Kati Basti is a localized Ayurvedic therapy for the lower back (Kati). A ring of black-gram dough is built on the lumbar spine and filled with warm medicated oil, which is kept at a steady temperature for 30–40 minutes.
Lower back pain is mostly a Vata disorder in Ayurveda. Holding warm oil over the area gives deep Snehana (oiling) and Swedana (warmth) to the muscles, ligaments and spine.
How Kati Basti is done
- Doctor examination and review of X-ray or MRI reports if available.
- A dough ring is fixed on the lower back while you lie face down.
- Warm medicated oil (e.g. Mahanarayan, Sahacharadi or Dhanvantaram taila) is poured in and kept warm.
- After 30–40 minutes the oil is removed and the back is massaged.
- Local steam and advice on posture, rest and exercises.
Who Kati Basti may suit
Kati Basti may suit lower back pain, lumbar spondylosis, slip disc (disc bulge), sciatica, muscle spasm and stiffness from long sitting.
Precautions before Kati Basti
- Not done on acute injury with swelling, fever or skin infection over the back.
- Disc problems with weakness or numbness need medical evaluation first.
- 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.
Kati Basti in Varanasi at Aarogyam Shri Ayurveda
Kati 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.
