KATI BASTI, GREEVA BASTI & JANU BASTI

KATI BASTI, GREEVA BASTI AND JANU BASTI

INTRODUCTION

• Kati Basti, Greeva Basti, and Janu Basti are local snehana-swedana procedures in Panchakarma.

• These are classified under Bahya Snehana (external oleation).

• Useful in various musculoskeletal and joint disorders with Vata dominance.

• The term Basti here does not imply Enema but a reservoir made of dough to retain medicated oil.

DEFINITION

• KATI BASTI – A procedure where warm medicated oil is retained on the lumbar-sacral region.

• GREEVA BASTI – A procedure where warm medicated oil is retained on the cervical region.

• JANU BASTI – A procedure where warm medicated oil is retained over the knee joint.

PURPOSE

• To pacify Vata Dosha in the concerned region.

• To relieve stiffness, pain, inflammation, and promote local healing.

CLASSICAL REFERENCE

कटीप्रदेशे दोषाणां स्थानं वातस्य संश्रितं।
तस्मात् कट्यां चिकित्सायां वाते विशेषतो हितम्॥

– (Reference from clinical explanation based on Vata Vyadhi Chikitsa)

सुश्रुत संहिता, चिकित्सा स्थानम् 4/6
वाताधिष्ठानमस्थिस्नायुमांससन्धिषु चाप्ययम्।
तेषु स्नेहं विशेषेण योजयेच्छिरसि स्थिते॥

Translation: Sushruta emphasizes using Sneha therapy especially in Vata-dominated conditions of bones, muscles, ligaments and joints.

INDICATIONS

• KATI BASTI

  • Low back pain (lumbar spondylosis, disc prolapse)

  • Sciatica

  • Ankylosing spondylitis

  • Sacroiliitis

  • Lumbar arthritis

• GREEVA BASTI

  • Cervical spondylosis

  • Torticollis

  • Neck stiffness

  • Trapezitis

  • Cervical disc herniation

• JANU BASTI

  • Osteoarthritis of knee

  • Rheumatoid arthritis

  • Meniscal injuries

  • Knee stiffness and pain

  • Post ACL injury pain

CONTRAINDICATIONS

• Open wounds or ulcers at the site

• Active skin infections

• Acute trauma or fracture

• Inflammatory conditions with redness and swelling

• Fever or systemic infection

MATERIALS REQUIRED

• Black gram flour dough to make the Basti ring (wall)

• Medicated oil (e.g., Mahanarayana Taila, Kottamchukkadi Taila, Dhanwantaram Taila, etc.)

• Sterile cotton and gauze

• Heating device for oil

• Towel, bowl, gloves

PROCEDURE

PURVA KARMA (PRE-PROCEDURE)

• Patient is explained about the procedure.

• Consent is taken.

• Region is cleaned and shaved if necessary.

• Dough ring is placed over the target region and sealed properly.

PRADHANA KARMA (MAIN PROCEDURE)

• Warm medicated oil is poured into the dough ring.

• Oil temperature is maintained (~38–45°C).

• Duration: 30 to 45 minutes.

• Oil is replaced periodically to maintain temperature.

PASCHAT KARMA (POST PROCEDURE)

• Oil is gently removed.

• Region is cleaned with warm water.

• Mild fomentation is given if necessary.

• Patient advised to avoid cold exposure.

MECHANISM OF ACTION (AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE)

• Snehana and Swedana relieve Vata by Snigdha and Ushna Guna.

• Warm oil penetrates into deeper tissues, improving Srotoshodhana and Samvahana.

• Local nourishment (Brimhana) and pacification of Vata leads to symptom relief.

MODERN CORRELATION AND PERSPECTIVE

• Low back pain – lumbar disc disease, muscle spasm, mechanical strain

• Cervical pain – cervical spondylosis, muscle stiffness, postural imbalance

• Knee pain – osteoarthritis, meniscus injury, ligament sprains

Mechanism of Action (Modern View):

• Thermotherapy effect – improves local blood circulation, reduces muscle spasm.

• Gate control theory – Heat stimulates cutaneous receptors, modulating pain pathways.

• Oil-based massage effect – promotes muscle relaxation and soft tissue mobility.

• Anti-inflammatory properties of oils reduce local inflammation.

BENEFITS

• Non-invasive and safe

• Provides instant pain relief in many cases

• Improves range of motion

• Useful adjunct to physiotherapy

• Can be repeated periodically for chronic conditions

PROBABLE MODE OF ACTION BASED ON CONTEMPORARY SCIENCE

• Vasodilatation → Increased blood flow → Washout of inflammatory mediators

• Viscosity and density of oil → Mild compression effect

• Pharmacological action of herbs in oil → Local anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects

• Psychosomatic relaxation through warm oil therapy → Reduces stress and improves compliance

FREQUENCY AND DURATION

• Usually done daily or on alternate days

• Course duration: 7–14 days or as advised by physician

• Chronic cases may require repeated sessions at intervals

OILS COMMONLY USED

• Kati Basti: Mahanarayana Taila, Sahacharadi Taila

• Greeva Basti: Dhanwantaram Taila, Kottamchukkadi Taila

• Janu Basti: Narayana Taila, Pinda Taila

MODIFICATIONS AND ADVANCEMENTS

• Use of heat-retaining devices (electric heating pads) for maintaining oil temperature

• Using medicated ghee in place of oil in Pitta-dominant conditions

• Applying Bandhana or braces post-procedure for support in musculoskeletal weakness

PRECAUTIONS

• Ensure correct temperature of oil to prevent burns

• Dough should be leak-proof

• Patient should be monitored for any discomfort

• Avoid exposure to cold wind or fan post-therapy

• Perform under trained supervision

IMPORTANT CLASSICAL SHLOKA

अस्थिसन्धिगते वाते स्नेहस्वेदौ प्रधानतः।
बलं क्षयं च कर्षं च तथा मर्मविकारजम्॥

– Charaka Samhita Chikitsa Sthana 28/67

Translation: In Vata affecting bones and joints, Sneha and Sweda are foremost. They help in diseases due to depletion of strength and disorders of vital points (Marmas).