Kati Basti is an Ayurvedic treatment that focuses on the lower back by holding warm herbal oil in a dam-like structure made of dough.

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 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.

Kati Basti (Vasti) is a traditional Ayurvedic treatment used for lower backache and disorders of lumbosacral region, including slip disc, lumbar spondylosis, sciatica, spinal problems etc. Kati Vasti is a part of external oleation (Snehana) therapy in Ayurveda. It is very safe, non-invasive and green category procedure.

In this procedure, you will get instant relief from the backache. After completing a course of 7 to 21 days, you may not need any kind of oral medicines. It is a complete therapy for back pain and lumbosacral disorders. However, the results vary person to person, but in most of cases, people get quick relief after the procedure.

Steps to Perform Kati Basti Therapy

Step 1

We Take black gram flour and mix it with water to form a thick, dough-like consistency.

Step 2

We Lay down a clean sheet or towel on a flat surface like a massage table or the floor.

Step 3

We ensure that the patient is comfortably lying face down.

Step 4

Then we Take a small quantity of the prepared dough and shape it into a ring or dam-like structure.

Step 5

We will warm the medicated oil slightly by placing the container in a hot water bath.( Used oil comfortably warm, not too hot.)

Step 6

Then we will pour the warm medicated oil into the well created with the dough

Step 7

We ask the patient to lie down slowly so that the oil-filled well is placed directly over the affected lower back area.

Step 8

The oil should cover the entire lower back and may even extend a bit beyond it.

Step 9

We allow oil to kept on the lower back for around 20-30 minutes. During this time, we ask patient to relax and not move excessively.

Step 10

We carefully remove the dough wall, collecting the oil in a container.

Step 11

After removing the oil, we can gently massage the lower back area for a few minutes.

Step 12

We use a warm, damp cloth to wipe off any excess oil from the patient’s back.

Benifit Of Kati Basti

Alleviates lower back pain and discomfort

Strengthens the back muscles

Strengthens the back muscles

What is Kati Basti treatment for?

Kati Basti is a soothing treatment where a large quantity of warm herbalised oil is retained on your lower back to relieve pain, stiffness and inflammation. In Kati Basti, the benefits of the treatment come from the herbal oil.

What are the side effects of Kati Vasti?

Is Kati Vasti treatment painful? There are no known side effects of the Kati Vasti treatment and this treatment relieves you from back pain and relaxes the muscles. However, it is advised to consult an Ayurvedic practitioner if you are worried about side effects

What is the side effect of Basti?

Per vaginal bleeding and lower abdominal pain were the most probable complaints during and after the procedure. They were considered as complications, only if were very troublesome for the patient. The feature of urogenital infection during and after the procedure was also considered as a complication.

How does Kati Basti work?

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.

Is Basti treatment safe?

Generally, basti is well tolerated in appropriate candidates, and a proper basti should result in 1-2 bowel movements with cleansing of the fecal matter as well as a feeling of lightness and a promotion of appetite and agni.

How many days to take Basti?

This procedure is usually recommended for 8 to 30 days, based on the medical condition of a person. While performing the Basti Karma, the client who is taking the Ayurvedic Panchkarma therapy of Basti karma is advised to first lie on his left lateral position.

What is the duration of Kati Vasti?

The kati vasti oil is ‌retained for 15 to 30 minutes. The temperature of the oil is maintained by removing a small quantity of oil and reheating it. The duration of the treatment may also vary depending on the patient’s health condition.