Concept of Nabhi Basti in Ayurveda - A Compilation Study

Abstract

Nabhi (umbilicus) is a vital region in the body, mentioned among Marma (vital region) as Nabhi Marma. Its importance is quoted in ancient texts as its injury is considered to be Sadhyopranahara (fatal). Nabhi Basti is a unique type of external therapy where Snehadravya (fat) is made to retain in the Nabhi for a specific duration of time. Nabhi Basti synonymously mentioned as Nabhi Poorana in ancient literatures like, Charaka, Bhavaprakasha. In classical texts of Ayurveda there is no direct references of Nabhi Basti but it is mentioned among the treatment modalities in contexts like Atisara chikitsa and Udarachikitsa. There is also use of Nabhi Poorana in folklore practices in abdominal colics and bloating. Procedure of Nabhi Basti is similar as that of Katibasti, Greevabasti and Karnapoorana. Nabhi basti is helpful in diseases such as Vataja grahani, Atisara, Umbilical hernia. Benefits of Nabhi basti are Snehana, Mrudu Swedana and Vatashamana and also strengthens the umbilical region. There is only few available researches and review articles on Nabhi Basti where the importance of Nabhi as an anatomical structure, its importance in surgery and also the use of Nabhi Basti in Vataja grahani was explained. As there is no detailed explanation regarding Nabhi Basti, since Nabhi holds such importance in the body as Marma, also Nabhi purana/Nabhi basti plays an important treatment in many diseases which was less reviewed or given less importance, hence an attempt has been made in the article to compile and review the scattered references on Nabhi Basti.