Janu Basti is a localized therapy for the knee (Janu). Warm medicated oil is held over the joint inside a ring of black-gram dough and kept warm for 30–40 minutes, then the knee is massaged.
Knee osteoarthritis is described as Sandhigata Vata — dryness and wear of the joint due to Vata. Janu Basti gives deep oiling and warmth to the joint and surrounding muscles.
How Janu Basti is done
- Doctor examination of the knee and X-ray review.
- A dough ring is fixed around the knee while you lie on your back.
- Warm oil (e.g. Mahanarayan or Murivenna) is poured in and kept at an even temperature.
- Oil removed after 30–40 minutes, followed by massage and local steam.
- Advice on weight, exercises and diet.
Who Janu Basti may suit
Janu Basti may suit knee osteoarthritis, knee pain while climbing stairs, morning stiffness, crepitus (grating sound) and old ligament strain.
Precautions before Janu Basti
- Not done on a red, hot, swollen knee (acute inflammation or infection) or open wounds.
- Tell the doctor about any medicines you take, pregnancy, recent illness, high blood pressure, heart or kidney problems before the therapy. Do not stop any prescribed medicine on your own.
Janu Basti in Varanasi at Aarogyam Shri Ayurveda
Janu Basti at our Varanasi (Banaras) clinic is done by trained therapists under the supervision of an Ayurveda doctor, who first checks your Prakriti, current health and reports. The doctor then decides the oils or medicines, the number of sittings and the diet to follow during the course.
