About the treatment
Hridaya basti is a calming, nurturing therapy for the area of the heart and cardiac region and all its unspoken connections with our wellbeing. The soothing touch, warmth and weight of unctuous oil encourages a heavy heart to soften and blocked energies, past sorrows, pain and regretful choices and burdens to dissolve allowing us space to deal with the wonder and emotions of the present day. Keeping our ‘anahata’ or heart chakra free of congestion not only gives us emotional wellbeing but allows for increased heart and lung functioning.
The natural oils for this treatment are specifically chosen according to the condition and are maintained at a particular temperature. A dough dam is created to hold a pool of the oil for a set length of time as its warmth and pressure deeply penetrates and is absorbed through the skin to muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments and connective tissues. Gentle manipulation of the subtle marma (vital energy points) enhances its healing impact. This procedure is then followed by a little, light massage of the surrounding area enhancing circulation and allowing ease of movement.
This therapy is recommended as a course alongside dietary and lifestyle suggestions.
More information...
The Basti’ can be roughly translated as ‘something inside’ or ‘something which holds.’ It is a term used to describe the urinary bladder in ayurveda, a compartment or container which holds or pools something for a period of time.
There are two types of basti therapies in ayurveda. The first is internal enema therapy which is given as a part of Ayurvedic Panchakarma. The second is external. This therapy is external.
There are several types of external basti to include:
• Kati basti – lower back treatment
• Greeva basti – around the area of neck/between shoulder blades
• Janu basti – around knee area
• Kurpara basti – around the elbow
• Hridaya basti – around heart marma point
• Nabhi basti – around navel region
• Shirobasti – head region
• Chakra basti – around each chakra of the body
• Netra basti – around the eye area
Benefits:
Hridaya basti has many benefits to include:
o Reducing anxiety, stress and nervousness
o Relaxing congestion and dryness of airways and lungs
o Nourishing the heart and helping its functioning
o Enhancing blood supply to the area
o Promoting cellular memory of the muscle
o Soothing nerves
o Promoting better circulation by removing stagnant toxins for the area
Indications:
Hridaya basti is recommended for many disorders including:
o Palpitations
o Chronic fatigue syndrome
o Multiple sclerosis
o Respiratory ailments, wheezing, asthma
o Irritability, insecurity and emotional problems
o High blood pressure
o Low blood pressure
o Stress, anxiety and nervousness
Contra-indications:
Hridaya basti is not recommended under the following conditions:
• Low digestive fire (agni) or excessive toxins (ama)
• During pregnancy
• Whilst breastfeeding
• Acute fever, chest or sinus congestion
• Inflammation, swelling or redness of chest area
• Open or bleeding wounds, healing scars or burns
• Active headache or migraine
• Directly after a heavy meal or when very hungry
• Less than 8 weeks after surgery to local area
