Journal of the National Integrated Medical Association (Print ISSN: 0377-0621) is the official publication of the National Integrated Medical Association (NIMA). The Association was established in 1948 to promote integrated medical education and practices. The journal is one expression of this vision.

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Ayurveda, an ancient science of life, emphasizes maintaining health and preventing diseases through proper diet and lifestyle. It focuses on normalizing the body's Dosha, Dhatu, Agni, and Mala Kriya, along with a balanced mind and senses. Ritucharya, the seasonal regimen, plays a crucial role in this approach. The calendar year is divided into two divisions: Adana Kala and Visarga Kala, each encompassing three seasons, totaling six in a year. Varsha Ritu, falling under Visarga Kala, is characterized by increased dryness, leading to weakened strength due to the aggravation of Tikta, Katu, and Kashaya Rasas. To maintain health in Varsha Ritu, Ayurveda recommends a diet rich in Amla and Lavan Rasa, along with specific lifestyle practices. Panchakarma, a detoxification therapy, is also advised for preventive healthcare. Basti Karma, a Panchakarma therapy, is particularly effective in Varsha Ritu for its Vata-pacifying properties. Matra Basti, a sub-type of Basti, administered in small doses, is both safe and effective, making it a valuable preventive measure for Vata disorders in Varsha Ritu. In conclusion, adherence to Ritucharya, especially in Varsha Ritu, is essential for maintaining health and preventing diseases. Matra Basti, among other practices, stands out as a key preventive measure, highlighting Ayurveda's holistic approach to healthcare.

This review aims to compile and analyze the literature on Sutika Paricharya from various Ayurvedic texts to highlight its importance in postnatal  care. The methodology involved a comprehensive review of Ayurvedic compendia and online sources. It is concluded that during Sutika Kala or the postnatal period, quality care is essential for the mother and the newborn, as outlined in Ayurveda. A woman in this phase, known as Sutika, experiences bodily weakness due to various factors. To restore vitality, Ayurveda recommends Samanya (general) and Visesha (specific) care approaches. Samanya Paricharya offers universal care, while Visesha Paricharya is individual-focused. These practices consider factors like residence and the child’s sex. Sutika Paricharya includes Ahara (diet), Vihara (regimen), and Aushadha (medicines). Overall, adhering to these traditional practices can promote postnatal well-being.

Ayurveda is a special science of life with Sthanik Chikitsa as a unique treatment protocol. The basic Sthanik Chikitsa includes Yoni Dhavan,  Yoni Pichudharan, Yoni Prakshalan, Pratisaran, Uttar Basti. These  treatments mainly deal with disorders of Tryavarta Yoni. In today’s era, lifestyle disorders and a sedentary lifestyle cause unbalanced Vatadi Dosha. Among Vatadi Dosha, Kapha and Pitta are static in nature and Vata Dosha is dynamic. Vata Dosha is mainly responsible for Yoni Roga and Artava Vyapada and thus causes infertility. Infertility can be due to tubal blockage, anovulatory cycle, endometriosis, or fibroids. So to get balanced Kapha and Pitta Dosha, initiation from Vata Dosha is required. From treatment point of view Sthanik Chikitsa, i.e., Uttar Basti has good effect in normalising vitiated Vata Dosha as it has both Shaman and Shodhan effect. Sthanik Chikitsa can be used in day-to-day practice as preconceptional therapy for healthy uterus, to increase endometrial  receptivity and it is for good implantation. In modern science, there is no specific and effective treatment other  than surgical intervention and surgical intervention itself has many side  effects. In Ayurveda, Sthanik Chikitsa is described and proven the best for all Yonigata Rogas, Artava Vyapada, infertility cases as well as in  preconception for healthy uterus, thus the use of Sthanik Chikitsa, i.e., Uttar Basti is increasing in day-to-day practice.

Gut Microbiota are microorganisms including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microbes that affect resistance to pathogens, maintenance of intestinal epithelium, and metabolism of dietary compounds. The microbiome is the largest collection of 30 trillion bacteria that are located in the gut. The gut microbiota plays an important role in digestion, energy homeostasis, and synthesis of vitamins and other nutrients. Nowadays because of disturbed lifestyle and food habits, people are commonly suffering from gastrointestinal issues. Gut microbiota is a complex ecosystem predominantly found in the colon. Functional changes within gut microbiota contribute to various diseases. What we eat and digest impacts our gut health. Dysbiosis, a disturbance in beneficial microbiota, is caused by dietary changes and psychological stress. Dysbiosis is also one of the root causes of digestive disorders. Basti is significant per rectal Ayurveda-based treatment with multi-targeted actions. It detoxifies the system and improves gut health. Thus this paper is an effort to explore a conceptual review of the role of Basti in maintaining the physiology of gut microbiota.

