We live in an era where there is surplus of food and thankfully, we don't have toil for it like we used to as hunters and gatherers in the ancient age, who used to risk their life for bringing food home. Nor do we have to plant our own crops to survive like we did around 10000 years ago, when the development of agriculture took place. 

However, it comes as a great surprise that though, we have abundant food supply and a relatively comfortable life than our ancestors, still we are lagging behind when it comes to having the optimum state of health. 

According to the statistics of the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economies Consumer Pyramids Household Survey (CMIE- CPHS), in 2022, Indian households spent over INR 120 billion on healthcare related expenditures and this expenditure continuous to grow in 2024. This data is not just limited to the healthcare expense incurred in the cities that amounts to 42.3 percent of the total healthcare-cost indexed, but it is also relevant for tiny villages that contributes the remaining 57.7 percent.

Non-communicable diseases are more life-threatening than any Viruses

Non-communicable diseases also known as lifestyle diseases are a major reason behind this mountain of health care expenses. According to WHO, non-communicable diseases or NCDs, claim 41 million lives annually, which amounts to over 70% of all deaths across the globe. Of these, over 15 million deaths occur among people in the age group of 30 to 69 years. In India, NCDs claim 6 million lives which is a truly disturbing figure. 

Perhaps, it's an irony that a nation that suffered from the shortage of food, and experienced extreme hunger during Bengal famine now has plenty but still we are the ones having soaring cases of diabetes, thyroid and Blood pressure related issues. 

How we can solve this problem 

Food which is the fuel for our body enhances our wellbeing therefore, eating clean can significantly affect our health. Also, exercising daily can keep cardiovascular diseases at bay. We have all read the famous proverb that says, prevention is better than cure and it’s time to start practising it. 

Therefore, one of the foremost things we should do is to prevent these diseases from occurring by making changes in our lifestyle, eating habits and taking self-care seriously that not just involves skin care, but therapies that may improve our overall health. If you are someone, who understand the important but fails to live by it, then it’s crucial for you to consider alternative therapies as an effective way to prevent lifestyle related risks with minimal effort. 

What is Alternative therapy 

Alternative therapy are treatments that fall outside the spectrum of Allopathy also known as conventional or Western medicine. Alternative therapy is either performed separately or done alongside general treatment. Examples of some of the popularly known alternative therapies are Ayurveda, Naturopathy, Colon Hydrotherapy, Sauna, Salt therapy or Halotherapy. All these therapies are safe to perform and does not involve any severe health hazard or side effects unlike invasive surgical procedures. 

Basti Prakriya or Basti Therapy, a Cornerstone of Ayurveda

Interestingly, Colon Hydrotherapy, a popular procedure dating back to ancient cultures like the Egyptians, also falls under the bracket of alternative therapy. Ayurveda one of the oldest systems of alternative therapies boasts of a similar practice called Basti, which is an ancient enema-based practice of performing colonic therapy or colon irrigation. It is considered highly effective for detoxifying the body and balancing the doshas (the body's functional energies).

This time-honoured therapeutic practise became popular for its cleansing and rejuvenating effect that it provided post-therapy. This can be known from the fact that Basti Prakriya was further divided into three primary types namely-

 
Anuvasana Basti - This popular Ayurvedic treatment was often prescribed in the past for providing relief in conditions related to Vata dosha imbalance such as joint pain, constipation or anxiety. This treatment involves using medicated oils, which help nourish and lubricate the tissues of the colon and body. 

The oils are retained in the body for a longer duration, which promotes strength, reduces dryness, and provides relief from conditions associated with excessive Vata, such as stiffness, weakness, and restlessness.

Niruha Basti - This treatment involves using herbal decoctions that are often mixed with Ayurvedic oil, honey and other ingredients obtained from nature that effectively purifies and cleanses toxins from the body. Niruha Basti is more aggressive in nature than Anuvasana Basti and is performed on patients suffering from Kapha aur Pitta dosha-related disorders such as obesity and digestive issues. 

Uttara Basti - This is a special type of basti used for treating diseases related to reproductive or urinary system disorders. It is more commonly used in treating and diagnosing female health issues such as infertility or menstrual irregularities, as well as urinary tract problems. 

To examine, the functionality of the female reproductive organs, the enema is administered through the urethra or the vaginal canal, depending on the health issue that is being addressed. This popular treatment has been passed down to generations and continues to be in practice today. 

Apart from this there is another popular basti therapy, though it’s different from the above-mentioned practises as it is considered as a more natural and Yogic approach. This method is less aggressive than Niruha Basti and was practised as routine cleansing rather than therapeutic intervention for severe health problems. 

What is Jal Basti

Jal Basti also popular as Yoga Basti in Ayurveda involves administering warm water into the colon through the anus to clean the digestive tract. This method is believed to help with the elimination of toxins, cleanse the colon, and balance digestive issues. It is also used to treat conditions like constipation and abdominal discomfort. While others methods use oil or specific medicated substances, Jal Basti is performed purely using water. It's ability to naturally detoxify and clean the colon makes Jal Basti a popular yogic kriya. 

The Evolution of Colon hydrotherapy 

The practice of cleansing the colon has been a part of many cultures and often referred by different names. The time- tested procedure has evolved and with the help of modern technology, the process has been streamlined to offer a smooth and result oriented treatment to the patients suffering from various digestive and gut issues.

With more research taking place, now this treatment has become more advanced and safer to perform. That does not involve any kind of hassle as only a certified doctor or a therapist can perform the therapy on the patient and can even tailor the therapy according to the client’s requirement. 

Colon Hydrotherapy is a safe and drugless procedure that is quite effective in treating IBS issues, maintaining the blood sugar levels and in treating gut related issues. Moreover, it is advantageous in treating constipation problems and in boosting the body’s metabolism. Taking one or two sessions of colon irrigation can help in better absorption of nutrients and minerals from the food and water. Since, having a poor and fibre deficient diet can clog up the colon, which loses its ability to extract important minerals and vitamins from the food. Therefore, coupling this therapy with a nutritious diet and exercise can not only enhance overall health but can keep lifestyle diseases away. 

Conclusion

Colon hydrotherapy is a time-saving procedure that aims to promote regular bowel movements and also strengthens the muscles of the colon, ensuring a healthy and constipation-free digestive system. Thereby, improving your mood and providing mental clarity by eliminating the toxins and waste from your body that tends to rejuvenate you. 

At large, we cannot deny the benefits of colon hydrotherapy in treating various lifestyle diseases that pose a major threat to our health. This makes colon hydrotherapy one of the best and safest alternative therapies for keeping digestive issues away and also preventing non-communicable diseases from occurring.