It is a procedure in which comfortably warm medicated oil is kept over the lumbosacral area or any adjacent part affected for a certain period of time with the help of a boundary made by dough of black gram. Proper Snehana and Nadi Swedana is performed prior to the Kati Basti. It is extremely effective in Backaches, Lumbar spondylosis. The procedure requires 40-45 minutes daily and done for 14 to 21 days.
The word Kati refers to Low back and Basti stands for retaining something inside, in this case mainly medicated oil. The procedure of applying heat to the sacral or lumbar region by retaining warm medicated oil within a specially formed frame in this area is popularly known as ‘Kati Basti’. This is form of giving fomentation to the localized area.
Mainly Housewives who are more prone to kitchen work get strenuous pain in their low back work due to continuous standing for long time and lack of bending movements. Continuous sitting in one certain place also causes low back pain many times. Kati basti is the best remedy for them.
The healing properties of herbal oils used for this basti deeply clean and fortify the blood, build strong muscle and connective tissues and lubricate the joints. This special technique is aimed at providing relief by bathing the lower back for twenty to fifty minutes.
Prone posture – Lying down on the abdomen
Black gram or whole wheat flour dough is kept over the sacral or lumbar region or point of pain with a paste made of a special flour and water.
Warm oil should be poured inside the circle and kept there till it is warm. As it cools you can suck out the oil with the help of a spoon, cotton or small Turkish cloth and re-add warmed oil back into the circled area. Duration is 30 minutes. In the end, remove the dough carefully.
Next massage the area mildly followed by local steam over the lumbosacral region. This helps the oil penetrates deep into the muscle tissues, ligaments, tendons and bones of the back region.
Two precautions should be taken while taking Kati Basti treatment. During the procedure, you must continue to breathe the natural way. Two, it is important to select oil as per an individual’s constitution and keep the oil temperature constant.
Ayurveda looks at each person on an individual basis and takes a holistic approach with an Ayurvedic practitioner looking at restoring all the bodily functions when dealing with back pain or musculoskeletal disorders. There are many different causes for back pain varying from stress, poor posture physical trauma, poor diet and lifestyle to name a few, and for that reason this approach is essential for a long lasting result.
Kati Basti is a musculoskeletal treatment for disorders that involve muscle (mamsa), ligaments, bones (ashti), vertebrae and nerves (majja). Symptoms associated with such disorders are inflammation, pain, stiffness and restricted movements.
One of the most commonly seen causes in today’s modern world is the increase of sedentary occupations and many hours spent sitting at a computer where the back loses its strength, with the addition of poor body posture, lack of mobility and stress, over the years this can accumulate to severe back issues that need a specific therapy that works on a very deep level other than just a regular massage.
Increases the circulation in the region, as the herbal oil gets deeply absorbed into the skin, and both nourishes and strengthens the muscles and nerves.
Pacifies one of the primary sites of Vata, relieving pain, soreness, and tension and restoring flexibility.
Relieves chronic lower backaches and painful muscle spasms, stiffness, and degenerative problems.
Many Ayurveda herbs also work to aid the healing process from those suffering from discomfort, in the form of natural, antipain, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, herbs that stimulate the movement of blood to speed up the healing process. These complex Ayurvedic formulations work well in conjunction with treatment and home care using Ayurvedic oils. Home recommendations in the form of Yoga therapy can also be made.
Many sports people can also benefit from this treatment as it helps to strengthen the muscle tissue and increase mobility all of which can enhance an all-around sports performance.