EFFICACY OF BASTI IN MANAGEMENT OF ULCERATIVE COLITIS – A CASE REPORT

Abstract

Ulcerative Colitis is an idiopathic inflammatory condition of the large intestine which is frequently associated with inflammation of rectum but often extends proximally in a continuous manner through the entire colon. The clinical course of this ailment depicts an alternating course of remission and relapse with the typical presentation of diarrhoea, bloody stool, abdominal pain, faecal urgency and tenesmus. Medical treatment aims to curtail relapse of ulcerative colitis thereby preventing the long term sequelae and improving the quality of life of the patient. Explanation regarding the management of a similar condition can be traced from ancient Ayurvedic Samhitas, concerning a disease entity called Grahani . In this case, a 39-year-old male patient diagnosed with Ulcerative colitis was treated with Basti from the context of disease Grahani showed significant changes in clinical presentation without any impediments. In Ayurvedic classical literature, Basti is a prime treatment among purificatory therapies and application of this is considered as the best treatment modality for many gastrointestinal disorders. Recent clinical studies had also proved the efficacy of Basti as having an antagonistic effect on the inflammatory process of the intestinal mucosa with precipitation of healing mechanism.