KATI BASTI   I    GREEVA BASTI  I   JANU BASTI   I   URO BASTI   I     NABHI BASTI

 

External Basti therapy is one of the modalities of a specialized technique of Keraliya Panchakarma therapy under the Ayurvedic healing system. This marks the usage of warm medicated oil retained within the boundary made by dough for a certain period of time over the affected region viz Kati (lumbosacral region/ lower back), greeva (cervical region), janu (knee area), uro (heart area in chest region) & nabhi (navel region).

These all are type of complementary therapy to the conventional system of medicine that aids in fastening the disease recovery by;

• Improving blood circulation 
• Improving the strength of muscles
• Reducing the pain 
• Lubrication of joints

 

INDICATIONS

 

External basti therapy is an exceptional therapy in agonizing painful conditions caused mainly by vitiation of vata dosha.

1. Kati Basti:

• Low backache
• Lumbar spondylosis
• Intervertebral disc prolapse
• Lumbar or spinal disc herniation
• Sciatica 

2. Greeva Basti:

• Neck stiffness and pain
• Frozen shoulder
• Migraine
• Sports injury
• Cervical spondylosis

3. Janu Basti

• Stiffness & pain in knee joint
• Osteoarthritis of knee joint
• Arthritis
• Torn tendons & ligaments

4. Uro Basti

• Physical heart health
• Emotional balance
• Depression by balancing the heart chakra
• Immunity enhancer

5. Nabhi Basti

• Digestive issues like loss of appetite, constipation, abdominal discomfort.
• Manipura chakra imbalance

CONTRAINDICATIONS

 

Conditions of the lumbar, neck and knee region 

• Recent injury (fracture or trauma)
• Open wound over the treatment area
• Acute fever
• Inflammation over the affected part
• Tuberculosis of spine
• Haemorrhagic disease, kidney disease

PROCEDURE

 

The external type of Basti procedure involves fomentation to a localized area viz lower back, cervical or knee joint, in which warm medicated oil as per disease and body constitution are allowed to poll up to a tolerable temperature over the painful area.

 

1. Sites usually involved in external Basti therapy are;

• Kati-lower back/ lumbosacral
• Greeva- cervical region
• Janu- knee joints

 

2. Treatment process- 

• Gentle massage over the area to activate the tissues & prepare the body for the therapy is done. 
• The pooling of warm medicated oil over the affected area or any adjacent part for a certain period of time with the help of a specially formed frame ring prepared from black gram powder. 
• The uniform temperature is maintained throughout the process by replacing warm oil. 

3. Duration of the procedure- 30-40 minutes as per disease severity
4. After the therapy, 5-10 minutes gentle massage over the applied area is done.
5. Therapy is continued for 7-21 days depending on the nature & intensity of the disease.

BENEFITS

In considerations of the different area of the body to apply an external basti, the potential of its varied local benefits due to its specific oelation & fomentation nature are innumerable. Some are;

 

• Relieves pain, swelling & stiffness
• Strengthens the muscles with improved blood circulation
• Soothes the nerves supplying the affected area
• Balance the chakras involved

POST-CARE REGIME

 

1. Light meals and rest for the remainder day hours
2. Lukewarm bath 1-2 hours after the therapy
3. Avoid any physical exertion or exercise