaches in order to produce the desired therapeutic effect. This technique is performed on males both intravesically and intra-urethrally. The procedure of UttaraBasti is of due importance as it is administered via different procedures in males and females. Aim: To critically analyse the concept of UttaraBasti mentioned in classics and to find out the research scope of the same in the current era. Methodology: Critical analysis of concept of UttaraBasti, instruments used and its clinical utility and to analyse various research works done on UttaraBasti. Results: Most of the research works on UttaraBasti was confined to Fallopian tube induced Infertility and fewer works on Urinary related issues. The rest places where UttaraBasti is mentioned have been explored the least. Conclusion: Though in classics UttaraBasti is indicated in various disorders, fewer research works have been conducted in this topic and updates in scientific knowledge backed up with research works has to be done to bring UttaraBasti to limelight.