Basti (Hatha Yoga)
Basti ( Sanskrit for bastī or vastī "bladder, abdomen") is a physical cleansing technique of Hatha Yoga . It is used to clean the colon . The name comes from the fact that bladders from dead animals were used for enemas in ancient India . As with all other exercises, the basti practices should only be practiced under the expert guidance of an experienced yoga teacher. Consultation with a specialist is also recommended before exercising.
There are mainly two variants:
Jala-Basti
In the traditional variant, you stand up to your navel in a preferably flowing body of water. One takes a crouching position (e.g. Utkatasana ) and sucks water into the intestinal area by continuously contracting and relaxing the pelvic floor and the anus sphincter . Through the practice of Nauli , the intestine is flushed and then the water is excreted again. To make it easier to suck in the water, a small tube can be inserted a little way into the anus . Jala-Basti is supposed to solve problems with the kidneys , the stomach and the intestines .
The Hathapradipika says: “Vastikarman (Basti) in the water, practiced regularly, gives shine to the body parts, the senses and the mind. It makes the body shine, stimulates the gastric fire and eliminates all ailments. " (Chap . 2, verse 28)
The modern variant and that of Ayurveda is a conventional enema . This version is much easier to practice, but with continued practice there is a risk of constipation . Jala-Basti is often practiced in connection with a fast . In this context, the mental effects of this exercise such as balance and improved concentration become particularly clear. Even spiritual experiences are possible here.
Shushka-Basti
To do this, you go into a seated forward bend on your yoga mat (e.g. Pashchimottanasana ) and simply perform the contraction and relaxation of the pelvic floor and the anus muscles. This practice stimulates digestion and helps relieve constipation and gas . In addition, this exercise is considered effective for cleaning the nadis .
literature
- Kobs, Alexander: Shatkarma - The Secrets of Yoga Purification . Windpferd, Aitrang 2005, ISBN 3-89385-477-0 .
- Swami Swatmarama: Hatha Yoga Pradipika. Phenomenon, Neuenkirchen 2004, ISBN 3-933321-61-1 .
- Professional association of yoga teachers in Germany (ed.): The way of yoga. Via Nova, Petersberg 2000, ISBN 3-928632-02-7 .
- André Van Lysebeth : Through yoga to your own self . OW Barth, Bern a. a. 1998, ISBN 3-502-63415-7 .
Individual evidence
- ↑ Search results for "Basti". In: spokensanskrit.org . Retrieved April 28, 2020 .