Kati Basti involves application of heat to the sacral or lumber region (lower back) by retaining warm medicated oils by pooling it in a ring made with flour. It is a localized form of Swedana/fomentation procedure using warm oil as a medium to apply heat.

The procedure Swedana itself is beneficial in relieving pain; in addition to this, medicated oil that gets absorbed from the skin benefits with unique therapeutic effects.

Although Kati basti is highly beneficial for issues related to lower back, here are some specific indications of the therapy:

• Generalized back pain
• Rigidity of muscles of lower back and waist
• Lumbar spondylosis
• Sciatica
• Numbness in lower limbs
• Slip disc/ disc bulge/ degenerative disc disease/ lumbar disc disease
• Gynecological issues like PID (Pelvic inflammatory disease), Leucorrhoea
• Renal colic

Procedure:

A ring shaped frame should be made up by mixing flour of black gram with water on the Kati (Lumber region). Make sure that that it touches the skin in the whole diameter to avoid spillage of oil. Height of frame should be approximately 1½ inches. Massage the skin within the frame with warm oil and then slowly and carefully pour warm medicated oil in it.

Keep the oil for few minutes and when it starts cooling, it should be soaked with cotton & fresh warm oil is then poured into the frame. Repeat the procedure as per requirement to maintain the warmth.

After 20 min oil and flour made frame should be removed and then Kati Abhyanga (Ayurvedic lower back massage) has to be done with appropriate pressure for 10 min. Followed by mild Nadi Sweda.

This procedure is usually done in a series of treatments ranging for 7 days, 8 days, 14 days, and 21 days continuously considering the stage of disease or as per requirement.

Medicated oils required for this procedure is decided after a detailed consultation; few of the commonly used oils are:

• Vishagarbha oil
• Bala oil
• Mahamasha oil
• Dhanvantara oil
• Karpasasthyadi oil
• Dhatura oil
• Nirgudi oil

It is also suggested to continue the internal medicines and practise of Yoga posture to be continued as per the Ayurvedic physician’s recommendation. Also the lifestyle modulations must be considered and strictly followed during and post therapy.