Kativasthi is an effective treatment in lumbosacral disorders which is of vata origin. The term ‘kati’ refers to the ‘waist’ or ‘lower back’ and ‘basthi’ refers to ‘retention’. In this procedure, the warm medicated oil is retained over the lower back region for a particular time duration. It is a type of snigdha swedana procedure.

Procedure

• A dough is prepared out of black gram flour or whole wheat flour and water
• Medicated oil or herbs for decoction is selected depending on the bodily constitution and the state of the humor (Doshas) of the person
• The person is made to lie face down on the Massage Table (Droni)
• The dough is made into a ring of four to five inches in diameter which is placed over the lumbosacral area of spine
• After it is glued with some water to make it leakproof, lukewarm medicated oil or herbal decoction is slowly poured into it. When this cools down it is squeezed out and replaced with more warm one
• At the end of the procedure, the dough is removed; a gentle massage is given over the area. The person is made to take rest for a while

Duration of the treatment

30-45 minutes

Indications

• Lumbar spondylosis
• IVDP
• Degenerative spine changes
• Compressed discs and spinal nerves
• Osteoporosis
• Osteoarthritis of the hip
• Sciatica
• Low back ache
• Pacifies Vata dosha
• Reduces pain and inflammation
• Deeply purifies and improves blood circulation around lumbosacral area
• Removes rigidity and spasm of muscles around lumbosacral region
• Nourishes and strengthens the bones, connective tissues, ligaments, nerves, muscles of the lumbar - sacral region
• Lubricates the joints