Most of the diseases are caused by imbalance of Vata Dosha and Basti is called `Ardha Chikitsa` since it cures half of the diseases. This treatment is mainly performed in varsha Ritu or Rainy season according to the gravity of the disease as Vata Dosha increases naturally in this season.

Basti is of two types-Nirooha Basti and Anuvasana Basti.
Nirooha Basti- This mainly contains extraction of medicinal herbs and a little amount of fat in it. It is indicated in gout, diabetes, hyperacidity, dysuria, meterrohagia, heart diseases. It is not recommended for weak person or for persons who are suffering from abdominal distension, piles, dysentery, diarrhea, vomiting, cough, asthma etc.

Anuvasana Basti-It mainly contains fat and a small amount of extracted herbs. This has been indicated in the following ailments-Anaha (distended abdomen), Vatarakta (gout), Pleeha ( Splenomegaly), Atisaara (diarrhea), Pratishaya (cold), Malavrodha (constipation), ashmari, Rajoonasha (Amenorrhea) and Vata rogas (various diseases caused by the Vata dosha). Anuvasana Basti is never recommended in anaemia, jaundice, pyrexia (fever), piles, common cold, splenomegaly and helmenthic infections.