A medicated enema of herbal decoction — a classical Panchakarma procedure, given only as part of a doctor-planned course.
Kashaya Vasti is a medicated enema made with a herbal decoction, and part of the vasti procedure of Panchakarma. Kashaya means decoction, and vasti here is the enema itself; the classical texts also call it niruha or asthapana vasti. It is given only as part of a course that Dr.V.Vaitheeshwari B.A.M.S., has planned after assessment, usually alternating with Matra Vasti, the small oil enema.
A session runs about 15–30 minutes. Kashaya Vasti is carried out at Sri Vinayaga Ayurvibe, a doctor-led Ayurveda hospital at Nookampalayam, Perumbakkam, Chennai 600131 — within reach of Medavakkam, Sholinganallur, OMR, Pallikaranai, Velachery and Tambaram.
What Kashaya Vasti is traditionally used for
Kashaya Vasti is traditionally used for panchakarma purification, vata disorders, gut complaints and chronic constipation.
The classical texts give the decoction enema a central place in treating Vata disorders. It is traditionally used to support long-standing sciatica and back conditions, chronic constipation, bloating and irritable bowel complaints. It may also be part of a plan for PCOS, where the doctor reads a Vata obstruction alongside a heavy metabolism, or for weight and metabolism.
It is planned for adults strong enough for a purification procedure who can keep to its diet and routine, after several days of preparation with oil massage and sudation. People who are frail, elderly or recovering from illness are more often given the gentler Matra Vasti.
What happens in a session
The mixture is prepared fresh in a set classical order: honey, rock salt, medicated oil, a herbal paste and finally the warm decoction, churned until smooth and brought to body warmth.
You lie on your left side with the left leg straight and the right knee drawn up. A soft, lubricated nozzle is inserted gently, and the mixture is introduced slowly while you breathe out through the mouth.
You then turn onto your back and rest. Some cramping and a growing urge are expected, and the therapist tells you when to go.
Afterwards you are asked what came out and how long it took. The doctor uses this to plan the next day, so answer honestly even if it feels awkward.
The procedure itself takes 15–30 minutes, followed by rest and then a warm, easily digested meal.
Who should not have Kashaya Vasti
Diarrhoea, blood in the stool, active piles, a fissure or fistula, or inflammatory bowel disease in a flare.
Pregnancy, recent abdominal or rectal surgery, or an unrepaired hernia.
Marked weakness, dehydration, a recent fever or severe anaemia.
A heart condition, uncontrolled blood pressure or kidney disease not yet reviewed by the doctor.
A recent change in bowel habit or unexplained weight loss, which needs a gastroenterology opinion before any enema.
How many sessions?
Kashaya Vasti is never a single appointment. Classical schedules such as Yoga Vasti, over eight days, and Kala Vasti, over sixteen, alternate decoction and oil enemas in a fixed pattern, and the doctor chooses one from your strength, your complaint and the season.
Preparation days come first, and a period of careful food and routine follows the last enema. The doctor reviews you each day and can shorten the course, pause it or change the mixture.
Before you come
Take only what the doctor allows on the morning; the decoction enema is usually given before the day’s meal.
If you take medicines for diabetes or blood pressure, tell the doctor at the consultation, since the procedure involves a spell without food.
Wear loose clothing and bring a change of underwear.
Afterwards
You may pass several loose motions over the next few hours and feel tired; rest, and sip warm water.
Through the course, avoid cold food and drinks, sleeping in the day, long travel, hard exercise and late nights.
The doctor may prescribe a rejuvenative such as Chyawanprash for the weeks afterwards.
Call +91 81229 39197 for bleeding from the back passage, severe abdominal pain, fever, faintness, or motions that will not settle.
Cost
Cost depends on the duration and whether the doctor plans a single session or a course. Call +91 81229 39197 and we will tell you before you book — there are no surprises at the counter.
If it is slow to come, simple measures are tried first: warmth over the abdomen, a change of position, a short walk. The doctor decides whether anything more is needed. Do not strain to force it.
Can I work during a Kashaya Vasti course?
Light work from home suits some people on some days, but many find the course easier with those days kept free. The classical texts also ask for careful routine afterwards, for at least as long as the course itself, so plan your calendar beyond the last enema.
How is it different from a hospital enema before a scan?
A hospital enema is a one-off to empty the bowel. Kashaya Vasti is a medicine given in a planned series, its mixture changes with your condition, and it alternates with oil enemas. Emptying the bowel is not the aim in itself, which is why the preparation and diet around it matter.
What does Kashaya Vasti cost in Chennai?
Cost depends on the duration and whether the doctor plans a single session or a course. Call +91 81229 39197 and we will tell you before you book — there are no surprises at the counter.
Sri Vinayaga Ayurvibe — 12/597, Main Road, Nethaji Nagar Main Rd,
Nookampalayam, Perumbakkam, Chennai 600131. Phone:
+91 81229 39197.
