Nirooha Vasthi, also called Asthapana Vasti, is a cleansing enema made from a herbal decoction (kashaya) combined with oils, honey, salt and herbal pastes. Vasti therapy as a whole is described in the classics as the single most important treatment for vata disorders – so much so that it is called half of all treatment – and Niruha is its main cleansing form.
At ACTYMED it is delivered as a supervised, structured course, often alternating with a mild oil (anuvasana) enema in a set schedule. It is used for vata-driven and neurological conditions, chronic constipation and arthritis, and is always preceded by proper assessment and preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is it performed?
Preparation (purva karma): preparatory oleation (snehana) and fomentation (swedana) are usually given over the preceding days. Main procedure (pradhana karma): the measured decoction blend is administered rectally and retained for a time before being passed. Aftercare (paschat karma): rest and a graded, light diet follow, the response is monitored, and it is typically part of a scheduled series.
Which conditions is it used for?
Vata disorders, neurological conditions, sciatica and low back pain, arthritis, chronic constipation, and certain digestive and metabolic complaints.
What are the classifications?
Vasti is broadly divided into Niruha or Asthapana (decoction, cleansing) and Anuvasana or Sneha (oil, nourishing); the two are often combined in schedules such as Kala, Karma and Yoga Vasti.
Who should avoid it?
It has many restrictions – it is avoided immediately after meals, in acute fever or diarrhoea, in severe debility, in certain abdominal conditions such as ascites, in bleeding per rectum, in breathlessness, and generally in pregnancy. Medical supervision is essential.
How is a course structured?
As a supervised series over days to weeks, with Niruha and Anuvasana given in a prescribed sequence.
