Definition: Hridaya basti is a procedure in which the area around the heart or the cardiac region is continuously bathed with warm medicated oil & decoctions.
Sanskrit: Hridaya= the heart Basti= the container or retainer
Description: Hrid Basti is an Ayurvedic treatment for the heart, both the physical heart and the emotional heart. Organic flour is used to create a reservoir that is placed over the sternum. Warm, medicated, herbal oils are poured inside the reservoir, concentrating the healing benefits of the oil where you need it most.
Benefits
Relieves deep-seated repressed stress, anger and grief
Improves blood circulation and breathing
Gives a sense of peace and happiness
Pacifies aggravated Vata dosha in the chest region
Nourishes and Strengthens the cardiac muscles; thus rejuvenate the heart
Regulates cardiac functions
Indications
Ischemic Heart Diseases
Cardiomyopathy
Valvular disease
chronic bronchitis
Contraindication
Extremely sensitive skin
Fever
Skin infection
Pregnancy
Procedure
The dough is prepared out of black gram flour or whole wheat flour. It is then made into a small ring of four to five inches in diameter which is placed over the chest to cover the heart i.e., to the left side of the sternum. After it is glued with some water to make it leakproof, lukewarm medicated oil or herbal decoction is slowly poured into it. When this cools down it is squeezed out and replaced with more warm oil or herbal decoction. At the end of the procedure, the dough is removed; a gentle massage is given over the area. The person is made to rest for a while.
Duration: 30-60 minutes
Post-treatment care
Follow therapist home recommendations
Hrid Basti is most therapeutic when experienced as a series of treatments. Please contact your Ayurvedic practitioner to inquire what kind of series would be most therapeutic for you.
Stay well hydrated with room temperature: hot water
Have a restful evening and early to bed.
Eat on time and eat easy to digest freshly cooked food
Foods you must consume should help in the treatment.
FAQ
How to prepare for a treatment?
Like most Ayurvedic therapies, it is advisable to not eat anything 90 minutes prior to your treatment.
Please plan to arrive 10 minutes before your appointment time
Refrain from any heavy meals for 90 minutes before appointment.
Stay well hydrated
Do not schedule any strenuous tasks for the rest of the day. It's best to have at least a few hours after the appointment that are easily relaxed.
Wear clothes you are ok getting a bit of oil on, post- treatment.
What to wear?
This treatment involves the use of oil, we recommend wearing clothes you don’t mind getting oil on until you can shower.