🌿 Kati Basti – Ayurvedic Lower Back Therapy

Kati Basti is a form of Sthanik Basti (localized oil-retention therapy) where warm medicated oil is retained over the lower back (lumbar-sacral region) using a dough ring.

  • Kati = Lower back/waist

  • Basti = Retaining/holding (of medicated oil)

So, Kati Basti = oil pooling therapy on the lumbar region.

✨ Indications / Uses

Kati Basti is especially useful for spine and lower back conditions such as:

  • Lumbar spondylosis

  • Sciatica (Gridhrasi)

  • Herniated disc / slip disc

  • Chronic lower back pain

  • Spinal stenosis

  • Muscle stiffness / spasms

  • Degenerative changes due to aging

  • Sports injuries / occupational strain

🛁 Procedure

1. Purva Karma (Preparation)

  • Patient lies face down.

  • The lumbar area is cleaned.

  • A ring is made using black gram flour or wheat flour dough and placed around the lower back region.

2. Pradhana Karma (Main Procedure)

  • Warm medicated oil (Mahanarayan Tailam, Ksheerabala Tailam, Sahacharadi Tailam, Dhanwantharam Tailam) is poured into the dough reservoir.

  • The oil is maintained at a comfortable warm temperature by replacing/reheating it.

  • Retained for 30–40 minutes.

3. Paschat Karma (After Procedure)

  • Oil is removed and the area is gently massaged.

  • Light fomentation (steam or hot towel) may be given.

  • Patient rests and avoids strain.

🌸 Benefits of Kati Basti

  • Relieves chronic and acute back pain

  • Strengthens the spine, muscles, and ligaments

  • Improves mobility and flexibility

  • Reduces inflammation and stiffness

  • Nourishes the spinal discs and nerves

  • Helps in sciatica and nerve compression

  • Provides deep relaxation

⚠️ Contraindications

Avoid Kati Basti in:

  • Open wounds, skin infections in the back

  • Acute injuries with swelling/redness

  • Severe systemic illnesses (unless prescribed by a physician)

✅ In short: Kati Basti is one of the most effective Ayurvedic therapies for lumbar spine issues and chronic back pain, offering both pain relief and rejuvenation of spinal tissues.