Context: Ayurvedic description of Asthi-Majjagata Vata closely resembles spondylosis and many other diseases corresponding to the musculoskeletal system of modern medicine. BastiCchikitsa is considered the half the treatment for Vata-dominated diseases. Basti is considered as Paramaushadhi for Vata. Vata Dosha is predominantly present in Asthi Dhatu and Sandhi (joints).Tikta Rasa has tendency to go towards Asthi Dhatu after assimilation in the body due to dominance of Akasha and Vayu Mahabhuta. In the present context Ksheera is used as Basti dravya which is prepared with Tikta Rasa Dravyas and Ghrut which is effective in Asthi-Majjagata Rogas. Ksheera and Ghrut has Snigdha and Madhura properties hence it does Vata Shamana in the body. Considering all these factors it was decided to evaluate the efficacy of Tikta-ksheera Basti in Asthi-Majjagata Vata vikriti lakshanas.

Aim: This clinical study was carried out to judge the effect of Panchatikta Ksheera Basti in the management of Asthi-Majjagata Vata Vikriti Lakshanas.

Settings and Design: An open-labeled, single-arm, interventional clinical study.

Subjects and Methods: Thirty diagnosed cases of Asthi-Majjagata Vata Vikriti Lakshanas were registered from the Clinic. Hingwashtak Churna for Pachan for 3 days followed by Panchatikta Ksheera Basti for 8 days was administered.

Statistical Analysis Used: The data were statistically analyzed using appropriate statistical test.

Results: Significant (P < 0.05) result was found in all the assessment parameters, namely, Katishool, Sandhishool, and Keshpatan.

Conclusion: Panchatikta Ksheera Basti is an effective and safe procedure for management of Asthi-Majjagata Vata Vikriti Lakshan.

Sushruta Acharya, worshiped as Father of Surgery, has described various modalities relating to both surgical and parasurgical procedures. Basti is commonly used alone or along with Ayurveda medication, in all Vata Vyadhi and is also indicated in various diseases such as Anaha and Malavrodh. Hemorrhoids, as they are more frequently known, are fairly prevalent in society. People who spend more time sitting down and standing at their work are frequently affected. Shalya tantra is one of the most significant branches of Ashtanga Ayurveda. It includes six main management concepts Bhaisaja, Ksharkarma, Yantra Karma, Agnikarma, Raktamokshana, and Sashtrakarma. Bhaisaja Chikitsa is the initial line of treatment for all illnesses. In Ayurveda, the therapy for hemorrhoids involves the administration of the crucial formulation of Kasisadi Taila. Here Kasisadi Taila Basti with Triphala Guggul with lukewarm water shows high significance on bowel habits. It also suggests that treatment is effective in managing constipation. It also reduces bleeding PR. It as well showed a reduction in anal itching and burning sensation and a reduction in the size of pile mass.

Katigatavata, a lumbosacral disorder, is one amongst the most probable causes that affects all decades of life, but the factors vary among human beings. The common cause for this is lack of proper lifestyle habits and maintaining imperfect postures for a long time. In patients with lumbar spondylosis symptoms such as pain in low back, thighs, or legs, muscle spasm, irregular gait, leg pain, or weakness can be seen. This condition can be correlated with Katigatavata. Katigatavata is mentioned as a Vatavyadhi among eighty Nanatamja Vata Vyadhi described in Charak Samhita[1]. In patients with lumbar spondylosis (Katigatavata) common symptoms are generally lower backache, radiating pain to the leg, difficulty in sitting and walking, and tingling sensation in both legs. In this case, a 65-year old female patient presented with low backache, radiating pain to leg, difficulty in sitting and walking, tingling sensation in both legs. She was admitted in IPD of Kaychikitsa ward in Radhakisan Toshniwal Ayurved Mahavidyalaya, Akola. Vata Dosha is the main causative factor which is responsible for the pathogenesis of Katigatavata. Panchakarma holds a very important role in the management of Katigatavata as it has similar Nidana of Vatavyadhi. Basti can be adopted as the main treatment along with other Panchkarma modalities as it is considered as Ardhachikitsa. In this study the common symptoms of Katigatavata were relieved with internal medicine and Panchkarma such as Snehana, Swedan and Panchatikta Ghrut Matra Basti.

Pittaj Grahani (ulcerative colitis) is a disease of the gastrointestinal tract described in Agni Adhistana by most of acharyas. Mandagni is the root cause of Grahani Roga which means improper digestion of food correlates with ulcerative colitis categorized under inflammatory bowel disorder (IBS) causing irritation, inflammation and ulcers in the digestive tract. Ulcerative colitis has an incidence of 9 to 20 cases per 100,000 people per year. Its prevalence is 156 to 291 cases per 100,000 people per year. A 42-year-old male came in Kayachikitsa OPD complaining of Pit-Rakta Varniya Drav Malpravrutti, Uadarshoola, Guddah, weight loss, Daurbalya for last 6 months. The patient was a known case of ulcerative colitis receiving treatment from contemporary sciences but failed to provide satisfactory relief to him. The patient was treated with Mustadi Takra Basti based on the concept of Pittaj Grahani in Ayurveda. Objectives: (l) To study the effect of Mustadi Takra Basti on Pittaj Grahani. (2) To study the role of Ayurvedic Chikitsa on ulcerative colitis