A gentle enema with a small, measured dose of medicated oil — traditionally used for nourishment and Vata complaints, and given under the doctor’s supervision.
Matra Vasti is a gentle enema of warm medicated oil in a small, measured quantity. Matra means measure, and it is the mildest form of the oil enema the classical texts call anuvasana, a word meaning that it can stay in the body without harm. It belongs to the vasti procedure of Panchakarma, and Dr.V.Vaitheeshwari B.A.M.S., decides whether it is given on its own or within a longer course.
A session runs about 15–30 minutes. Matra 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 Matra Vasti is traditionally used for
Matra Vasti is traditionally used for nourishment and strength, vata complaints, joint health and gentle rejuvenation.
It is traditionally used for Vata complaints where dryness is part of the picture: hard, dry stools and long-standing constipation, back pain and sciatica, cramping and urgency in irritable bowel complaints, and painful or irregular periods. It is also used in plans for acidity where the doctor finds a Vata component.
Because it is mild, the classical texts allow it for people who could not take a stronger purification: older adults, people who are thin or tired, those recovering from illness, and people who cannot take days off work. In a Panchakarma schedule it alternates with Kashaya Vasti.
What happens in a session
The oil chosen for you is warmed to body temperature and checked against the therapist’s wrist; the quantity is small and fixed by the doctor.
Lying on your left side, you draw the right knee towards your chest and breathe slowly while a soft, oiled nozzle introduces the oil over about a minute.
You then lie on your back. The therapist may pat your soles gently and lift your legs a few times, a classical step to help the oil settle.
After a short rest, with the whole procedure taking 15–30 minutes, you can get up and go home; there is no need to wait for the oil to pass.
It may come out with your next motion, that evening or the following morning.
Who should not have Matra Vasti
Loose motions, indigestion, a heavy, coated feeling in the gut, or a recent fever. Oil given then is classically said to sit badly, and the doctor waits.
Active piles, a fissure, bleeding from the back passage, or inflammatory bowel disease in a flare.
Pregnancy, or recent surgery on the abdomen, pelvis or back passage.
Marked obesity or poorly controlled diabetes, where the classical texts favour other approaches.
A recent change in bowel habit, blood in the stool or unexplained weight loss, which needs a medical opinion before any enema.
How many sessions?
Given on its own, Matra Vasti is usually planned as a series on consecutive days; the classical texts allow it daily because it is mild. In Panchakarma it is one half of a schedule such as Yoga Vasti or Kala Vasti, alternating with decoction enemas.
The doctor sets the number of sessions and the oil from your complaint and digestion, and at each review looks at how you hold and pass the oil, how your appetite is, and whether the original complaint is changing.
Before you come
Eat at the time the doctor gives you: a warm, easily digested meal, not a heavy or fried one.
Pass urine before the procedure and, if you can, open your bowels earlier in the day.
Wear dark, loose underwear or bring a pad, as a little oil can seep out later.
Tell the doctor if you take blood thinners or have a bleeding disorder.
Afterwards
You can usually go about a light routine the same day. Keep to warm food and water and avoid cold drinks.
Avoid long travel, hard exercise, late nights and holding back the urge to pass motion or urine.
Some or all of the oil may pass with your next motion, which is expected.
Call us if none has passed by the next day and you feel bloated or crampy, or if you have pain, bleeding or fever.
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.
Why is Matra Vasti given after food, when the decoction enema is not?
The classical texts say oil given on an empty stomach travels too far upwards and is poorly tolerated, while a light meal keeps it in the lower bowel where it is meant to act. The decoction enema works differently and is given before food.
Is it the same as a laxative?
No. A laxative empties the bowel; Matra Vasti is meant to be held, to oil and settle the lower bowel. It does not usually cause loose motions, and if it does, the doctor needs to know.
What is in the oil?
A medicated oil cooked with herbs and chosen for your complaint. The in-house pharmacy names every ingredient, so you can check it against any allergy.
What does Matra 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.
