Can Enema in Ayurveda Help with My Chronic Constipation and Anxiety - #1388

Hey, what you’re going through is pretty common, and it's great you’re exploring Ayurveda as potential solution. Constipation aligning with anxiety can def point to Vata imbalance. Basti (the Ayurvedic enema) is actually a powerful therapy specifically recognized for pacifying Vata dosha, so your friend's tip might be quite apt. Now, about trying this at home, I'd say your caution is smart. Doing an enema, especially if you've never tried it before, needs careful consideration. Oil enemas (snehana basti) are generally considered gentler and are really calming for the system. They’re more nourishing and lubricating, ideal for Vata-type issues. Decoction bastis (niruhabasti), on the other hand, are cleansing and often used in combination with oil bastis but can be more intense. I highly recommend seeing an experienced Ayurvedic practitioner first to guide you. They can provide the specific oil or herbal decoction suited to your prakriti and condition. And if you’re gonna do it at home later, they'll teach you the proper technique so you don't hurt yourself. Safety first, ya know? As for frequency, usually, in Ayurveda, basti is adminstered over a series, like 8 to 30 days for chronic issues, but it should be personalized by a professional. Overdoing it unsupervised might exacerbate, rather than ease your symptoms. Alongside basti, consider lifestyle and diet tweaks too — warm foods, using spices like ginger and cumin, and regular meals can all help support your agni (digestion). Everything from sleep to stress impacts, so maybe contemplate mindfulness meditation or light walking. Make sure any changes feel doable for you. Remember, if anything feels off, stop and consult immediately. Ayurvedic treatments aim for harmony, not added stress!